Subject details

Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. apply basic scientific methods in a geological context in order to demonstrate technical and theoretical knowledge of the subject;
  2. identify and describe common minerals and rocks and understand how they formed in order to demonstrate technical and theoretical knowledge of the subject;
  3. observe, analyse, understand and interpret common geological features in the landscape;
  4. demonstrate technical and theoretical knowledge of fundamental Earth processes such as tectonics; and
  5. transmit information concerning the subject to others using written or verbal forms.
    • Topics are only available to enrolled students in the unit Moodle site.

No eligibility requirements

Special requirements

  • EquipmentDetails - • Headphones or speakers ( required to listen to lecture and other media provided in units, a USB style headset has proven to provide superior audio quality to the jack style headset when used for online teaching software) • Headset, including microphone (highly recommended for participation in virtual classrooms) • Webcam (may be required for participation in virtual classrooms and/or media presentations)
  • SoftwareDetails - It is essential for students to have reliable internet access in order to participate in and complete their units. UNE's minimum requirements for all students in relation to the hardware and software a student requires to support their learning are found at: http://www.une.edu.au/current-students/support/it-services/hardware
  • OtherDetails -

    Sample Rock Kits supplied
    Optional 10X Hand Lens

This is a broad introductory unit covering how our planet works, what it is made up of, and why. Topics are focused on solid earth include the gross structure of planet Earth, plate tectonics, volcanism, earthquakes, geological time, history of life on Earth, and the materials that make up Earth's crust and the processes that operate to form these materials. The unit also covers how life, water, soil and environmental issues are influenced by geology, and importantly why and how geology gives context to them. This unit is recommended for all scientists including, geology; environmental science; geographers; natural resources; agriculture; archaeology; biology; and anyone whom is seeking an understanding of our blue planet.

Assignment: Rock and Mineral Summary. 1500 words. Relates to Learning Outcomes: 1, 2, 4 and 5 Essay: 1200 words. Relates to Learning Outcomes 1, 4 and 5 Online Assessment - 5 x online quizzes. Relates to Learning Outcomes 3 and 4

  • Assignment - Rock and Mineral Summary (40%)
  • Essay (30%)
  • Online Assessment (30%)

Textbooks are subject to change within the academic year. Students are advised to purchase their books no earlier than one to two months before the start of a subject.

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