Course coordinator
Associate Professor Mark Kendrick
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2026 (01/06/2026 - 05/07/2026)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- The Environment School
Introduction to geological mapping & field techniques. This course is taught in an intensive format in the inter-semester break following the semester 1 exam period. Students receive a three-day introduction to mapping techniques in Brisbane and then travel to Rockhampton for 7 days in the field. You will learn to recognise different rock units in the field, record stratigraphic data in a spatial context and synthesise field data on an interpretative map. Final marks will not be available until the beginning of semester 2.
This course introduces students to geological mapping and field techniques in a structurally simple geological terrain. You will learn how to recognise and analyse structural, stratigraphic and sedimentological features in the field,ﾠplan a geological field survey, and synthesis geological field data in a regional context. The course runs entirely within the inter-semester break following the semester 1 exam period, comprising 3 days practical exercises and instruction in Brisbane and a 7 day field camp in Rockhampton (12 days all inclusive).
The field trip is a compulsory part of the course. Student contribution for the field trip will be approximately $400, with further details to be confirmed and provided on the course Blackboard site and pre-fieldcamp information session prior to the end of semester 1.
Course requirements
Assumed background
This course provides an introduction to Field Geology, which brings together a range of geological skills in an outdoor setting.ﾠ Students must have completed ERTH1000 or an equivalent introductory course.
Familiarity with using a compass and map reading is advantagous but these skills willﾠbe taught during the course.ﾠﾠ
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
ERTH1000
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Associate Professor Mark Kendrick
Tutor
Ms Aerona Moore
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Teaching will occur in Brisbane on 22-24 June 2026 and during the Rockhampton Fieldcamp 25 June to 3 July, returning to Brisbane on the evening of July 3.
Both parts of the course are compulsory and passing the practical component in Brisbane is a hurdle requirement for attending the Fieldcamp.
The expected field trip student contribution payment will be $400 (TBC by week 4).
Aims and outcomes
The primary objective of the course is to train students in geological field mapping, in an areaﾠof modest geological complexity. Practical exercises delivered in Brisbane during a 3 day period prior to the field camp will prepare you for the field excursion, which is the main learningﾠand principal assessment exercise for the course.
You will be introduced to basic concepts of structural and sedimentological analysis, including how to make detailed rock descriptions, how to use a compass-clinometer to make measurements in the field and how to interpretﾠoutcrop patterns on a range of geological maps. In Rockhampton you will learn to plan a field survey and compile geological maps, cross-sections, and stratigraphic columns.ﾠ During the trip, the group will visit a number of particularly good exposures of various rock units in and around Rockhampton, to help you develop an appreciation for how your mapping area fits into the regional geological history of the Capricorn district.
Students are required to produce a fact map and an interpretation map. Both maps are assessed. The fact map is a record of field observations, whereas the interpretation map represents the integration of field data into a model that explains not only the present-day situation, but also the sequence of geological events that have occurred in the area. The ability to collect data and report them correctly is essential for the fact map, while the interpretation map requires a great deal of critical judgment. You will learn to map in groups, and you will be assessed based on a combination of your group map and individual mapping skills.ﾠ
The mapping exercise will take place in a privately-owned grazing property. Students will be informed about procedures aimed at minimizing land degradation during a geological investigation, and will be asked to comply to strict rules aimed atﾠminimizing impact on land, plants, fauna, and local communities, and ensuring personal safety.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Collect and analyze geological data in the field, interpret this data as individuals and as part of a field party, and report it on a geological map in an accurate and effective manner.
LO2.
Compile a simple geological map, stratigraphic column, and cross-sections from information gathered in the field. Particular emphasis will be placed on the correlation between different geological units, and on the geological evolution of eastern Queensland.
LO3.
Organise field work, prioritise tasks, and manage time and resources effectively. Teams and individuals will need to generate geological models and ideas using real field data, in a non-conventional environment.
LO4.
Understand the relationship of field observations to a geologic map, particularly with respect to the representation of three-dimensional data on a two-dimensional surface (the map).
LO5.
Distinguish between observation and interpretation and effectively record and represent those distinctions in reports and maps.
LO6.
Use a geological map to explain and understand not only the present-day situation, but also the sequence of geological events that have occurred in the area.
LO7.
Conduct safe, effective and efficient field studies in rural and wilderness environments without causing unnecessary disturbance to the ecosystem and to local communities.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tutorial/ Problem Set |
Practical Exercises
|
25% |
1) Practical Exercise 1: 22/06/2026 6:00 pm 2) Practical Exercise 2: 23/06/2026 6:00 pm 3) Practical Exercise 3: 24/06/2026 6:00 pm |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation |
Rockhampton Final Report - group map
|
30% |
30/06/2026 6:00 pm
Completed Day 5 of the Fieldcamp. |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation |
Regional Geology and Mapping Quiz
|
20% |
1/07/2026 8:00 pm
Completed Day 6 of the Fieldcamp. |
| Examination |
Final Mapping Exam
|
25% |
2/07/2026 6:00 pm
Completed Day 7 of the Fieldcamp. |
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 Exercises
- Hurdle
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Tutorial/ Problem Set
- Weight
- 25%
- Due date
1) Practical Exercise 1: 22/06/2026 6:00 pm
2) Practical Exercise 2: 23/06/2026 6:00 pm
3) Practical Exercise 3: 24/06/2026 6:00 pm
- Other conditions
- Secure.
- Learning outcomes
- L04, L05, L06
Task description
Attendance of practical classes is mandatory. Practical assessment items involve learning to read and produce geological maps and cross-sections. They will be due in class on the day of the activity. Satisfactory completion of all assessment items is a pre-requisite for participation in the main field excursion.
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.
Hurdle requirements
See Additional Course Grading Information for the hurdle information relating to this assessment item.Submission guidelines
Completed worksheets are to be submitted in class.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
No extensions are permitted for these tasks as their timely completion is critical to the preparation and progression to the field trip in the following days. Please contact your course coordinator if you have exceptional circumstances that would prevent you from attending class or submitting these tasks on time.
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 (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).
Rockhampton Final Report - group map
- Team or group-based
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
30/06/2026 6:00 pm
Completed Day 5 of the Fieldcamp.
- Other conditions
- Secure.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07
Task description
Each field party will need to generate a geological map of an area in the Rockhampton region. Submission includes:
1) a fact map
2) an interpretation map
3) one or more geological cross sections
4) a stratigraphic column
5) a lithological description, and;
6) a summary geological history.
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
Submission will be handed in to lecturers at the end of the day.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
No extensions are permitted for this task. The group map assessment must be completed and submitted on the field trip in order to allow progression to the Quiz the next day.
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 (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).
Regional Geology and Mapping Quiz
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
1/07/2026 8:00 pm
Completed Day 6 of the Fieldcamp.
- Other conditions
- Secure.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07
Task description
The field component consists of a series of individual field activities to be carried out over a period of approximately 8 hours.
For the FIELD exam:
Fact Maps: Mapping techniques and collection of map data
- General coverage (how well did you cover the area)
- Symbolic info – lithological and structural symbols, contact lines; precision.
- Accuracy
- Detail
- Notebook techniques
Interpretation Maps and legends
- Fidelity between fact and interpretation map (i.e., its no use showing an accurate boundary on your map if you’ve made errors in transferring its position from your fact map to your interpretation map.
- Presentation – precision, neatness, scale, etc – does it look like a professional map.
- Legend –complete unit descriptions not single words (includes both rock-type information as well as bedding thicknesses, etc.
- Geological accuracy and completeness of interpretation.
Stratigraphic sections
- Accuracy
- Recognition of the units in the area
- Stratigraphic thicknesses (net true thickness)
- Sedimentary structures/log presentation (grain-size etc)
- Interpretation of depositional environments
Cross-sections
- Techniques and precision of construction
- Accuracy of units, folds, faults
- Accuracy of relationships
- Geological reasonableness
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
Submission will be handed to the Course Coordinator.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
No extensions are permitted for this task. The Quiz must be completed and submitted on the field trip in order to allow progression to the Exam the next day.
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 (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).
Final Mapping Exam
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 25%
- Due date
2/07/2026 6:00 pm
Completed Day 7 of the Fieldcamp.
- Other conditions
- Secure.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07
Task description
The theory component consists of a 2-hour written individual exam. Topics will include regional geology observed on the trip, identification of rocks and minerals observed on the trip, interpretation of depositional environments, and other items of interest.
This exam takes place at the end of field trip.
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.
Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
This examination will occur in the field at Rockhampton.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
No extensions are permitted for this task.The final exam is on the last day of the field trip and must be completed on the field trip.
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 achieve a mark of at least 50% in the Practical Exercises.
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 link above 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
Assessment Submission
It is the responsibility of the student to ensure the on time, correct and complete submission of all assessment items.
Compulsory Fieldcamp and Assessment Items
The dates of the Fieldcamp and intensive preparatory instruction in Brisbane prior to the camp are fixed. Full participation in both parts of the course is required to pass the course.
Satisfactory completion of the training exercises, and their submission, is a requirement for participation in the Fieldcamp. It is not possible to pass the course without attending the Fieldcamp.
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
Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.
Additional costs
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
FieldCamp |
Approx $400 |
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 |
Practical |
Practical exercises in Brisbane The practicals will develop skills and concepts needed for the Rockhampton field trip including: 1) rock identification and rock description, 2) reading topographic and geological maps 3) using structural contours to understand 3D geometry, 4) constructing geological cross-sections, and 5) developing compass skills. Learning outcomes: L04, L05, L06 |
Fieldwork |
Rockhamption Field Trip Travel to and from Rockhamption. 5 days group mapping. Local field excursions. One day individual mapping. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07 |
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
- AI for Assessment Guide
- Recording of Teaching Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.