Key facts
UNE unit code: GEOL318
*You are viewing the 2025 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 1 - On Campus
- Trimester 1 - Online
- Armidale Campus
- Yes
- Yes
- Yes
- 6
Unit information
![UNE student studies on a laptop on her lounge at home](https://d1dkx4rtpm18tu.cloudfront.net/file/1572608410/62891086779/width=-1/height=-1/format=-1/fit=scale/t=445517/e=never/k=556aef9a/fall-back_unit-image.jpg)
In this unit, you will explore the physical and chemical properties of some of the common Earth materials, with a focus on why specific elements/groups of elements can be concentrated in certain geological environments. Topics include exploring a crystal lattice, appreciating the structure of atoms, understanding the use of trace elements and exploring different geochemical reservoirs observed in/on the Earth.
You will be introduced to the theory and practical aspects of conducting geochemical/mineralogical analysis, and gain a working knowledge of how a geologist may apply different analytical techniques to environmental management and mineral exploration.
Practical exercises include making meaningful calculations with real-world datasets to explore thermobarometry, geochronology, and trace element data evaluation. Additionally, you will learn about minerals and metals of the future – what and where they are and why they’re important to a changing society.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
Teaching period | Mode/location |
---|---|
Trimester 1 | On Campus, Armidale Campus |
Trimester 1 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
Start | Finish | Duration | Attendance | Offerings | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
TBA | TBA | 5 days | Mandatory Intensive School | All offerings | Dates to be advised. Both on campus and online students must attend the mandatory intensive school. This Intensive School contains a field trip. Therefore teaching activities will occur on Sunday |
Enrolment rules
Notes
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- demonstrate an ability to analyse and evaluate geology datasets, with a particular focus on why specific trends are important for exploration/environmental/hazard management;
- provide the “state of the art” knowledge required of professional geologists in an industry, government and/or graduate school capacity. This includes a working knowledge of the common minerals;
- interpret the geological history of rocks based on the observed mineralogical, textural and geochemical trends;
- demonstrate knowledge of the material properties of minerals and how/why specific elements are found in certain environments (for both economic or environmental reasons);
- use geochemical data – particularly the distribution of key elements (e.g., use things like partition coefficients and REE) to help constrain/interpret petrogenetic processes; and
- understand the importance of minerals, fluids and geology to society – with a particular focus on understanding the changing face of technology and how we use specific resources.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
Major Report | Yes | 30% | All offerings | Major report based on intensive school and datasets explored during unit. |
Practical Exercises | Yes | 40% | All offerings | No. Words: 3000 |
Final Examination | Yes | 30% | All offerings |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
Principles of Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology
ISBN: 9781108492881
Philpotts, A.R., and Ague, J.J., Cambridge University Press 3rd Edition 2022
Text refers to: All offerings
A five-star experience
Five Stars,
18 Years in a Row
UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 18 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience
Good Universities Guide 2007-2024No.1 in NSW for
Student Experience
QILT (government-endorsed) ranks UNE as the top public NSW uni for Student Experience
QILT Student Experience SurveyFive Stars for
Teaching Quality
UNE rates among the top 20 per cent of universities in Australia for Teaching Quality
Good Universities Guide 2024![Woman studying online at home](https://www.une.edu.au/__data/assets/image/0018/342720/studying-online-01.jpg)
Studying online
At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.
We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*
*The Good Universities Guide
Stay connected
Register your interest and we'll keep you updated
Why study with us?
![Graduate and mother Claire Haiek at work as a parenting producer at kidspot.com.au](https://d1dkx4rtpm18tu.cloudfront.net/file/1572608410/63307469788/width=-1/height=-1/format=-1/fit=scale/t=445464/e=never/k=97363331/Claire-Haiek-3.jpg)
I'm grateful to UNE for the opportunities studying has given me, but above all, for making me realise I could actually do it, and giving me a sense of accomplishment.
What happens next?
Got any questions about a course you would like to study? Don’t hesitate to contact us, our Future Student team is standing by to help.
2025 applications are now open. The application process only takes 20 minutes to complete. Don’t delay, apply now!
Your start date is based on the study period you choose to apply for.