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Earth Structure, Geophysics, Geodynamics (GEOL20002)
Undergraduate level 2Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
To learn more, visit 2023 Course and subject delivery.
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable(opens in new window)
Contact information
Semester 1
Overview
Availability | Semester 1 |
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Fees | Look up fees |
This subject will explore the structure and dynamics of planet Earth. It focuses on the large-scale processes that control the distribution, composition and structure of rocks and the position and evolution of surface features such as mountain belts and basins. As such, this subject provides the essential theoretical and practical framework to understand the fundamental geological processes involved with the rock cycle, including the later modification of rocks through deformation and metamorphism. These topics build on the understanding of geological systems attained in Level 1 subjects and provides key conceptual framework for later Level 2 and subsequently Level 3 geology subjects. Lectures, practicals and fieldwork will cover two linked themes: (1) large scale tectonics, its drivers and its links to the formation of different rock types, and (2) deformation and secondary structures in rocks.
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of this subject, students should be able to:
- Explain the gross structure of planet Earth and how it is understood from geological and geophysical observations
- Evaluate large-scale geophysical datasets that can be used to investigate the structure and evolution of Earth
- Identify and describe the key controls on plate tectonics at a large-scale
- Investigate the dynamic linkages between rock forming processes in different tectonic settings
- Identify what factors control rock deformation and how these are central to tectonic and orogenic processes
- Interpret deformation features in rocks in three dimensions including on geological maps and in cross-sections
- Discuss the position of igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks within the rock cycle and how this links to the atmosphere and biosphere
Generic skills
On completion of this subject students should have developed the following generic skills:
- Effective written and oral communication skills
- Critical thinking skills including the ability to conceptualize complex and abstract ideas
- Time and workload management skills
- Problem-solving skills for new and unfamiliar tasks
- Collaboration and team-work skills
Last updated: 31 January 2024
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
At least one of
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
EVSC10001 | The Global Environment | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
ERTH10002 | Understanding Planet Earth | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 31 January 2024
Assessment
Description | Timing | Percentage |
---|---|---|
Assessment of field trip (taken in person or virtually where appropriate) in the form of an individual assignment
| Two weeks after the field excursion | 25% |
Online structural geology practical test
| Week 12 | 25% |
Practical exercises in tectonics and geophysics (two 500-word assignments equally weighted)
| Week 3 and week 5 of the semester respectively | 25% |
Online written examination
| During the examination period | 25% |
Additional details
A decision on whether an in-person field trip will run will be made as far in advance of the proposed excursion as practicable, following University and Government Health advice. If an in-person field trip cannot be run, a virtual excursion will take place.
Last updated: 31 January 2024
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Coordinators Eleanor Green and Januka Attanayake Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 2 x one hour lectures per week, 1 x two hour practical classes per week, and a two-day (6-hour per day) weekend field trip at Cape Liptrap held during semester (typical in Week 4 but timing dependent on tides). Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 27 February 2023 to 28 May 2023 Last self-enrol date 10 March 2023 Census date 31 March 2023 Last date to withdraw without fail 5 May 2023 Assessment period ends 23 June 2023 Semester 1 contact information
Time commitment details
Estimated total time commitment of 170 hours
What do these dates mean
Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:
- Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
- And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
- Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.
Additional delivery details
This subject includes a field trip. Students should consult the School of Geography, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences website for field trip dates, associated costs and safety requirements: https://sgeas.unimelb.edu.au/study/field-trips
Last updated: 31 January 2024
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
There are no specifically prescribed or recommended texts for this subject.
- Subject notes
This subject is available for science credit to students enrolled in the BSc (both pre-2008 and new degrees), BASc or a combined BSc course.
Previously known as 625-202 Earth Structure and Dynamics (prior to 2010)
Previously known as 625-202 Sedimentary Basins to Mountain Belts (prior to 2009)
Special Requirements: Students should consult the Earth Sciences web site for dates, charges for excursions, accommodation and food and other information including safety requirements related to the field component. Virtual field work options are available for students who may not be able to fully participate in the excursion, please discuss your circumstances with the subject co-ordinator
Costs: Costs will be levied for fieldwork components. Details will be available on the school webpage prior to commencement of the semester
- Incidental costs
Field trip costs including: travel, accommodation and food of approximately $160. Please note that this price listed is indicative and students will be advised of the exact price closer to the field trip date.
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Breadth Track Earth's Structure - Breadth options
This subject is available as breadth in the following courses:
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Biomedicine
- Bachelor of Commerce
- Bachelor of Design
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Acting)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Animation)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Dance)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Film and Television)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Music Theatre)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Production)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Screenwriting)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Theatre)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Visual Art)
- Bachelor of Music
- Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
This subject is available to students studying at the University from eligible overseas institutions on exchange and study abroad. Students are required to satisfy any listed requirements, such as pre- and co-requisites, for enrolment in the subject.
Last updated: 31 January 2024