Ores in Magmatic Arcs unit (KEA707)

Hobart

Introduction

This predominantly field-based unit provides up-to-date an review of deposit styles, settings, mineralisation processes, and exploration strategies for ores formed in magmatic arcs. The centrepiece of the unit is a 14-day field-based unit is taught entirely in either Indonesia or South America (Chile and Peru). The fieldtrip includes visits to many world-class porphyry, epithermal and skarn deposits as well as (in South America only) IOCG deposits. Exploration techniques for porphyry and epithermal deposits are discussed in detail, as are the tectonic setting, regional and local geology of the districts visited. At many of the mines and prospects visited students conduct first-hand detailed evaluations of ore deposit characteristics and alteration and mineralisation styles. Approaches to evaluating and interpreting mineral exploration results are explained in terms of the current genetic models for porphyry and epithermal deposits. In addition to the 14-day fieldtrip, the unit involves an additional 70 hours individual research (pre-fieldtrip literature review and a post-fieldtrip assignment). The total volume of student learning for this unit is approximately 240 hrs. The unit Ores in Magmatic Arcs may be taken as a either (i) a CORE OPTION unit (choice between KEA707, KEA708 and KEA718) at the Mastery 1 level, or (ii) an OPTION unit at Mastery 2 level of the Master or Economic Geology degree.

Summary

Unit name	Ores in Magmatic Arcs
Unit code	KEA707
Credit points	25
College/School	Sciences and Engineering School of Natural Sciences
Discipline	CODES ARC
Coordinator	Professor David Cooke
Delivered By
Level	Postgraduate

Availability

Location	Study period	Attendance options		Available to
Hobart	Semester 1
Hobart	Term 4

Note

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Key Dates

Study Period	Start date	Census date	WW date	End date
Term 4	13/10/2025	27/10/2025	17/11/2025	21/12/2025
Semester 1	24/02/2025	25/03/2025	14/04/2025	01/06/2025

* 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 2025 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2025 will be available from the 1st October 2024. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

• Synthesize the key geological elements of an ore deposit class in a region
• Interpret favourable geodynamic settings for specific ore deposit types in magmatic arcs
• Design exploration strategies to overcome inherent variability within deposit classes
• Explain the key geological elements of an ore deposit class, and their exploration implications, to a professional audience.

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	$2,328.00	$2,328.00	not applicable	$5,452.00

• 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.

Teaching

Teaching Pattern	This unit is based around a 14 day fieldtrip to either Indonesia or South America. Activities during the fieldtrip average ~12 hrs/day. The unit also involves pre- and post-fieldtrip assignments constituting ~70 hrs individual study which is completed over ~6 weeks prior to, and following, the fieldtrip.
Assessment	Assessment task 2: Oral Presentation (10%)|Assessment Task 3: Case Studies (25%)|Assessment Task 4: Ore Deposit Exploration Strategy Summary Report (25%)|Assessment Task 1. Literature Review (40%)
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.

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