This subject requires on campus attendance. Refer to Additional Requirements for more information.
Our Blue Planet
UndergraduateUNE-GEOL1102025
Get a grounding in geology and geography with this broad introduction to the inner workings of our planet. Suitable for anyone looking to understand more about Earth, this subject provides a good basis for further study in the natural sciences.
Enrol today with instant approval and no entry requirements
- Study method
- Online & on-campus
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Enrol by
- 12 Oct 2025
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR needed, No prior study
- Duration
- 16 weeks
- Start dates
- 24 Feb 2025,
- 20 Oct 2025
- Price from
- $2,351
- Upfront cost
- $0
- Loan available
- FEE-HELP available
Our Blue Planet
About this subject
Upon completion of this subject, students will be able to:
- demonstrate a broad technical and theoretical knowledge of fundamental concepts in geology including stratigraphy, palaeontology, tectonics, geologic structures, metamorphism, natural hazards and mineral and energy resources;
- identify the most common rocks and minerals and understand processes leading to their formation/occurrence;
- understand and interpret geologic and topographic maps; and
- communicate geoscientific information to others using written and verbal formats.
- Topics will be available to enrolled students in the subjects Learning Management System site approximately one week prior to the commencement of the teaching period.
Have you ever wanted to know how our planet came to be? From archaeology to agriculture, geography to biology, an understanding of our planet adds an invaluable dimension to your knowledge across many scientific disciplines. This subject offers you a broad introduction to important questions about how our planet works, what it is made up of, and why. With opportunities to delve into Earth’s life history, you will learn about the geological forces that have shaped life on earth, and the planet, as we know it today. You will build a foundation in the key principles of geology, learning about its influence on life, water, soil and environmental issues in a rapidly changing world. Exploring the solid earth through geological time and space, you will examine Earth’s gross structure, plate tectonics, volcanism, earthquakes, the materials that make up Earth’s crust and the processes by which these materials are formed.
Assignment: Major Assignment. 1200 words. Relates to Learning Outcomes: 1-4;
Practical: Field trip exercises and practical assessment. 1000 words. Relates to Learning Outcomes 1-4;
Quiz: 750 words (equivalent). Relates to Learning Outcomes 3 and 4;
Practical: Field trip exercises and practical assessment. 1000 words. Relates to Learning Outcomes 1-4.
All practical/laboratory/tutorial activities as essential to student learning.
Attendance and participation in all practical/laboratory/tutorial classes (sessions) is mandatory - exemptions will not be granted without supporting evidence.- Assignment: Major Assignment - 1200 words (20%)
- Field trip exercises and practical assessment - 1000 words (50%)
- Quiz. 750 words (equivalent) (15%)
- Practical: Field trip exercises and practical assessment - 1000 words (15%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
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Entry requirements
No entry requirements
Additional requirements
- Attendance requirements - There is a mandatory 4 day intensive school for this subject. Dates for this intensive school to be advised.
- Equipment requirements - 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).
- Software requirements - It is essential for students to have reliable internet access in order to participate in and complete your units, regardless of whether they contain an on campus attendance or intensive school component. Please refer students to link for requirements: http://www.une.edu.au/current-students/support/it-services/hardware
- Travel requirements - Travel may be required to attend the Mandatory Intensive School for this subject.
- Other requirements -
Textbook information is not available until approximately 8 weeks prior to the commencement of the Teaching period.
Students are expected to purchase prescribed material.
Textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.
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