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Tectonics and Geophysics (GEOL30002)
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 (Early-Start)
Overview
Availability | Semester 1 (Early-Start) |
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Fees | Look up fees |
This subject deals with structural geology, large scale tectonic processes and methods for extracting geological information from geophysical datasets. In the structural geology and tectonics component, students explore advanced aspects of tectonics to link deformation processes and features across a range of scales, including via field work. 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 the geophysics component, students explore potential fields, focusing on the gravity and magnetic methods and how they can be used to understand geology. Students work with industry standard software (e.g. Geosoft - Oasis Montaj) which performs the maths in the background. Topics include: maps, projection systems, datums and GPS; theory, acquisition, processing and interpretation steps involved for gravity and magnetic methods; image enhancement and qualitative interpretation techniques.
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:
- Compare and contrast various geophysical techniques and what geological application they are effective for.
- Explain the theory behind geophysical methodologies and how these datasets are acquired.
- Interpret geophysical data and evaluate its geological or tectonic context.
- Interpret deformation features in rocks in three dimensions including on geological maps and in cross-sections
- Practice small scale field observations of deformed and/or metamorphosed rocks and interpret these observations within the framework of the large scale tectonic and geodynamic evolution of the lithosphere.
- Document and interpret complex 3D geology in the field, such as that which might arise from orogenesis, poly-deformation and/or high-grade metamorphism.
Generic skills
On completion of this subject students should have developed the following generic skills:
- Thinking critically and analytically
- Time and workload management skills
- Effective written communication skills
- Problem-solving skills for new and unfamiliar tasks
Last updated: 11 April 2024
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
Prerequisites
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
GEOL20002 | Investigating Earth's Structure | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
EVSC20008 | Earth's Surface Processes | July (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
GEOL20003 | Building Earth: Rocks, Minerals, Magmas | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Or by arrangement with subject coordinator.
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: 11 April 2024
Assessment
Description | Timing | Percentage |
---|---|---|
Assessment of field trip in the form of an individual assignment
| Due 3 weeks after the field excursion (usually week 3 or 4 of semester depending on field trip timing) | 25% |
Geophysical interpretation exercise, including interpretation map and written report
| Week 12 | 35% |
Written examination
| During the examination period | 40% |
Last updated: 11 April 2024
Dates & times
- Semester 1 (Early-Start)
Coordinator Mark McLean 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) for the first eight weeks of semester; 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 11 February 2024 to 26 May 2024 Last self-enrol date 23 February 2024 Census date 3 April 2024 Last date to withdraw without fail 3 May 2024 Assessment period ends 21 June 2024 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: 11 April 2024
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 625-301 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
Field trip costs including: travel, accommodation and food of approximatley $380. Please note that the 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:
Type Name Course Graduate Diploma in Science 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 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.
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: 11 April 2024