Geodynamics

Subject GEOL90035 (2016)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2016.

Credit Points: 6.25
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

April, Parkville - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start 28-Mar-2016
Teaching Period 04-Apr-2016 to 08-Apr-2016
Assessment Period End 15-Apr-2016
Last date to Self-Enrol 29-Mar-2016
Census Date 04-Apr-2016
Last date to Withdraw without fail 09-Apr-2016


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 16 hours of lectures and 24 hours of practicals.
Total Time Commitment:

85 hours

Prerequisites:
Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
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:

In this course you will gain a basic introduction to geodynamics and planetary physics. We will undertake an overview of the structure of all the solid planets of the solar system and the techniques used to probe their structure. You will learn about the evolutionary processes within the solid planets and moons of the solar system which produce the wealth of distinctive "geology" observed in planetary missions. You will appreciate the ubiquitous nature of geological processes, and the distinctive expression of those processes on each planetary body. You will have a good understanding of the continuum mechanics of slow deformation and the rheology of rocks and ice under planetary conditions. We will introduce the techniques of seismic imaging, and how to download information and begin the process of interpreting earthquake data.

Learning Outcomes:
  • This subject aims to equip students with discipline-specific knowledge and expertise appropriate for post-graduate research in the field;
  • equip students with discipline-specific knowledge and expertise enabling them to take their place as professional geologists in industry or government organisations;
  • an undetstanding of the fundamental preocesses that govern the geology of planetary bodies;
  • the use and interpretation of digital information to understand structural evolution.
Assessment:
  • Multiple computer-based practicals collectively equivalent to 1000 words, due throughout the teaching period (45%)
  • Assignment equivalent to 1500 words, due one week after the end of the teaching period (55%).
Prescribed Texts:

Reading expected to be completed in the pre-teaching period.

Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:
  • Exercise critical judgement;
  • undertake rigorous and independent thinking;
  • adopt a problem-solving approach to new and unfamiliar tasks;
  • develop high-level written report and/or oral presentation skills;
  • interrogate, synthesise and interpret the published literature;
  • work as part of a team.
Related Course(s): Master of Geoscience
Master of Science (Earth Sciences)
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Earth Sciences
Honours Program - Earth Sciences

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