Online
Introduction
This is a compulsory unit in the Master of Economic Geology, which would normally be taken as the first unit in the degree. This unit teaches the fundamental skills and theory needed by all economic geologists. Topics covered include: ore deposit classes (e.g. epigenetic/syngenetic; hydrothermal/magmatic/ sedimentary); mineral systems and metallogenesis; secular distribution of ore deposits; crustal environments of ore formation; ore, gangue and alteration mineralogy; ore textures; controls on chemical and mineral zonation; and secondary modification of ores (e.g. deformation, supergene overprints). The unit also introduces the equipment and approaches used to recognise, describe and interpret ore-related breccias and the mineralogy, paragenesis, geochemistry and geophysical characteristics of rocks from ore-forming environments. There is a particular focus on hand specimen and microscopic techniques (and tools) used to resolve sequences of events in rocks and ore-forming environments, and the application of these tools in studies of ore deposit genesis, mineral exploration, mineral processing and the environmental impacts of mining. The volume of learning comprises 70 hours of online teaching, approximately 150 hours of additional assessment-related work and independent learning in the student's own time (Approx. total: 220 hours).
Summary
| Unit name | Fundamentals of Economic Geology |
| Unit code | KEA716 |
| Credit points | 25 |
| College/School | Sciences and Engineering School of Natural Sciences |
| Discipline | CODES ARC |
| Coordinator | Professor David Cooke |
| Delivered By | |
| Level | Postgraduate |
Sustainable Development Goals
The Unit Coordinator has identified that this unit aligns with the following UN Sustainable Development Goals. We welcome your thoughts and feedback on the alignment of the unit with these goals.
Availability
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Term 2 |
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- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Term 2 | 27/4/2025 | 11/5/2025 | 1/6/2025 | 5/7/2025 |
* 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).
Learning Outcomes
- Identify minerals and rock textures from ore-forming environments
- Use paragenetic criteria to determine the number, sequence and nature of geological events in ore-forming environments.
- Recognise exploration and ore genesis implications of geochemical and geophysical anomalies and alteration mineral zonation patterns in ore-forming environments.
- Infer formation conditions (i.e. pressure-temperature-fluid composition) for alteration minerals and mineral assemblages.
- Select research tools and methodologies to characterise geological samples from mineralized environments.
- Explain the findings of scientific investigations to professional and/or academic audiences.
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 | $6,810.00 |
- 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 delivered in two week-long intensive delivery blocks, which are typically five weeks apart. Students independently work on assignments in the period between the intensive sessions and in the week following the second intensive session. The unit includes ~40 hrs lectures, 10 hrs tutorials and 50 hrs practical work (about ~20 hrs of which is in class time). In total there is ~90 hours of practical and assignment work to be completed in the student’s own time, including the period between the intensive sessions and the week following the second intensive session. The unit nvoles an average of ~5 hrs per week independent learing over 7 weeks, including the intensive delivery blocks. |
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| Assessment | Assessment Task 3. Ore genesis controversies essay (10%)|Assessment Task 4 Mineralogy Literature Review and Video Post (10%)|Assessment Task 2. Grassy Tungsten Skarn Assignment (30%)|Assessment Task 1. Practicals (50%) |
| 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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