Practical Earth Science B

Subject GEOL90023 (2016)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2016.

Credit Points: 12.5
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

Semester 2, Parkville - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period 25-Jul-2016 to 23-Oct-2016
Assessment Period End 18-Nov-2016
Last date to Self-Enrol 05-Aug-2016
Census Date 31-Aug-2016
Last date to Withdraw without fail 23-Sep-2016


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 30 which includes 2.5 hour induction and an average of 2.5 hours practical and/or field-work classes per week in weeks 2 to 12.
Total Time Commitment:

170 hours.

Prerequisites:
Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
Semester 1, Semester 2
12.5
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Coordinator

Assoc Prof Kevin Walsh

Contact

kevin.walsh@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:

The subject will provide individual Masters-level training in laboratory and/or field techniques that serves as preparation for the completion of a capstone subject in the Master of Geoscience.

The techniques applied will differ depending on the individual capstone project offered by staff members.

For example, a capstone project on ‘diamond exploration’ will require laboratory training and skills development in mantle petrology, mantle rock mineral chemistry, diamond crystallography and mineralogy, indicator mineral chemistry and diamond exploration techniques.

A capstone project on ‘sedimentary basin hydrogeology’ will require field/laboratory training in basin geohydrology, water geochemistry, sediment geomicrobiology, fluid flow modelling software and fluid flow modelling.

The above skills will be acquired through assigned reading, field/laboratory practical classes and worked assignments.

An Examination Board, appointed by the Head of School, reviews subject content and assessment weightings.

Learning Outcomes:

This subject aims to provide students with:

  • Training in laboratory/field work techniques as currently used in the workforce or research laboratory
  • An ability to apply these techniques in a work-related laboratory or fieldwork environment to obtain useful results for further analysis
Assessment:

Four practical exercises and worksheets of 1,250 word each due in weeks 3, 6, 9 and 12 of semester (80% - 20% for each practical exercises). An oral presentation due during the exam period (20%).

Prescribed Texts: None
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

On completion of this subject students will have gained experience in:

  • developing the ability to exercise critical judgement;
  • rigorous and independent thinking;
  • adopting a problem-solving approach to practical challenges;
  • high-level written report presentation skills;
  • oral communication and presentation skills.
Related Course(s): Master of Geoscience

Download PDF version.