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Course profile

Field Geology (ERTH2050)

Study period
Sem 1 2025
Location
St Lucia
Attendance mode
In Person

Course overview

Study period
Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
Study level
Undergraduate
Location
St Lucia
Attendance mode
In Person
Units
2
Administrative campus
St Lucia
Coordinating unit
The Environment School

Introduction of geological mapping, map interpretation & field techniques. Field recognition & analysis of structural, stratigraphic & sedimentological features. Regional synthesis of field data. Course conducted as weekly contact sessions and an 8-day field trip in June following the semester 1 exam period. While this is a semester 1 course, final marks will not be available until the beginning of semester 2.

This course aims to introduce 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 will undertake a geology field trip to Rockhampton and surrounding areas, which will take place from 21 - 29 June 2025.

This 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 in class and on the course Blackboard site.

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 ᅠ

Prerequisites

You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:

ERTH1000

Course staff

Course coordinator

Lecturer

Timetable

The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.

Additional timetable information

The nine (9) day field excursion to the Rockhampton area provides the main learning exercise in this course and is a mandatory requirement for this course. If you cannot attend the Rockhampton field trip, you cannot enrol in this course. The provisional dates, subject to confirmation by the land owners and accommodation/catering providers, are between Saturday 21 June to Sunday 29 June 2025 (inclusive). 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.ᅠ Weekly practicals through the semester will prepare you for the field excursion, which is the main learningᅠand principal assessment excercise for the course. ᅠ You will learn how toᅠinterpretᅠoutcrop patterns on a range of geological maps, how to use a compass-clinometer to make measurements in the field and how to compile geological maps, cross-sections, and stratigraphic columns.ᅠYou will be introduced to concepts of basic structural and sedimentological analysis, including the logging of vertical sedimentological sections, and in the planning and execution of field surveys. During the trip, the group will also visit a number of particularly good exposures of various rock units in and around Rockhampton, and an attempt will be made to reconstruct the geological history of the Capricorn district, giving context to the field area. ᅠ 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, but be assessed mainly by your individual mapping skills.ᅠ 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 lo

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 15%

Week 1 Prac due: 6/03/2025 9:00 am

Week 2 Prac due: 13/03/2025 9:00 am

Week 3 Prac due: 20/03/2025 9:00 am

Week 4 Prac due: 3/04/2025 9:00 am

Week 6 Prac due: 10/04/2025 9:00 am

Week 7 Prac due: 17/04/2025 9:00 am

Week 8 Prac due: 8/05/2025 9:00 am

Week 11 Prac due: 22/05/2025 9:00 am

Paper/ Report/ Annotation Rockhampton Final report - group map 30%

27/06/2025 10:00 pm

Paper/ Report/ Annotation Field Exam (mapping)
  • Hurdle
30%

28/06/2025 6:00 pm

Examination Final Exam (Theory) 25%

29/06/2025 10:00 am

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

Mode
Written
Category
Tutorial/ Problem Set
Weight
15%
Due date

Week 1 Prac due: 6/03/2025 9:00 am

Week 2 Prac due: 13/03/2025 9:00 am

Week 3 Prac due: 20/03/2025 9:00 am

Week 4 Prac due: 3/04/2025 9:00 am

Week 6 Prac due: 10/04/2025 9:00 am

Week 7 Prac due: 17/04/2025 9:00 am

Week 8 Prac due: 8/05/2025 9:00 am

Week 11 Prac due: 22/05/2025 9:00 am

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 the week after they're set and satisfactory completion of all assessment items is a pre-requisite for participation in the main field excursion, meaning that this is required in order to complete the course. 

Submission guidelines

Completed worksheets are to be submitted in class, or to the SENV Administration Reception (Level 2, Steele Building) depending on instructions given in class.

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.

See the Additional assessment information section further below for information relating to extension and deferral applications.

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

Mode
Written
Category
Paper/ Report/ Annotation
Weight
30%
Due date

27/06/2025 10:00 pm

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 include:

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.

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.

Tthe group map assessment must be completed and submitted on the field trip in order to allow progression to field 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). 

Field Exam (mapping)

  • Hurdle
Mode
Written
Category
Paper/ Report/ Annotation
Weight
30%
Due date

28/06/2025 6:00 pm

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

Hurdle requirements

You must achieve a mark of at least 50% in the field mapping exam.

Submission guidelines

Submission will be handed to the Course Coordinator.

Deferral or extension

You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.

The field exam is essential part of the progression of the Rockhampton Field Mapping Trip. This must be completed on the field trip.

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 Exam (Theory)

Mode
Written
Category
Examination
Weight
25%
Due date

29/06/2025 10:00 am

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.

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 Other
Invigilation

Invigilated in person

Submission guidelines

Deferral or extension

You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.

The final exam is essential part of the progression of the Rockhampton Field Mapping Trip. This 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%

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 my.UQ 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

This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.

Field Trip Attendance

If you are unable to attend the compulsory field trip due to unforeseen exceptional circumstances, please inform your Course Coordinator.

Assessment Submission

It is the responsibility of the student to ensure the on time, correct and complete submission of all assessment items.

Please ensure you receive and save the submission confirmation for all submitted items, you may be asked to produce this as evidence of your submission.

A note for repeating students in this course

Any student who enrols in a courseᅠmust notᅠbe given exemption or partial credit from their previous attempt(s) for any individual piece of assessment.ᅠInstead, the student must successfully complete all of the learning activities and assessment items within the study period of enrolmentᅠ(PPL Assessment - Procedures).

If the same assessment item is set from one year to the next, repeating students are allowed to submit the same work they submitted in previous attempts at the course. Where possible SENV recommends that you use the feedback you received in your last attempt to improve parts of the item where you lost marks. Resubmission of an altered or unaltered assessment item by a repeating student (where the same assessment has been set) will not be considered as self-plagiarism.

Applications for Extensions to Assessment Due Dates

Extension requests are submitted online via my.UQ – applying for an extension. Extension requests received in any other way will not be approved. Additional details associated with extension requests, including acceptable and unacceptable reasons, may be found at my.UQ.

Please note:

  • Requests for an extension to an assessment due date must be submitted through your my.UQ portal and you must provide documentation of your circumstances, as soon as it becomes evident that an extension is needed. Your application must be submitted on or before the assessment item's due date and time.
  • Applications for extension can take time to be processed so you should continue to work on your assessment item while awaiting a decision. We recommend that you submit any completed work by the due date, and this will be marked if your application is not approved. Should your application be approved, then you will be able to resubmit by the agreed revised due date.
  • If an extension is approved, you will be notified via your my.UQ portal and the new date and time for submission provided. It is important that you check the revised date as it may differ from the date that you requested.
  • If the basis of the application is a medical condition, applications should be accompanied by a medical certificate dated prior to the assignment due date. If you are unable to provide documentation to support your application by the due date and time you must still submit your application on time and attach a written statement (Word document) outlining why you cannot provide the documentation. You must then upload the documentation to the portal within 24 hours.
  • If an extension is being sought on the basis of exceptional circumstances, it must be accompanied by supporting documentation (eg. Statutory declaration).
  • For extensions based on a SAP you may be granted a maximum of 7 days (if no earlier maximum timeframe applies). See the Extension or Deferral availability section of each assessment for timeframes. Your SAP is all that is required as documentation to support your application. However, additional extension requests for the assessment item will require the submission of additional supporting documentation e.g., a medical certificate. All extension requests must be received by the assessment due date and time.
  • An extension for an assessment item due within the teaching period in which the course is offered, must not exceed four weeks in total. If you are incapacitated for a period exceeding four weeks of the teaching period, you are advised to apply for Removal of Course.
  • If you have been ill or unable to attend class for more than 4 weeks, you are advised to carefully consider whether you are capable of successfully completing your courses this semester. You might be eligible to withdraw without academic penalty - seek advice from the Faculty that administers your program.
  • Students may be asked to submit evidence of work completed to date. Lack of adequate progress on your assessment item may result in an extension being denied.
  • There are no provisions for exemption from an assessment item within UQ rules. If you are unable to submit an assessment piece then, under special circumstances, you may be granted an exemption, but may be required to submit alternative assessment to ensure all learning outcomes are met.

Applications to defer an exam

In certain circumstances you can apply to take a deferred examination for in-semester and end-of-semester exams. You'll need to demonstrate through supporting documentation how unavoidable circumstances prevented you from sitting your exam. If you can’t, you can apply for a one-off discretionary deferred exam.

Deferred Exam requests are submitted online via mySi-net. Requests received in any other way will not be approved. Additional details associated with deferred examinations, including acceptable and unacceptable reasons may be found at my.UQ.

Please note:

  • Applications can be submitted no later than 5 calendar days after the date of the original exam.
  • There are no provisions to defer a deferred exam. You need to be available to sit your deferred examination.
  • Your deferred examination request(s) must have a status of "submitted" in mySI-net to be assessed.
  • All applications for deferred in-semester examinations are assessed by the relevant school. Applications for deferred end-of-semester examinations are assessed by the Academic Services Division.
  • You’ll receive an email to your student email account when the status of your application is updated.
  • If you have a medical condition, mental health condition or disability and require alternative arrangements for your deferred exam you’ll need to complete the online alternative exam arrangements through my.UQ. This is in addition to your deferred examinations request. You need to submit this request on the same day as your request for a deferred exam or supplementary assessment. Contact Student Services if you need assistance completing your alternative exam arrangements request.

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.

Learning activities

The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.

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Learning period Activity type Topic
Multiple weeks
Practical

Weekly practical and lecture

Practical classes will run in 9 of the 13 weeks of semester. 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:

Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.