Critical resources are not randomly distributed through the Earth. Their formation, location and preservation are controlled by processes that operate across scales, from mantle convection and plate tectonics to lithospheric architecture, magmatism, basin development, uplift, erosion and burial.
This course builds on EMSC8036 From Source to Resource. Where EMSC8036 focuses primarily on the geological, geochemical and near-surface processes that concentrate elements into resources, EMSC8037 examines the larger-scale geodynamic, tectonic, lithospheric and geophysical controls that determine where favourable resource systems form, how they evolve through time, and whether they are preserved in the geological record.
This course examines how geodynamic processes influence the formation and preservation of mineral systems, with a focus on critical resources needed for the energy transition. Students will explore how tectonic setting, plate history, subduction, rifting, craton margins, mantle flow, lithospheric thickness, dynamic topography and surface processes can create favourable conditions for mineralisation or determine whether deposits survive in the geological record.
The course introduces students to modern process-based and predictive approaches to resource geoscience. It considers how geodynamic models, plate reconstructions, geophysical observations, geochemical datasets and mineral deposit distributions can be integrated to understand resource systems through space and time.
Students will develop the ability to interpret resource systems in a whole-Earth context and to evaluate how geodynamic evidence can inform exploration targeting, resource assessment and responsible decision-making.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Explain how geodynamic processes influence the formation, distribution and preservation of critical resources.
- Analyse the relationships between plate tectonics, mantle dynamics, lithospheric architecture, magmatism, basin evolution and mineral systems.
- Interpret geological, geophysical, geochemical and spatial datasets relevant to geodynamic controls on resources.
- Evaluate the role of tectonic inheritance, craton margins, rifting, subduction and surface processes in creating and preserving mineral systems.
- Apply whole-Earth and process-based reasoning to resource exploration, prospectivity assessment and responsible resource decision-making.
- Critically assess uncertainty, evidence quality and competing interpretations in geodynamic and resource-system analysis.
- Communicate geodynamic interpretations and their implications for critical resources clearly.
Other Information
This course is suitable for students interested in critical resources, mineral systems, geodynamics, tectonics, exploration geoscience, geophysics, geochemistry, computational Earth science and Earth system evolution. The course emphasises the integration of evidence across scales, from deep Earth processes to near-surface resource systems.
Indicative Assessment
- Literature review or critical essay (25) [LO 1,2,4,6]
- Worksheets (25) [LO 2,3,4,5,6]
- Case study report (30) [LO 1,2,3,4,5,6,7]
- Oral presentation (20) [LO 1,5,6,7]
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Workload
The expected workload for this 6-unit course is approximately 130 hours over the semester. This includes scheduled in-person teaching activities, independent study, reading, data interpretation, assessment preparation and revision.
Indicative workload:
- 36 hours scheduled in-person classes, comprising lectures, seminars, workshops and/or practical classes;
- 40 hours reading and independent study;
- 30 hours data interpretation, worksheets and case study work;
- 24 hours assessment preparation, writing and oral presentation preparation.
Inherent Requirements
No specific inherent requirements have been identified for this course.
Prescribed Texts
There are no prescribed texts.
Preliminary Reading
Indicative readings will be drawn from the contemporary research literature in geodynamics, tectonics, mineral systems, resource geoscience and predictive exploration. Readings may include papers on geodynamic settings of mineral deposit systems, lithospheric controls on resource distribution, plate reconstructions, mantle dynamics, basin evolution, surface processes, mineral systems analysis and critical minerals for the energy transition.
Assumed Knowledge
Students are expected to have a background in Earth science, geology, geophysics, geochemistry, environmental geoscience or a cognate discipline. Familiarity with plate tectonics, mineral systems, geological maps and basic quantitative or spatial data interpretation will be helpful. Students without this background should seek advice from the course convener before enrolling.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 2
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2027 | $5040 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2027 | $7200 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
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