Courses & Units
Mineral Exploration KEA343
There is a compulsory excursion before the start of semester. Students are expected to contribute towards excursion accommodation costs.
Introduction
Why is exploration for mineral resources important? What are the drivers for exploration? What modern techniques do explorationists use to find ore bodies? This unit draws on the expertise of scientists from the Discipline of Earth Sciences and Centre for Ore Deposit and Earth Sciences (CODES) to address these questions. Students will learn about the latest techniques used for ore deposit targeting combined with current scientific models of hydrothermal ore genesis in a range of environments. Emphasis is placed on the integration of a range of geological, geochemical and geophysical datasets. Practical mineral exploration exercises are provided to reinforce lectures from a wide range of ore deposit types and localities. There is an opportunity to work on real-world data sets to make exploration decisions. This unit is one of six 300-level units (minimum four completed) in the Earth Science major and is highly recommended for students who intend to become professional geoscientists.
Summary
| Unit name | Mineral Exploration |
|---|---|
| Unit code | KEA343 |
| Credit points | 12.5 |
| College/School | College of Sciences and Engineering School of Natural Sciences |
| Discipline | Earth Sciences |
| Coordinator | Doctor Lejun Zhang |
| Available as an elective? | Yes |
| Delivered By | University of Tasmania |
| Level | Advanced |
Availability
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | On-Campus | International | Domestic | |
Key
- On-campus
- Off-Campus
- International students
- Domestic students
Note
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Key Dates
| Study Period | Start date | Census date | WW date | End date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 2 | 10/7/2023 | 8/8/2023 | 28/8/2023 | 15/10/2023 |
* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).
Unit census dates currently displaying for 2023 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2023 will be available from the 1st October 2022. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).
Learning Outcomes
- Describe, map and interpret mineralised and altered rocks to formulate exploration models for a range of ore deposit types
- Assess the technical and financial viability of different exploration techniques for particular ore deposit types and geographic settings
- Evaluate commodity prospectivity by integrating geophysical, geochemical and other geoscientific datasets
- Identify and apply sustainable, ethical and safe methods of mineral exploration guided by regulatory and professional frameworks
- Communicate the findings of scientific investigations to professional audiences
| Field of Education | Commencing Student Contribution 1,3 | Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3 | Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3 | Domestic Full Fee 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 010700 | $1,037.00 | $1,037.00 | not applicable | $2,472.00 |
1 Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
2 Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
3 Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
4 Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.
If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.
Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.
Requisites
Prerequisites
KEA208 AND KEA209Teaching
| Teaching Pattern | 2 x 1-hr lectures (online, pre-recorded) 1 x 1 hr seminar (in-person and online) with invited speaker 2 x 3-hr practicals weekly (13 wks) 2 day fieldtrip to northern Tasmania (pre-semester 2) |
|---|---|
| Assessment | GIS modelling and prospectivity analysis assignments (20%)|Weekly practicals (20%)|Exploration prospect report (30%)|Final Exam (30%) |
| Timetable | View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable |
Textbooks
| Required |
Required readings will be listed in the unit outline prior to the start of classes. |
Links | Booktopia textbook finder |
|---|
The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.