Tectonics and Structural Geology (GEOL30002)
Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
To learn more, visit 2023 Course and subject delivery.
About this subject
Contact information
Semester 1 (Early-Start)
Overview
| Availability | Semester 1 (Early-Start) |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
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: 14 March 2025
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| GEOL20002 | Earth Structure, Geophysics, Geodynamics | Semester 1 (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: 14 March 2025
Assessment
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
Field work, including field map
| Due 3 weeks after the field excursion (usually week 3 or 4 of semester depending on field trip timing) | 40% |
Mid-Semester Test
| Week 7 | 20% |
Literature survey on a tectonics, structural geology or metamorphic geology topic
| During the examination period | 40% |
Last updated: 14 March 2025
Dates & times
- Semester 1 (Early-Start)
Coordinator Mark Quigley Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 1 x two-hour lecture per week for eight weeks (16 hours of lectures); 1 x two hour of practical class per week for eight weeks (16 hours of practical classes); and seven days of fieldwork prior to the beginning of the Semester 1 teaching period. 8 hours of work required per day during fieldtrip (40 hours in total), excluding first and last day for travel. Total time commitment 170 hours Pre teaching requirements A 7-day field trip will be held at the beginning of the teaching period (before the official start of Semester 1). Exact dates are tide-dependent and will be confirmed as soon as practicable and at least 3 months prior to the excursion. Teaching period 12 February 2023 to 28 May 2023 Last self-enrol date 24 February 2023 Census date 31 March 2023 Last date to withdraw without fail 5 May 2023 Assessment period ends 23 June 2023 Semester 1 (Early-Start) 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: 14 March 2025
Further information
- Texts
- 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 625-301 Strutural Geology and Geodynamics (prior to 2010)
Special Requirements: Geological hammer, hand lens and magnet. Students should consult the Earth Sciences web-site for dates, charges for excursions, accommodation and food and other information including safety requirements.
Costs: Costs will be levied for fieldwork components. Details will be available on the school webpage prior to commencement of the semester
- Incidental costs
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Course Master of Geoscience Informal specialisation Science Discipline subjects - new generation B-SCI Major Geology Major Geology Informal specialisation Geology Informal specialisation Geology Breadth Track Earth's Structure - Breadth options
This subject is available as breadth in the following courses:
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Commerce
- Bachelor of Design
- Bachelor of Environments
- 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.
Please note Single Subject Studies via Community Access Program is not available to student visa holders or applicants
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
Last updated: 14 March 2025