Practical Earth Science B

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

170 hours.

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

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.

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

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%).

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

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.