ESC3180 - Field mapping - 2017

6 points, SCA Band 2, 0.125 EFTSL

Undergraduate - Unit

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Faculty

Science

Organisational Unit

School of Earth, Atmosphere and Environment

Coordinator(s)

Associate Professor Peter Betts

Unit guides

Offered

Clayton

  • Winter semester 2017 (Day)

Synopsis

A three-week field camp during the mid-year vacation, the unit aims to teach the skills of geological mapping in a classic field location of Australian geology. The emphasis will be on observing, recording, and interpreting geologic phenomena in the field. Students will draw on a theoretical background of lectures and laboratory studies in first, second and third-year geology to analyse real rocks in the real world. Students will use their observations and interpretations to construct geological maps and cross-sections and determine the geological history of a complex poly-deformed terrane.

Outcomes

On completion of this unit students will be able to:

  1. Observe and interpret the distribution of lithologies and structures in the field;
  2. Describe the basic concepts of field mapping techniques;
  3. Produce a geological map and cross-sections from field observations;
  4. Determine the relationship between structure and metamorphic assemblages;
  5. Visualise complex three dimensional geometries;
  6. Unravel the geological history of one of the most complexly deformed terranes on the planet;
  7. Determine overprinting relationships from field geology;
  8. Communicate results in a written report;
  9. Work in a team environment and communicate of results with peers.

Assessment

Geological map and cross section: 70%

Written reports and exercises: 20%

Field performance: 10%

Workload requirements

Three weeks over the mid-year vacation

See also Unit timetable information

Chief examiner(s)

This unit applies to the following area(s) of study

Geosciences

Prerequisites

ESC3201

In order to enrol in this unit students will need to apply via the Science Student Services officeScience Student Services office (http://www.monash.edu/science/current/undergraduate/help).