Key facts
UNE unit code: GEOL316
*You are viewing the 2025 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 2 - On Campus
- Trimester 2 - 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)
The Earth’s crust and upper mantle, or lithosphere, are a consequence of dynamic and thermal processes operating since the beginning of the Archaean. Tectonic, metamorphic, and magmatic processes are the key to Earth’s formation and evolution. Gain an understanding of these processes through topics such as: the formation and evolution of oceanic and continental lithosphere; structural deformation, magmatism and metamorphism at plate boundaries; and the mesoscopic and microscopic analysis of igneous and metamorphic rocks.
Competently and independently identify common crystalline rocks in hand-specimen and under the microscope; and gather and interpret the structural field data which enables the determination of the structural style and deformational history presented in particular tectonic settings.
The concepts and content presented in this unit are considered to be essential knowledge for geologists and geophysicists and provide a conceptual framework for their professional practice.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
Teaching period | Mode/location |
---|---|
Trimester 2 | On Campus, Armidale Campus |
Trimester 2 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
Start | Finish | Duration | Attendance | Offerings | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
TBA | TBA | 5 days | Mandatory Intensive School | All offerings | 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. Dates to be advised. |
Enrolment rules
Notes
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
![profile photo of Luke Milan](https://www.une.edu.au/__data/assets/image/0009/80595/varieties/69x77.jpg)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- identify common rock forming minerals (magmatic and metamorphic) in hand specimen and thin sections;
- interpret common mineral textures, finite strain fabrics (i.e. foliations and lineations), kinematic indicators, and the relative timing of mineral growth and fabric development;
- understand the tectonic, metamorphic, magmatic and geochemical processes involved in key geodynamic settings, their products and be aware of assumptions underlying their interpretation;
- explain the various modes of lithospheric deformation (extension, contraction, strike-slip) and how they affect the temperature and pressure evolution of crystalline rocks; and
- when presented with a geological problem, observe and interpret the key data and relationships and provide a satisfactory explanation or interpretation.
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 Assignment | Yes | 30% | All offerings | Major report is based on intensive school and datasets explored during unit. |
Practicals | Yes | 20% | All offerings | 10 practicals |
Quizzes | Yes | 20% | All offerings | 6 Quizzes No. Words: 750 |
Final Examination | Yes | 30% | All offerings | There is a supervised exam at the end of the teaching period in which you are enrolled. The exam will be offered online with supervision via webcam and screen sharing technology. Coordinated by UNE Exams Unit. |
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.
Plate Tectonics: Continental Drift and Mountain Building
ISBN: 9783030889982
Frisch, W., Meschede, M. and Blakey, R.C., Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2nd 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.