Key facts

UNE unit code: GEOL110

*You are viewing the 2024 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.

Start
  • Trimester 1 - On Campus
  • Trimester 1 - Online
  • Trimester 3 - Online
Campus
  • Armidale Campus
24/7 online support
  • Yes
Intensive schools
  • Yes
Supervised exam
  • No
Credit points
  • 6

Unit information

UNE student studies on a laptop on her lounge at home

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 unit 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.

Offerings

For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.

Teaching period
Mode/location
Trimester 1On Campus, Armidale Campus
Trimester 1Online
Trimester 3Online

*Offering is subject to availability

Intensive schools

StartFinishDurationAttendanceOfferingsNotes
17 April 202420 April 20244 daysNon-Mandatory Intensive SchoolTrimester 1, Online 

Enrolment rules

Restrictions
GEOL101

Notes

The School of Environmental and Rural Science considers 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.

Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.

Unit coordinator(s)

profile photo of Ria Mukherjee
Ria MukherjeeLecturer in Earth Science - School of Environmental and Rural Science
profile photo of Luke Milan
Luke MilanSenior Lecturer in Earth Sciences - School of Environmental and Rural Science

Learning outcomes

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

  1. 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;
  2. identify the most common rocks and minerals and understand processes leading to their formation/occurrence;
  3. understand and interpret geologic and topographic maps; and
  4. communicate geoscientific information to others using written and verbal formats.

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.

TitleMust CompleteWeightOfferingsAssessment Notes
Geology Assignment Yes30%All offerings

This assignment is based on a field trip exercise that caters for both off campus (virtual, online) or an on campus fieldtrip that students will attend in person. The assignment will involve understanding processes and interpreting rocks in the field, building a geological map and history of the field area.


No. Words: 2000

Online QuizzesYes30%All offerings

5 x 40 minute mandatory quizzes that examine the unit content.

Practical WorkYes40%All offerings

These are a variety of practical assessments throughout the unit. For those taking the unit on campus or joining the non mandatory intensive school they will be a series of mostly face to face practicals and field trips with some online practicals that are undertaken in class. For students studying online the practicals and assessments are all online and a rock and mineral kit will be loaned to complete these assessments.

No. Words: 3000

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.

Earth: Portrait of a Planet 7th edition and Geotours Workbook 2nd edition set

ISBN: 9781324025764

Marshak, S., Wiley 7th ed. 2022

Text refers to: All offerings

A five-star experience

2024 Overall Experience Good University Logo

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 2007-2024
2024 Student Experience Good University Logo

No.1 in NSW for
Student Experience

QILT (government-endorsed) ranks UNE as the top public NSW uni for Student Experience

QILT Student Experience Survey
2024 Teaching Quality Good University Logo

Five 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

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

UNE collects personal information to help with your enquiry and for marketing. Information may be disclosed outside of NSW and Australia through third parties acting for UNE. By entering your details you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Notice and consent to this disclosure.

Why study with us?

Graduate and mother Claire Haiek at work as a parenting producer at kidspot.com.au

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.

Claire Haiek, graduate, Pathways Enabling Course (photo: kidspot.com.au)

What happens next?

laptop icon
1. Decide on your course

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.

pencil icon
2. Apply

2024 applications are now open. The application process only takes 20 minutes to complete. Don’t delay, apply now!

form icon
3. Receive an offer, enrol and start studying

Your start date is based on the study period you choose to apply for.