ERB220 Minerals in Society
To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.
| Unit code: | ERB220 |
|---|---|
| Prerequisite(s): | ERB110 or ERB101 (ERB110 can be taken at the same time as ERB220) |
| Equivalent(s): | ERB205 |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
|
| CSP student contribution | $1,164 |
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $4,968 |
| International unit fee | $6,216 |
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2025, Gardens Point, Internal
| Unit code: | ERB220 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | ERB110 or ERB101 (ERB110 can be taken at the same time as ERB220) |
| Equivalent: | ERB205 |
| Coordinator: | Patrick Hayman | patrick.hayman@qut.edu.au |
Overview
Minerals in Society is the study of minerals and rocks that form the solid Earth, with a focus on how minerals and their elemental building blocks are used in society. Indeed, modern society has been built on humankind’s ability to exploit the physical and chemical properties of minerals. The study of minerals is essential for understanding the structure and composition of the earth, detailed processes of the rock cycle, and how minerals are the source of metals needed for a sustainable future.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Apply the theory of mineralogy to explain the genesis of minerals, occurrence of different mineral associations and mineral stability.
- Identify minerals in hand specimen and recall their distinctive properties including chemical compositions.
- Use optical microscopy to identify minerals in thin sections by applying systematic approaches.
- Evaluate the role of minerals in society
- Develop team-based research and communication skills.
Content
Classification of minerals; mineral associations; mineral formation and stability in igneous, metamorphic, sedimentary rocks and ores; minerals and their use in society; techniques of mineral analysis; theory and identification of minerals in transmitted light, systematic treatment of the physical, chemical and structural properties of minerals; and crystal chemistry.
Learning Approaches
As a second year unit, ERB220 builds on the foundational knowledge learned in the first year of the degree. 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. In this unit, you are expected to take responsibility for your learning and undertake some self-directed learning to prepare each week.
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 introduces a range of analytical techniques to collect data, conduct quantitative analysis, and develop skills 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
The assessments are designed to help students solidify their knowledge and practical skills in Earth Materials. Assessments 1 and 2 are scaffolded and mirror the weekly lesson plans to provide opportunities to test learnings and provide feedback. Assessment 3 tests students on the entire unit.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Quiz
In-semester integrated theory and practical examination tests knowledge and application of knowledge at the mid-way point of the semester. It provides an opportunity for students to assess their progress.
Assessment: Report
The assessment involves the preparation of a technical report on the mineralogy of an unknown sample. It uses real data collected using high-end analytical equipment housed at QUT that are routinely employed in the geological sciences. This authentic assessment is evaluated through self and peer evaluation and as a group.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Examination (written)
This final exam has both theory and practical components and tests students on material from the whole unit.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
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.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Resources
Resources to support your learning in this unit will be made available in your Canvas unit site. This unit makes use of a prescribed textbook, a highly recommended text and software, the details of which are provided below.
Resource Materials
Prescribed text(s)
Hefferan, K and O'Brien, J (2022) Earth Materials, UK: Wiley-Blackwell, hardcopy or online version through QUT library
Recommended text(s)
Deer, W.A., Howie, R.A. and Zussman, J. (2013) An introduction to rock forming minerals, UK: Mineralogical Society of Great Britain and Ireland, online version through QUT library
Software
MD Dyar and ME Gunter (2014) Mineral Database App for IPad or IPhone , TASA Graphic Arts available at Apple App Store $12.99 (Comprehensive > 300 minerals)
Risk Assessment Statement
There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit.
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.ST01 Bachelor of Science
- Develop a broad, multidisciplinary understanding of science and a specialised, in-depth knowledge of at least one discipline.
Relates to: Quiz, Examination (written) - Develop and demonstrate key competencies in scientific practices and relevant technologies.
Relates to: Quiz, Report, Examination (written) - Work autonomously and collaboratively with others in an inclusive and professional manner and use critical reflection for personal and professional growth.
Relates to: Report
SV02 Bachelor of Science
- Develop a broad, multidisciplinary understanding of science and a specialised, in-depth knowledge of at least one discipline.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO4, Quiz, Examination (written) - Develop and demonstrate key competencies in scientific practices and relevant technologies.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO3, Quiz, Report, Examination (written) - Work autonomously and collaboratively with others in an inclusive and professional manner and use critical reflection for personal and professional growth.
Relates to: ULO5, Report