Geology
Dr David Gray
12 points * 10 hours per week * Second semester * Clayton * Prerequisites: ESC2011 and ESC2022
Taken in conjunction with ESC3051 to complete the second half of a double geology major. Consists of two units chosen from the second semester coursework offering, not previously taken as part of another third-year geology subject. May not include the field camp unit.
Assessment
Examinations (3 hours): 50% * Practical work: 50%
Course units
zzz
Igneous petrology/geochemistry
Professor Ian Nicholls
Eleven weeks lecture/practical coursework usually first semester * 1-day field excursion (Western District volcanic field)
Igneous petrology examines the origin of magmas by melting of the Earth's mantle and crust; magma transport, emplacement and crystallisation; phase equilibria and geochemical mass balance in magmatic systems; magma sources and controls on magma genesis in global tectonic settings. Igneous geochemistry includes the principles of the partitioning behaviour of element groups, especially at trace levels, in terms of the chemistry and structures of crystals and melts; trace element and isotopic ratio systematics of magmas and their sources; quantitative trace element modelling of magmatic processes. Practical exercises will emphasise the mineralogy, textures and geochemistry of volcanic and intrusive rocks from a variety of tectonic settings, and also examine the basics of trace element modelling.
zzz
Structural geology
Dr David Gray
First semester * eleven weeks lecture/practical course with 2 to 3-day field excursion to Lake Glemaggie
An advanced subject in structural geology concentrating on the structures developed in areas of metamorphic rocks and in areas deformed more than once. Practical work concentrates on the structures of deformed rocks, on the mechanisms of both brittle and ductile deformation and analysis of poly-deformed terrains.
Assessment
Examinations (3 hours): 50% * Other assessment: 50%
zzz
Metamorphic geology
Dr Ian Cartwright and Dr Mark Jessell
First semester * twelve weeks lecture/practical course
An advanced course in metamorphic petrology. Coursework emphasises the techniques used o study the conditions and processes of metamorphism, with reference to specific areas. Practical work integrates petrological observations, mineralogical geochemical data.
Assessment
Theory exam (3 hours): 60% * Practical work: 40%
Recommended texts
Yardley B W D An introduction to metamorphic petrology Longman, 1989
zzz
Sedimentary geology/palaeontology/stratigraphy
Professor Ray Cas and Dr Patricia Vickers-Rich
Second semester, twelve weeks lecture/practical coursework, field excursion
Sedimentary geology includes the sedimentary petrology of both terrigenous and carbonate sedimentary rocks, emphasising the role of diagenesis, and interpretive aspects. Palaeontology introduces palynology and vertebrate/conodont micropalaeontology with emphasis on the principles of biostratigraphy and assessment of hydrocarbon potential and palaeoecology. Stratigraphy includes selected topics emphasising event stratigraphy, such as the effects of sea level fluctuations, tectonics, climatic variations, volcanism and extraterrestrial influences upon the stratigraphic record.
zzz
Ore deposit geology and geochemistry
Dr David Lambert
Second semester, twelve weeks lecture/practical coursework
Ore deposit geology is an introduction to classification, distribution and characteristics of metalliferous ore deposits. Deposit types considered include those of magmatic, hydrothermal and sedimentary origin. A brief introduction is given on the chemistry of ore-forming magmas and solutions. The occurrence of common ore and gangue minerals (sulphides, oxides, metals and silicates) is examined in practical exercises, using both transmitted and incident light microscopy as well as hand specimen study.
Prescribed texts
Craig J R and Vaughn D J Ore microscopy and ore petrography Wiley, 1981
Evans A M Ore geology and industrial minerals Blackwell, 1993
zzz
Petroleum geology
Coordinator to be advised
Second semester, taught in conjunction with La Trobe University
Petroleum source rocks, primary formation and migration of petroleum, petroleum reservoirs and fluids; structural controls on petroleum accumulation. The geology of unconventional oil and solid hydrocarbons. Case studies of hydrocarbon accumulations. The first five weeks will be jointly taught at La Trobe University.
zzz
Regional geophysics
First semester
zzz
Global geophysics
First semester
zzz
Geophysical exploration (electrical)
Second semester
zzz
Geophysical exploration (seismic)
Second semester