Deep Earth unit (KEA209)

Hobart

Introduction

This unit develops your understanding of the geological processes that shape the Earth, and the tools and approaches used to map and interpret the geology of the Earth’s crust and mantle. It is delivered in intensive block mode over three weeks in the Spring semester.

The block delivery is centred on a five-day field excursion to the north coast of Tasmania in the second week. This field trip further develops practical skills in documenting and interpreting geological outcrops, and in using field data to construct geological maps and cross-sections, and to infer geological settings and processes.

The unit provides a strong grounding in structural geology, igneous and metamorphic petrology, and use of the petrographic microscope. It also includes intermediate-level introductions to geophysics and geochronology and explains how these approaches inform understanding of the structure, composition, and processes operating deep within the Earth.

Overall, the unit provides the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to recognise and interpret deep Earth materials and their geological histories. KEA209 is a compulsory unit in the Earth Sciences major and a prerequisite for all 300-level Earth Sciences units.

Summary

Unit name	Deep Earth
Unit code	KEA209
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Sciences and Engineering School of Natural Sciences
Discipline	Earth Sciences
Coordinator	Doctor Robert Scott
Available as an elective?	Yes
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Intermediate

Availability

Location	Study period	Attendance options		Available to
Hobart	Spring

Note

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Key Dates

Study Period	Start date	Census date	WW date	End date
Spring	1/11/2026	16/11/2026	2/12/2026	2/1/2027

* 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 2026 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2026 will be available from the 1st October 2025. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

• Describe and explain Deep Earth composition, structure and processes
• Identify common rocks, minerals and geological structures in the field, in hand-specimens and in thin-sections using a petrographic microscope
• Analyse exhumed Deep Earth materials to interpret geological history and processes
• Produce maps and cross-sections depicting the structure and arrangement of Deep Earth materials
• Demonstrate correct techniques and safe work practices for collecting geological information in the field and laboratory

Fee Information

Field of Education	Commencing Student Contribution 1,3	Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3	Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3	Domestic Full Fee 4
010703	$1,192.00	$1,192.00	not applicable	$3,575.00

• Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
• HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility³
• FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility⁴

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 UniConnect 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

KEA101 AND KEA102

Teaching

Teaching Pattern	This unit is delivered in intensive block mode over three weeks. Weeks one and three involve five days (9.00 am - 5.00 pm) of lectures, tutorials, and practical classes. There is a 5½ day excursion to the north coast of Tasmania (Bridport to Penguin) in week two.
Assessment	Assessment Task 4. Field tests (10%)|Assessment Task 2. Quick Quizzes (15%)|Assessment Task 3. Tablet tasks (15%)|Assessment Task 1. Practicals (30%)|Assessment Task 5. Practical tests (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.
Recommended	Van der Pluijm B. A. & Marshak S., 1997, Earth structure: An Introduction to Structural Geology and Tectonics. Fossen H., 2010, Structural Geology, Cambridge University Press. Winter, J.D., 2013, Principles of igneous and metamorphic petrology. (2nd ed): Pearson Education.   MacKenzie, W.S., Adams, A.C., and Brodie, K.H., 2017, Rocks and minerals in thin section (2nd ed)

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