Key facts

UNE unit code: GEOL207

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

Start
  • Trimester 2 - On Campus
  • Trimester 2 - Online
Campus
  • Armidale Campus
24/7 online support
  • Yes
Intensive schools
  • Yes
Supervised exam
  • Yes
Credit points
  • 6

Unit information

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Global consumption of mineral resources has reached a critical stage. Increasingly the importance of mineral extraction to society, and the environmental consequences of this, are topics of international discussion.

An understanding of resource geology, and its associated environmental issues, can help you to approach wide-ranging problems – from mining and mineral discovery, to land rehabilitation, environmental consultancy and the renewable energy sector – with a different perspective.

This unit provides you with an overview of the basic processes leading to ore deposit formation, ore mineralogy and hydrothermal alteration, the environmental consequences of mining and mineral economics.

Through practical and field work you will consolidate your understanding of important concepts including ore minerals, mineralising environments and the environmental challenges and opportunities of resource extraction.

Offerings

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

Teaching period
Mode/location
Trimester 2On Campus, Armidale Campus
Trimester 2Online

*Offering is subject to availability

Intensive schools

StartFinishDurationAttendanceOfferingsNotes
06 August 202410 August 20245 daysMandatory Intensive SchoolAll offerings 

Enrolment rules

Pre-requisites
GEOL120

Notes

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

Unit coordinator(s)

Nicholas TailbyLecturer in Geology - School of Environmental and Rural Science

Learning outcomes

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

  1. explain basic concepts of ore formation for select ore deposit types;
  2. identify different styles of alteration and mineralisation from hand samples and from field context;
  3. explain the geologic plate tectonic context of the selected ore deposit types;
  4. express an understanding of the geologic processes which produced the mineralogical changes observed in different rocks;
  5. communicate their observations effectively via written reports and exams; and
  6. demonstrate cognitive skills to research information, identify and evaluate sources and use the information in critical and creative written report form.

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
Assignment 1Yes20%All offerings

Field Excursion Report

No. Words: 1500

Assignment 2Yes30%All offerings

Literature Review

No. Words: 1500

Practical ExaminationYes20%All offerings

Based on practical knowledge gained during the intensive school (in the field and lab) and relies on some knowledge gained during lectures before the intensive school.

No. Words: 1000

Final ExaminationYes30%All offerings

No. Words: 2000

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.

Introduction to Ore-Forming Processes

ISBN: 9781119967507

Robb, L., Wiley 2nd ed. 2020

Note: E-book is also available (ISBN 9781119232384).

Text refers to: All offerings

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