Sedimentology, Volcanology and Tectonics unit (KEA306)

Hobart

Introduction

This unit comprises a six-day field trip, lectures and practical classes on sedimentology, volcanology and tectonics. Comprehensive overviews of (i) sedimentary and volcanic processes and products and (ii) compressional, extensional and transcurrent tectonic settings are related to current interpretations of the geologic evolution of the Earth. The volcanology component covers the links between volcanoes, eruption processes, the architecture of volcanic provinces and tectonic setting. The sedimentology component explores links between tectonic process, basin development and spatial and temporal variations in sedimentary facies. The tectonics component of the unit describes tectonic processes and the features and characteristics of different tectonic settings, and has a particular focus on the tectonic evolution of Tasmania and the southwest Pacific. The field trip takes place before Semester 1 begins and provides an introduction to the geological history of central western Tasmania and field techniques underpinning geological interpretations.

Summary

Unit name	Sedimentology, Volcanology and Tectonics
Unit code	KEA306
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Sciences and Engineering School of Natural Sciences
Discipline	Earth Sciences
Coordinator	Professor Sebastien Meffre
Available as an elective?	Yes
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Advanced

Availability

Specific information on 2027 unit availability will be available in August

Key Dates

Study Period	Start date	Census date	WW date	End date
Semester 1	21/2/2027	15/3/2027	18/4/2027	12/6/2027

* 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 2027 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2027 will be available from the 1st October 2026. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

• Safely collect structural, sedimentological, lithological and volcanological data
• Research sedimentology, volcanology and tectonic problems in earth sciences
• Interpret Earth processes through the evaluation of tectonic, volcanology and sedimentology information and data
• Synthesise and communicate the results of laboratory studies, field investigations and literature reviews in scientific writing

Fee Information

2027 fee information will be available in August.

Requisites

Prerequisites

KEA208 AND KEA209

Teaching

Teaching Pattern	pre-recorded lectures weekly, 8x 1 hr tutorial sessions, 8 x 3-hr lab sessions, 6 day excursion prior to the start of semester
Assessment	Safe and respectful field and laboratory work|Fieldwork sketches, notebooks, cross section, and maps (20%)|Weekly open-book quiz (20%)|Field trip report (30%)|Week 1-12 Practicals (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.

The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.