Advanced Field Skills in Economic Geology unit (KEA718)

Introduction

This highly practical and largely field-based unit is one of three field-based Core Option units available in the Master of Economic Geology degree. Students must complete one of the field-based units (i.e. either KEA718, KEA707 or KEA708) as part of the degree. KEA718 would normally be completed at the Transition or Mastery 1 level of the degree, depending on the timing of admission to the program. The Advanced Field Skills unit provides instruction and training in a range of geological mapping and field-based skills relevant to the production and interpretation of geological maps for mineral exploration. Topics covered include field-based rock and mineral identification techniques, fact and form surface mapping, "Anaconda-method" mapping, the collection and analysis of structural data, structural measurement and graphic logging of drill core, field-based approaches to resolving complex deformation histories and the production of cross-sections by down-plunge projection. The collection and interpretation of spectral, geochemical and remote sensing data sets in mineral exploration mapping is also covered. A 14-day, face-to-face intensive session, includes seven days fieldwork in the Cambrian Mount Read Volcanic Belt (host to several world-class volcanic-hosted massive sulfide deposits), three days structural mapping of multiply deformed turbidites of the Mathinna Supergroup in NE Tasmania, and one day mapping features formed at the magmatic-hydrothermal transition in granites on the Freycinet Peninsula. In post-fieldtrip assignments, students analyse and interpret field data collected during the second week of the fieldtrip. The total volume of learning for the unit (~240 hrs) includes the 14-day fieldtrip (130 hrs), ~10 hrs face-to-face and pre-recorded lecture content, post-fieldtrip assignments (~50 hrs) and 50 hrs independent study (pre- and post-fieldtrip reading).

Summary

Unit name	Advanced Field Skills in Economic Geology
Unit code	KEA718
Credit points	25
College/School	Sciences and Engineering School of Natural Sciences
Discipline	Centre for Ore Deposit and Earth Sciences
Coordinator	Doctor Robert Scott
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Postgraduate

Learning Outcomes

• Produce accurate geological maps and sections using industry best-practice geological mapping and logging methods (including "Anaconda-method" mapping).
• Define alteration type and intensity using field observations, spectral information and geochemical data.
• Describe spatial, geometric, and paragenetic relationships at the outcrop- to map-scale in deformed, altered and/or mineralised rocks.
• Use advanced methods of cross-section construction to infer subsurface structure.
• Infer exploration potential (including the identification of drill targets) using field mapping data, geochemical and spectral information and advanced methods of cross-section construction.
• Explain a set of self-derived findings in relation to the stratigraphy, structure, alteration and/or exploration potential of an area in written and oral reports

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
			not applicable

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 face-to-face, and involves (i) a 14-day fieldtrip in Tasmania, (ii) 10 hrs of pre-recorded and ‘live’ (during the fieldtrip) lectures and (iii) a total of ~100 hours individual study/independent learing relating to pre-and post-fieldtrip readings and the post-fieldtrip assignments.
Assessment	Assessment Task 3. Structural analysis of simply deformed areas (Bellingham). (8%)|Assessment task 5 ¿ Bluestone Bay Anaconda-method mapping exercise (8%)|Assessment task 6 ¿ Structural history of the Mathinna Supergroup report. (10%)|Assessment Task 4. Structural analysis of complexly deformed areas (Beechford) (12%)|Assessment Task 2. Western Tharsis ‘Anaconda-method’ mapping and logging exercise (17%)|Assessment Task 1. Halls Rivulet Canal mapping exercise (45%)
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	Electronic copies of all recommended readings for this unit are available under the “Contents” tab of the unit MyLO page.

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