Do you want to learn how to recognise and interpret rocks in the field and laboratory? In this course you will learn about basic geological concepts around the formation, evolution and deformation of rocks and geological structures in the solid earth. It will be divided into three sections; (i) sedimentology (ii) geological structures and (iii) igneous and metamorphic petrology. Part (i) deals with the formation of sedimentary rocks over a variety of depositional environments. Part (ii) is concerned with recognition and interpretation of basic geological structures such as faults and folds. Part (iii) covers the formation of magmas, igneous rocks and rock-forming silicate minerals, and the mineralogy and textures of metamorphic rocks.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Classify rocks in hand specimen, in the field and in thin sections.
2. Identify diverse sedimentary depositional environments from sedimentary structures.
3. Recognise structures produced by simple crustal deformation.
4. Map and quantitatively describe structures in simply folded and faulted regions in the field.
5. Identify common rock-forming silicate minerals in thin sections in situ.
6. Describe and recognise basic silicate mineral structures and formulas.
7. Explain the pressure and temperature conditions and the geological settings in which these minerals form.
8. Develop communication and teamwork skills while mapping in the field.

Research-Led Teaching

Parts of the assessment items and field-trip reports will require the students to undertake carefully curated literature based research and present the outcomes in reports. The content of the course as presented in lectures, flipped-resources and practical sessions will emphasis the progression from observation and quantitative measurement of geological phenomena, to formation and testing of hypotheses to explain those hypotheses, to modification of hypotheses.

Field Trips

There will be a compulsory short field trip to the Molonglo Gorge on the 5th of March during the practical session time slot (10 am to 1 pm).

There will be a compulsory field trip to the Wee Jasper area, west of Canberra from April 2-6, 2024. The focus will be on sedimentology and structural geology.

Students who are studying the course remotely and cannot attend these field trips will be given an alternative learning and assessment item to cover this material.

Please see the College of Science - Field Trip page for more information.

Additional Course Costs

Field trip costs will be approximately $350-$400 per student.

Required Resources

No additional resources are required.

Recommended Resources

 Recommended student system requirements 

ANU courses commonly use a number of online resources and activities including:

• video material, similar to YouTube, for lectures and other instruction
• two-way video conferencing for interactive learning
• email and other messaging tools for communication
• interactive web apps for formative and collaborative activities
• print and photo/scan for handwritten work
• home-based assessment.

To fully participate in ANU learning, students need:

• A computer or laptop. Mobile devices may work well but in some situations a computer/laptop may be more appropriate.
• Webcam
• Speakers and a microphone (e.g. headset)
• Reliable, stable internet connection. Broadband recommended. If using a mobile network or wi-fi then check performance is adequate.
• Suitable location with minimal interruptions and adequate privacy for classes and assessments.
• Printing, and photo/scanning equipment

For more information please see https://www.anu.edu.au/students/systems/recommended-student-system-requirements

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• written comments
• verbal comments
• feedback to whole class, groups, individuals, focus group etc

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). Feedback can also be provided to Course Conveners and teachers via the Student Experience of Learning & Teaching (SELT) feedback program. SELT surveys are confidential and also provide the Colleges and ANU Executive with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Topics: Sedimentology and Palaeoenvironments Sedimentary rocks introduction and weathering Sediment transportation, deposition and lithification Depositional environments – rivers Activities: 3 lectures In-class activity on sedimentary environments	Assessment task 1:Assessible practical on sedimentary environments (8%)
2	Topics: Sedimentology and Palaeoenvironments Depositional environments – turbidites Depositional environments – deltas Depositional environments – marine Activities: Molonglo Gorge Field Trip	Assessment task 2:Molonglo field trip practical (9%)
3	Topic: Sedimentology and Palaeoenvironments Carbonate sedimentology (L) Other depositional environments (L) Stratigraphy and Earth history (L) Activities: Delta Practical	Assessment task 3:Delta Practical (8%)
4	Topic: Introduction to Structural Geology Introduction to Structural geology, folding, faulting Activities: Lecture on introduction to structural geology Dip and strike demonstration Itzabrieze 3-point problem
5	Topic: Introduction to Structural Geology Brittle deformation – faults, joints, veins (video) Geological maps and structural contours (video) Activities: Structural contours and cross-section in-class activity Cross-section exercise in-class activity	Assessment task 4:Assessable practical (6%)Assessment task 5:Multiple choice quiz on week 5 videos (1%)
6	Topic: Introduction to Structural Geology Fold geometry (video) Fold styles (video) Foliation (video) Fold vergence (video) Activities: Salt box Creek map and cross-section in-class activity Field trip briefing During the teaching break there will be the field trip to Taemus at Wee Jasper (5 days).	Assessment task 6:Multi-choice quiz on week 6 videos (1%) Assessment task 7 (prepared following Taemas Field Trip in mid-semester break): 7a Geological map (12%)7b Cross-section (5%)
7	Topic: Mineralogy and petrology of igneous and metamorphic rocks Introduction to petrology lecture Olivine (video) Garnet (video) Pyroxene (video) Peridotite classification (video) Activities: Peridotite geochemistry in-class activity Peridotite classification in-class activity Olivine chemistry in-class activity	Assessment task 8:Multi-choice quiz on week 7 videos (1%)
8	Topic: Mineralogy and petrology of igneous and metamorphic rocks Olivine binary phase diagram (video) Mafic rock classification (video) Activities: Petrographic microscopes introductory lecture Peridotite + basalt microscopy in-class activity Olivine binary phase diagram in-class activity	Assessment task 9:Multi-choice quiz on week 8 videos (1%)
9	Topics: Mineralogy and petrology of igneous and metamorphic rocks Mafic volcanic rocks (video) Mafic plutonic rocks (video) Feldspar minerals (video) Activities: Phase diagrams in-class activity Phase diagrams in-class activity Structural formulas in-class activity	Assessment task 10:Multi-choice quiz on week 9 videos (1%)Assessment task 11:Assessable practical on phase diagrams (5%)
10	Topics: Mineralogy and petrology of igneous and metamorphic rocks Mantle melting (video) Granitoid rocks (video) Silicate minerals structures (video) Activities: Gabbroic and granitoid rocks microscopy in-class activity Padloping picrites in-class activity Mantle melting in-class activity	Assessment task 12:Multi-choice quiz on week 10 videos (1%)
11	Topics: Mineralogy and petrology of igneous and metamorphic rocks Metamorphic rock classification (video) Blueschist facies (video) Greenschist facies (video) Amphibolite facies (video) Eclogite facies (video) Activities: Hand specimens in-class activity Metamorphic rock microscopy in-class activity Subduction and water in-class activity	Assessment task 13:Multi-choice quiz on week 11 videos (1%)Assessment task 14:Assessable practical on subduction and the role of water (5%)
12	Topics: Garnet-cpx thermometry lecture Activities: Thermometry in-class activity Optical microscopy of metamorphic rocks	Assessment Item 15:Optical mineralogy test (10%)
13	Final exam on igneous and metamorphic petrology	Assessment Item 16:Final exam on igneous and metamorphic petrology (25%)

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Learning Outcomes
Sedimentary environments practical	8 %	26/02/2024	1,2,4,8
Molonglo Gorge field trip practical	9 %	04/03/2024	1,2,8
Delta Practical	8 %	12/03/2024	2
Structural geology practical on dips, striked and structural contours	6 %	25/03/2024	3,4
Structural geology multiple choice quiz	1 %	21/03/2024	3,4
Structural geology multiple choice quiz	1 %	28/03/2024	3,4
Geological cross-section from Wee Jasper field trip	5 %	22/04/2024	3,4,8
Igneous petrology multiple choice quiz	1 %	18/04/2024	5,6,7
Igneous petrology multiple choice quiz	1 %	23/04/2024	5,6,7
Igneous petrology multiple choice quiz	1 %	02/05/2024	5,6,7
Assessable practical on mafic rocks	5 %	06/06/2024	5,6,7
Igneous petrology multiple choice quiz	1 %	09/05/2024	5,6,7
Metamorphic petrology multiple choice quiz	1 %	16/05/2024	5,6,7
Assessable practical on metamorphic rocks	5 %	20/05/2024	5,6,7
Optical mineralogy of igneous and metamorphic rocks	10 %	23/05/2024	6
Final exam on igneous and metamorphic petrology	25 %	*	5,6,7

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines , which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Integrity Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Special Assessment Consideration Guideline and General Information 
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
• Code of practice for teaching and learning

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Skills website. In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Wattle’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

Attendance at the Wee Jasper Field Trip (April 2-6) is compulsory, unless there are extenuating circumstances.

Examination(s)

The final exam (Assessment task 16) will assess the 2nd half of the course, is worth 25% and will take place in the exam period. It will be closed book and 90 minutes long.

Assessment Task 1

Sedimentary environments practical

Value 8%

A practical activity completed in class during the week 1 practical session.

Assessment Task 2

Molonglo Gorge field trip practical

Value 9%

A practical exercise to be completed following the Molonglo Field Trip, conducted on February 27.

Assessment Task 3

Delta Practical

Value 8%

A practical activity completed in class during the week 3 practical session.

Assessment Task 4

Structural geology practical on dips, striked and structural contours

Value: 6%

In class practical exercise on dips, strikes and structural contours.

Assessment Task 5

Structural geology multiple choice quiz

Value: 1%

Multi-choice quiz on material from week 5 videos

Assessment Task 6

Structural geology multiple choice quiz

Value: 1%

Multi-choice quiz on material from week 6 videos

Assessment Task 7

Geological cross-section from Wee Jasper field trip

AT-7.2: Value 5%

Geological cross-section prepared from data collected during Wee Jasper mapping field trip.

Assessment Task 8

Igneous petrology multiple choice quiz

Value 1%

Multi-choice quiz on material from week 7 videos

Assessment Task 9

Igneous petrology multiple choice quiz

Value 1%

Multi-choice quiz on material from week 8 videos

Assessment Task 10

Igneous petrology multiple choice quiz

Value 1%

Multi-choice quiz on material from week 9 videos

Assessment Task 11

Assessable practical on mafic rocks

Value: 5%

An in-class and at home activity on igneous mafic rocks

Assessment Task 12

Igneous petrology multiple choice quiz

Value 1%

Multi-choice quiz on material from week 10 videos

Assessment Task 13

Metamorphic petrology multiple choice quiz

Value 1%

Multi-choice quiz on material from week 11 videos

Assessment Task 14

Assessable practical on metamorphic rocks

Value: 5%

An in-class and at home activity on metamorphic rocks

Assessment Task 15

Optical mineralogy of igneous and metamorphic rocks

Value: 10%

A 90 minute practical test on the optical mineralogy of igneous and metamorphic rocks in thin section

Assessment Task 16

Final exam on igneous and metamorphic petrology

Value: 25%

A 90 minute, closed-book exam on the content of weeks 7-12 (igneous and metamorphic petrology).

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. The University’s students are an integral part of that community. The academic integrity principle commits all students to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support, academic integrity, and to uphold this commitment by behaving honestly, responsibly and ethically, and with respect and fairness, in scholarly practice.

The University expects all staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle, the Academic Integrity Rule 2021, the Policy: Student Academic Integrity and Procedure: Student Academic Integrity, and to uphold high standards of academic integrity to ensure the quality and value of our qualifications.

The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 is a legal document that the University uses to promote academic integrity, and manage breaches of the academic integrity principle. The Policy and Procedure support the Rule by outlining overarching principles, responsibilities and processes. The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 commences on 1 December 2021 and applies to courses commencing on or after that date, as well as to research conduct occurring on or after that date. Prior to this, the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 applies.

 

The University commits to assisting all students to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. All coursework students must complete the online Academic Integrity Module (Epigeum), and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are required to complete research integrity training. The Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as understanding and upholding academic integrity.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Late submission permitted. Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.

Referencing Requirements

The Academic Skills website has information to assist you with your writing and assessments. The website includes information about Academic Integrity including referencing requirements for different disciplines. There is also information on Plagiarism and different ways to use source material.

Returning Assignments

Assessment items will be returned after grading during lab classes. It is expected that assessment items should be returned within two weeks of the hand-in date.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Resubmission of Assignments

Resubmission of assessment items is permitted on agreement of the convenor

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Access and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents undergraduate and ANU College students
• PARSA supports and represents postgraduate and research students