Course coordinator
Associate Professor Mark Kendrick
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2025 (28/07/2025 - 22/11/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- The Environment School
Origin & properties of magmas; magmatic differentiation, igneous structures & modes of emplacement; geochemistry of igneous rocks; magmatism at different tectonic environments; agents & types metamorphism; metamorphic textures & their origins; metamorphic facies; metamorphic reaction equilibria & pressure-temperature-time paths.
ERTH2006 is core for Earth ScienceﾠMajors and strongly recommended for those who intend to specialise in Environmental Science, Geographical Sciences or Environmental Management. This course will introduce students to the classification of igneous and metamorphic rocks and their origin and distribution in space and time. The course utilises petrographic techniques, thermodynamics, phase diagrams, and basic geochemical data in the petrological study of igneous and metamorphic rocks. The course also includes a one-day fieldtrip to gain exposure to some of the studied rocks in the field and practice fieldwork skills. Additional fee of approximately $20 will be payable, with details to be confirmed during the semester.
Course requirements
Assumed background
This course assumes an introductory level of understanding of earth processes and materials gained through completion of ERTH1000 orﾠERTH1501 (or similar) and an intermediate level of knowledge of mineralogy gained through completion of ERTH1005 (or similar).ﾠStudents are expected to (i)ﾠhave a general understanding of the principles of crystal chemistry and the analytical methods employed in mineralogy, (ii)ﾠbe able to describe and identify common minerals and rocks in hand specimens and using the petrographic microscope, and (iii)ﾠhave a general understanding of the rock cycle and the distribution and origin of igneous and metamorphic rocks in the context of plate tectonics.
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
ERTH1005, ERTH1000 or ERTH1501
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Associate Professor Mark Kendrick
Associate Professor Teresa Ubide Garralda
Tutor
Ms Sarah Wood
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Field trip
Saturday 11 October 2025ﾠ- all day (departing UQ at 8:00am and returning by 6:00pm). Additional fee payable.
ﾠ
ﾠ
ﾠ
Aims and outcomes
This course will introduce students to the classification of igneous and metamorphic rocks and their origin and distribution in space and time.ﾠThe course serves as an introduction to the use of petrographic techniques, thermodynamics, phase diagrams, and basic geochemical data in the petrological study of igneous and metamorphic rocks and their geodynamic context.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Understand the origin and nature of magmas and igneous rocks.
LO2.
Understand the origin and nature of metamorphic rocks.
LO3.
Utilize thermodynamics, phase diagrams, and basic geochemical data in the petrological study of igneous and metamorphic rocks and processes.
LO4.
Recognize petrographic characteristics (including textures) of igneous and metamorphic rocks and to utilize these observations to classify and to evaluate the processes by which the rocks were formed.
LO5.
Have an introductory level understanding of magmatism and metamorphism in a plate tectonic context.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practical/ Demonstration, Quiz | Practical component through the semester | 45% |
1. Practical #1 31/07/2025 2:00 pm 2. Quiz #1 7/08/2025 2:00 pm 3. Practical #2 4. Practical #3 21/08/2025 2:00 pm 5. Quiz #2 28/08/2025 2:00 pm 6. Prac #4 4/09/2025 2:00 pm 7. Prac #5 11/09/2025 2:00 pm 8. Quiz #3 25/09/2025 2:00 pm 9. Practical #6 16/10/2025 2:00 pm 10. Practical Exam 29/10/2025 2:00 pm |
| Presentation | Oral group presentation | 5% |
Each group will need to coordinate the preferred date of their presentation for one of the available sessions (weeks 4, 7 or 12). Because the activity occurs live during class time, extensions beyond the agreed date are not usually possible. |
| Notebook/ Logbook, Practical/ Demonstration, Project |
Tweede assignment and fieldwork
|
10% |
9/10/2025 2:00 pm |
| Examination |
Theory exam
|
40% |
End of Semester Exam Period 8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025 |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
Assessment details
Practical component through the semester
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Practical/ Demonstration, Quiz
- Weight
- 45%
- Due date
1. Practical #1 31/07/2025 2:00 pm
2. Quiz #1 7/08/2025 2:00 pm
3. Practical #2
14/08/2025 2:00 pm4. Practical #3 21/08/2025 2:00 pm
5. Quiz #2 28/08/2025 2:00 pm
6. Prac #4 4/09/2025 2:00 pm
7. Prac #5 11/09/2025 2:00 pm
8. Quiz #3 25/09/2025 2:00 pm
9. Practical #6 16/10/2025 2:00 pm
10. Practical Exam 29/10/2025 2:00 pm
Task description
The weekly practical exercises encompass a variety of activities including:
-microscopic identification of igneous and metamorphic minerals and rock textures in thin section.
-Identification and description of hand specimens.
-reading phase diagrams and relating phase diagrams to the mineralogy and texture of igneous rocks
-plotting major element compositions in excel to better understand fractional crystallisation.
The quiz in week 9 tests material from all weeks, meaning it is essential to manage your time and attend all practical sessions. The final assessment is in the form of a practical exam during class time in week 13.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
The prac exam in Week 13 - This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Online submission by Turnitin only by the due date and time. No hard copy or assignment cover sheets are required. Submission via email is not accepted.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
The maximum extension period of 7 days is applied because practicals occur weekly and it is not feasible to work on multiple practicals simultaneously.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
You are required to submit assessable items on time. If you fail to meet the submission deadline for any assessment item, then 10% of the maximum possible mark for the assessment item (the assessment ‘marked from’ value) will be deducted as a late penalty for every day (or part day) late after the due date.
For example, if you submit your assignment 1 hour late, you will be penalised 10%; if your assignment is 24.5 hours late, you will be penalised 20% (because it is late by one 24-hour period plus part of another 24-hour period).
Oral group presentation
- Mode
- Oral
- Category
- Presentation
- Weight
- 5%
- Due date
Each group will need to coordinate the preferred date of their presentation for one of the available sessions (weeks 4, 7 or 12). Because the activity occurs live during class time, extensions beyond the agreed date are not usually possible.
Task description
You will form a team of four and together you will prepare a PowerPoint presentation summarising and discussing one of three published papers set during the semester. You will be graded on your contribution to the presentation and your engagement with other paper discussions through the semester.
Submission guidelines
Each group will make their oral presentation live during class time on their nominated day in weeks 4, 6 or 12.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
To receive a grade for this item, each group must make a presentation during one of the available sessions.
Late submission is not usually possible because the presentation occurs during class time. However, reasonable accommodations will be made under exceptional circumstances.
Tweede assignment and fieldwork
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Notebook/ Logbook, Practical/ Demonstration, Project
- Weight
- 10%
- Due date
9/10/2025 2:00 pm
- Other conditions
- Student specific.
Task description
The Tweede assignment comprises a literature review and petrographic report of representative samples from the Tweede volcano, it is worth 5% and is submitted before the fieldwork with the aim of providing background information for the fieldtrip. The fieldwork component involves field sketches and short answer questions about the Tweede volcano, worth 5%. All assessment items are submitted on the bus on the day of the fieldwork.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
A Turnitin link will be provided for submission of the pre-fieldwork assignment.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The Tweede assignment is requested by the usual weekly hand in time of 2 pm on Thursday. If you are unable to submit by this date and time please contact the Course Coordinator.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
The pre-fieldwork assignment is required before the fieldtrip (5%). Students failing to submit the assignment before the fieldtrip should not attend the fieldtrip and will be offered an alternative assessment item in the form of an expanded 'pre-fieldwork assignment' worth 10%.
Theory exam
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 40%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025
Task description
The end of semester exam will incorporate aspects of the subject covered in lecture, practical classes and the field trip. The exam will test your knowledge on the formation, classification, and interpretation of igneous and metamorphic rocks. It will be a mixture of short answer and short essay questions. Although there will be no actual hand samples or thin sections, drawings or pictures of rocks seen in outcrops, hand samples or thin sections may be included. The exam will take place in person at St Lucia Campus during the examination period.
Hurdle requirements
See ADDITIONAL COURSE GRADING INFORMATION for the hurdle relating to this assessment item.Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Calculator options | (In person) Casio FX82 series only or UQ approved and labelled calculator |
| Open/closed book | Closed book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 0% |
| 2 (Fail) |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 30% |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 45% |
| 4 (Pass) |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 50% |
| 5 (Credit) |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 65% |
| 6 (Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 75% |
| 7 (High Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 85% |
Additional course grading information
Assessment Hurdle
In order to pass this course, you must meet the following requirements (if you do not meet these requirements, the maximum grade you will receive will be a 3):
You must obtain 50% or more on the Theory exam.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Should you fail a course with a grade of 3, you may be eligible for supplementary assessment. Refer to the UQ website for information on supplementary assessment and how to apply.
Supplementary assessment provides an additional opportunity to demonstrate you have achieved all the required learning outcomes for a course.
If you apply and are granted supplementary assessment, the type of supplementary assessment set will consider which learning outcome(s) have not been met.
Supplementary assessment can take any form (such as a written report, oral presentation, examination or other appropriate assessment) and may test specific learning outcomes tailored to the individual student, or all learning outcomes.
To receive a passing grade of 3S4, you must obtain a mark of 50% or more on the supplementary assessment.
Additional assessment information
Applications for Extensions to Assessment Due Dates
Read the information contained in the following links carefully before submitting an application for extension to assessment due date.
For guidance on applying for an extension, information is available here: https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/manage-my-program/exams-and-assessment/applying-assessment-extension
For the policy relating to extensions, information is available here (Part D): https://policies.uq.edu.au/document/view-current.php?id=184
Please note the University's requirements for medical certificates here: https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/manage-my-program/uq-policies-and-rules/requirements-medical-certificates
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Own copy required
You'll need to have your own copy of the following reading resources. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Document |
Guide to thin section microscopy
by Raith; Michael M.; Raase; Peter; Reinhardt; Jurgen - 2012 Edition: 2 Publisher: Mineralogical Society of America - Open Access Publications ISBN: 9783000376719 |
Additional learning resources information
MINERALOGICAL DATABASES:
WebMineral - http://webmineral.com
MinDat -ﾠhttp://www.mindat.org
Additional costs
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
Springbrook Fieldtrip |
We will examine the nature of a contact between volcanic units of the Tweede super volcano. The estimated cost is $20 for the bus. |
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Multiple weeks From Week 1 To Week 13 |
Practical |
Practical Series (Weeks 1-13) The practicals will follow on the lecture material. The students will learn to describe and classify igneous and metamorphic rocks and interpret their petrogenesis. |
Lecture |
Lecture Series (Weeks 1-13) The course starts out with a thorough revision of the optical properties of the main rock-forming minerals and an introduction to petrography of crystalline rocks. The course then focuses on igneous and metamorphic rocks from a variety of scales, from their tectonic environment to their local occurrence, in the hand specimen as well as under the microscope. The study of rocks is covered from the point of view of petrography, classification, chemistry and petrogenetic environment. |
|
Week 2 (04 Aug - 10 Aug) |
Practical |
Microscopy Quiz (Week 2) |
Week 9 (22 Sep - 28 Sep) |
Practical |
Igneous and Metamorphic petrology Quiz (Week 9) |
Week 10 (06 Oct - 12 Oct) |
Fieldwork |
Springbrook fieldtrip (Week 10) |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments for Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.