ERB205 Earth Materials

Unit Outline: Semester 1 2024, Gardens Point, Internal

Overview

Earth Materials comprises the study of minerals and rocks which form the solid Earth. The study of Earth Materials is essential for understanding the structure and composition of the earth and the detailed processes of the rock cycle. Earth Materials forms the basis for petrology (the study of the genesis of rocks) and geochemistry.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:

1. Apply the theory of mineralogy to explain the genesis of minerals, occurrence of different mineral associations and mineral stability
2. Identify minerals in hand specimen and recall their distinctive properties including chemical compositions
3. Use optical microscopy to identify minerals in thin sections by applying systematic approaches
4. Categorise rocks using mineral identification in combination with universally adopted methods of rock classification and nomenclature.
5. Develop team-based research and communication skills

Content

Learning Approaches

Teaching and learning strategies utilise 'flipped classroom' concepts to focus on activities in which face to face teaching focuses on engagement, collaboration, action learning and application. A mix of on-line material, interactive lectures, practical sessions, workshops and team-based research activities are also employed. Critical to the success of these learning strategies is your engagement with pre-recorded lectures and readings prior to each session. This material provides important background that enhances your comprehension of the central concepts of Earth Materials Workshops focus on the application of theory to solve problems that increase your understanding of selected topics. Practical exercises incorporate independent and group work, with an emphasis on reflective learning. Practical exercises are self-marking in a framework of formative assessment. A team-based research project, conducted online, introduces a range of analytical techniques to collect data, conduct quantitative analysis develops your skill in scientific technical writing

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

Verbal feedback on a weekly basis on their practical assignments. Verbal and written feedback on project report. Verbal and written feedback on examinations.

Assessment

Overview

.

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Report

Project Report

This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.

Assessment: Quiz

In-semester integrated theory and practical examination.

Assessment: Examination (written)

Academic Integrity

Students are expected to engage in learning and assessment at QUT with honesty, transparency and fairness. Maintaining academic integrity means upholding these principles and demonstrating valuable professional capabilities based on ethical foundations.

Failure to maintain academic integrity can take many forms. It includes cheating in examinations, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, and submitting an assessment item completed by another person (e.g. contract cheating). It can also include providing your assessment to another entity, such as to a person or website.

You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.

Further details of QUT’s approach to academic integrity are outlined in the Academic integrity policy and the Student Code of Conduct. Breaching QUT’s Academic integrity policy is regarded as student misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.

Resources

Risk Assessment Statement

There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit.