Course Catalogue

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Application of theoretical and practical aspects of structural geology and basin evolution (from tectonics to sedimentary basin fill) with implications of the viability of resource industries (e.g. hydrocarbon, geothermal, carbon capture and storage [CCS]) for sustainable futures.

Three classes per week for 5 weeks (held as 3-hour workshop). Local field classes.

Normally completion of all credit-bearing courses from Earth Science Level 2 at an average Grade C3 or better, achieving at least a Grade of D3 in each individual course and attendance at the residential field class.

EARTH4073 - Metamorphic and Structural Geology

EARTH4085 - Basin Resources and Sustainable Futures

None

■ Individual poster based on structural workshop material (33.34%)

■ Group presentation based on project work (33.33%)

■ Individual in-class test (seismic analysis) (33.33%)

Reassessments are normally available for all courses, except those which contribute to the Honours classification. Where, exceptionally, reassessment on Honours courses is required to satisfy professional/accreditation requirements, only the overall course grade achieved at the first attempt will contribute to the Honours classification. For non-Honours courses, students are offered reassessment in all or any of the components of assessment if the satisfactory (threshold) grade for the overall course is not achieved at the first attempt. This is normally grade D3 for undergraduate students and grade C3 for postgraduate students. Exceptionally it may not be possible to offer reassessment of some coursework items, in which case the mark achieved at the first attempt will be counted towards the final course grade. Any such exceptions for this course are described below. 

■ To develop critical analysis skills of structural processes and the response of rocks to deformation.

■ To develop critical analysis skills that identify the tectonic history, sedimentary fill, and source, migration, and trapping of energy related fluids within a sedimentary basin and/or crystalline basement.

■ To provide an understanding of how the application of these geological principles can provide sustainable energy solutions for society.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ Critically discuss the structural characteristics of a range of tectonic environments

■ Discuss three dimensional structural geometries and apply structural (computational) models to understand rock deformation histories. 

■ Critically analyse a wide range of sedimentological, paleontological, structural, seismic and geochemical data in order to construct a geological history.

■ Describe and explain the processes leading to the formation, accumulation and exploitation of different types of geological resources (i.e. hydrocarbons, geothermal energy) and storage potential.

■ Evaluate the prospectivity of example geological resources and storage sites within case study sedimentary basins.

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.