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Geochemistry (GEOL30004)
Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable (login required)(opens in new window)
Contact information
Semester 1
Overview
Availability | Semester 1 |
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Fees | Look up fees |
This subject will examine the role that geochemistry plays in Earth processes–including those associated with the formation and evolution of our planet. It will explore the many ways in which the geochemical data preserved in rocks and minerals can provide quantitative and qualitative insights into these Earth-forming processes, including the timing of key events in our planet’s history. Many of the approaches investigated in this subject can also be applied to a wide range of topics such as palaeoclimate reconstruction, resource exploration and archaeological science. The subject emphasises the application of geochemical methods to unfamiliar problems, simulating the experience of a working geoscientist, and is applicable to broader range of scientific careers.
Intended learning outcomes
At the completion of this subject, students should be able to:
- Describe how the solid Earth can usefully be considered in terms of chemical reservoirs, and movement of material between those reservoirs
- Use isotope geochemical methods to estimate absolute ages for magmatic and metamorphic processes
- Use ratios and trends in trace element geochemistry to describe and interpret magmatic and metamorphic processes
- Use major element geochemistry and the assumption of phase equilibrium to describe and interpret geological processes
- Synthesise geochemical datasets to form conclusions about a geological terrane
- Identify how or when different geochemical tools are best applied to solve petrogenetic problems
Generic skills
On completion of this subject students should have developed the following generic skills:
- Skills in the nuanced and critical appraisal of complex data
- Digital data processing skills
- Problem-solving skills
- Effective written communication skills
- Collaboration and team-work skills
- Time and workload management skills
Last updated: 27 April 2024
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
One of
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
GEOL20003 | Building Earth: Rocks, Minerals, Magmas | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
EVSC20008 | Earth's Surface Processes | July (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
GEOL20002 | Investigating Earth's Structure | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
ERTH20002 | Environmental Geoscience | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
OR
Admission into the MC-GEOSC Master of Geoscience
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: 27 April 2024
Assessment
Description | Timing | Percentage |
---|---|---|
Three assessments based on practical knowledge (400 - 450 words equivalent each; 10% each)
| Due in Week 5, 8 and 10. | 30% |
In-class practical quiz
| Week 12 | 30% |
Written Examination
| During the examination period | 40% |
Last updated: 27 April 2024
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Coordinator Brandon Mahan Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 1 x two hour lecture per week; and 1 x two hour practical class per week Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 26 February 2024 to 26 May 2024 Last self-enrol date 8 March 2024 Census date 3 April 2024 Last date to withdraw without fail 3 May 2024 Assessment period ends 21 June 2024 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.
Last updated: 27 April 2024
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
Recommended texts and other resources
Marjorie Wilson Igneous Petrogenesis, a global tectonic approach: (Unwin Hyman: ISBN 0-04-552025-9)
Gunter Faure Principles of Isotope Geology (Wiley & Sons: ISBN 0-471-86412-9)
Hugh R Rollinson Using Geochemical Data (Longman Geochemistry Series: ISBN 978-1317898184)
John V Walther Essentials of Geochemistry, Second edition (Jones & Barlett Learning: ISBN 978-0763759223)
- 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.
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Course Master of Geoscience Major Geology Major Geology Informal specialisation Geology Informal specialisation Geology Informal specialisation Science Discipline subjects - new generation B-SCI 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: 27 April 2024