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Tectonics and Structural Geology (GEOL30002)

Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

Availability
Semester 1 (Early-Start)
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This subject will explore (1) advanced topics in structural geology and (2) tectonics and geodynamic processes responsible for the large-scale features of planet Earth. The subject will begin with a one-week pre-semester field trip to East Gippsland, where students will develop their geological mapping, regional geology and structural analysis skills. This field trip will also include intensive style teaching with a parallel lecture and practical program held on-site. In semester the lecture and practical program will address advanced aspects of tectonics, building directly on subject matter covered at Level 2 in the pre-requisite subject GEOL20002. Students will develop an advanced understanding of the complex Earth system in which the geosphere is central, and the subject will provide a framework for other topics at Level 3.

The field trip will take place in the weeks immediately prior to the normal commencement of classes for Semester 1. The estimated cost of the field trip is $380 but this may vary slightly at time of field trip.

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of this subject, students should be able to:

  • Apply health and safety principles to develop basic risk assessment strategies for field work
  • Document and interpret complex 3D geology in the field, such as that which might arise from orogenesis, poly-deformation and/or high-grade metamorphism
  • Construct cross-sections through regions of complex structural and metamorphic history
  • Link conceptually, and from a process perspective, small scale field observations of deformed and/or metamorphosed rocks to the large scale tectonic and geodynamic evolution of the lithosphere
  • Describe the way in which temperature and strength vary within the Earth and how these variations impact the rock record over time
  • Evaluate metamorphism within the plate tectonic framework by exploring the dynamic links between deformation and metamorphism during orogenesis

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 through evaluating published research
  • Time and workload management skills
  • Problem-solving skills for new and unfamiliar tasks
  • Collaboration and team-work skills

Last updated: 7 September 2023