Investigating Earth's Structure (GEOL20002)

Undergraduate level 2Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

Availability
Semester 1
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This subject explores the structure and dynamics of planet Earth. It focuses on the large-scale processes that control the different types of rock that make up our planet, where those rocks are found and how they change over geological time. The subject emphasises the formation 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 provide a conceptual framework for later geoscience subjects. Lectures, practicals and fieldwork will cover three linked themes: (1) solid Earth geophysics, (2) large scale tectonics, its drivers and its links to the formation of different rock types, and (3) 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

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: 4 March 2025

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites

12.5 credit points of Level 1 or Level 2 Geoscience, Geography, Chemistry or Biology Subjects

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: 4 March 2025

Assessment

DescriptionTimingPercentage

Individual field trip assignment

  • 1000 words
Hurdle requirement: Students are required to attend the excursion and score 50% and above in the assessment of this component. 		Two weeks after the field excursion25%

Practical test

  • 1000 words (equivalent)
Week 1225%

Practical exercises (two 500-word assignments equally weighted)

  • 1000 words (total)
Week 3 and week 5 of the semester respectively25%

Written examination

  • 1 hours
During the examination period25%

Last updated: 4 March 2025

Dates & times

  • Semester 1
    CoordinatorMark Quigley
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Parkville)
    Contact hours2 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 (typically in Week 4 but timing dependent on tides).
    Total time commitment170 hours
    Teaching period 3 March 2025 to 1 June 2025
    Last self-enrol date14 March 2025
    Census date31 March 2025
    Last date to withdraw without fail 9 May 2025
    Assessment period ends27 June 2025

    Semester 1 contact information

    mark.quigley@unimelb.edu.au

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: 4 March 2025

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:

    TypeName
    Breadth TrackEarth's Structure
  • Breadth options

    This subject is available as breadth in the following courses:

  • 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.

  • 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: 4 March 2025