Building Earth: Rocks, Minerals, Magmas (GEOL20003)

Undergraduate level 2Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

Availability
Semester 2
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How does our planet evolve over time? What is its interior like? These questions were first addressed by looking at rocks, and the study of rocks remains a vibrant field within the geosciences. In this subject you will discover the astonishing diversity and complexity of rocks that appear on Earth’s surface. You will learn to read the stories of planetary change that these rocks record–whether they formed during volcanic eruptions, at the hearts of mountain belts, or in ancient tropical seas. 

The Subject emphasises the practical scientific skills of detailed observation, accurate description, informative classification, and reasoned interpretation. You will develop these skills in the laboratory, and apply them during a field excursion to the Western Victoria Volcanics District. 

Intended learning outcomes

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

  • Explain where, how and why igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks are formed
  • Describe and categorize igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks in hand specimen and thin section, with reference to standard classification schemes
  • Explain igneous and metamorphic rocks as products of the drive towards thermodynamic equilibrium.
  • Form hypotheses about the conditions of rock formation based on observed mineralogy and texture
  • Discuss the links between rock formation and planetary tectonic processes.

Generic skills

On completion of this subject students should have developed the following generic skills:

  • Skills in observing, categorising and recording data
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Effective written and oral communication skills
  • Collaboration and team-work skills
  • Time and workload management skills

Last updated: 4 March 2025

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites

Admission into the MC-GEOSC Master of Geoscience

OR

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 report, written through field work that may be conducted collaboratively

  • 1000 words
During the field trip in in the non-teaching week, with report due two weeks after the trip25%

Three equally weighted practical reports (individually written, though lab work may be conducted collaboratively)

  • 500 words (each)
During scheduled practical classes in Weeks 3, 6 and 1235%

Theory exam

  • 2 hours
During the examination period40%

Last updated: 4 March 2025

Dates & times

  • Semester 2
    CoordinatorEleanor Green
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Parkville)
    Contact hours2 x one hour lectures per week; 1 x two hour practical class per week; 1 x 3 days of fieldtrip work, conducted in Western Victoria during the mid-semester break.
    Total time commitment170 hours
    Teaching period28 July 2025 to 26 October 2025
    Last self-enrol date 8 August 2025
    Census date 1 September 2025
    Last date to withdraw without fail26 September 2025
    Assessment period ends21 November 2025

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

Last updated: 4 March 2025