Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 18/11/2024)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- The Environment School
Mapping & field techniques in both simple & complex metamorphic terrains. Field recognition & analysis of structural & metamorphic features. Regional synthesis of field data. Field work carried out during the July inter-semester break. Additional fee payable. Quota 35 (in total). All enquiries for permission to enrol to be addressed to sees@enquire.uq.edu.au. Students are selected based on academic performance and relevance to program.FIELD TRIP IS HELD DURING MID-YEAR BREAK.
2024 UQ field trip to Mount Isa
Start: Mount Isa, in the afternoon of 17/6/24.
Finish: Mount Isa, in the morning of 2/7/24.
Travel arrangements: Students can choose travel with us from Brisbane (for an additional fee). The bus will depart from St Lucia Campus on Sunday 16th June 2024 at 05:00am. The departure point is: UQ Sport Aquatic Centre, Blair Drive, St Lucia Campus.
Alternatively, you can organise your own travel (for example, by catching a flight). We will meet and deliver students from and to the airport in Mount Isa. If you do not take the UQ bus, please make sure that you arrive in Mount Isa before 5pm on Monday 17th June.
Accommodation: Accommodation in Mount Isa will be at the Moondarra Caravan Park in self-contained modular accommodation (dongas). Evening work will be held in the mess hall after dinner service is completed.
Meals: Full catering is offered by the Caravan Park.
Contact address at Mt Isa: Moondarra Caravan Park. 2 Moondarra Dr, Lanskey QLD 4825. Phone: 07 4743 9780
Work pattern: Most days you will be mapping in groups of 2–3 from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. During the evening you will need to transfer the day's mapping and notes to your field compilation map. This procedure should take no longer than two hours (provided that you don't turn it into a social event). Fixing and redrafting field maps are not appropriate evening activities and should be kept to minimum. Excessive evening work sessions will be restricted, and no evening work should go past 11:00 pm. You need to plan your work procedures around these guidelines. The composition of the groups will vary for each of the major mapping exercises.
Behaviour and Restrictions: Any behaviour that disturbs the peace and well-being of other students or campers in the campground, or that undermines the good reputation of The University of Queensland, will not be tolerated. Such behaviour includes excessive noise or alcohol consumption. Misbehaviour may result in your dismissal from the trip and a failure registered for the course. Excessive noise includes any music, at any volume, after 10:00 pm. Excessive alcohol consumption in camp will not be tolerated, particularly where it impinges on your performance and stamina in the field. These restrictions also apply to the work-free evenings.
Health and Safety: There are risks associated with field work and these will be explained prior to the trip. Breaches of safety guidelines may result in your dismissal from the trip. We require you to sign a statement indicating that you have read the University of Queensland Occupation Health and Safety fieldwork and work off-campus OHS Guidelines and the risk assessment, that you have been briefed with regards to health and safety issues related to field work in Mount Isa, and that you understand them. This statement will be kept on file in the School’s office.
Course requirements
Assumed background
Basic knowledge of introductory level Physical Geology (ERTH1000 or ERTH1501), Mineralogy (ERTH2005), Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology (ERTH2006), Sedimentology (ERTH2003), Structural Geology (ERTH2004) and Field Mapping (ERTH2050).ﾠUniversity level reading and writing language (English) skills.ﾠBasic skills in mapping techniques.
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
ERTH2050 or equivalent
Recommended prerequisites
We recommend completing the following courses before enrolling in this one:
ERTH2003, ERTH2004, ERTH2006 (or equivalents)
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
ERTH3051
Restrictions
Permission of School of the Environment (environment@enquire.uq.edu.au). Quota 35 (in total).
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Tutor
Mr Josh Reid
Dr Michele Elmes
Timetable
Additional timetable information
15-day field course with 11-12 contact hours per day. 17 June 2024 – 2 July 2024.
Aims and outcomes
On completing this course, students will: • be able to identify minerals and rocks in hand specimen in field situations; • be able to interpret the geological history of the rocks from which hand specimens come from; • be able to recognize and map sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic rocks in the field; • be able to recognize and map mineral and rock deformation textures; • be able to recognize and map geological structures; • be able to reconstruct geological histories based on the interpretation of field evidence. ﾠ Project descriptions The project descriptions are provided for general information only. We may slightly modify these projects as dictated by educational or logistic objectives. ﾠ
Lake Moondarra group mapping project:
Aim: To produce maps and diagrams of an area containing low-grade metasedimentary sequences with moderately simple structures. Recognize and define the local stratigraphic units, and interpret the major structure.
Groups will hand in field data, a compilation map, a completed interpretation map with a detailed legend, schematic and measured cross-sections, and an annotated stratigraphic column (including interpretation of sedimentary environments, etc.).
Required background: The mapping techniques and background required are those developed in 2nd year mapping classes. The main difference is that, in addition to all the techniques used in mapping sedimentary sequences (such as measuring orientation of bedding and determining stratigraphic younging direction) you should now be able to recognize and measure structural fabric elements (axial plane cleavage and bedding/cleavage intersections) that make recognition and interpretation of m
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
be able to identify minerals and rocks in hand specimen in field situations
LO2.
be able to interpret the geological history of the rocks from which hand specimens come from
LO3.
be able to recognize and map sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic rocks in the field
LO4.
be able to recognize and map mineral and rock deformation textures
LO5.
be able to recognize and map geological structures
LO6.
be able to reconstruct geological histories based on the interpretation of field evidence
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Performance |
Field Techniques
|
10% |
17/06/2024 - 1/07/2024 |
| Practical/ Demonstration |
Lake Moondarra mapping project
|
40% |
Stratigraphic column 21/06/2024 9:00 pm Final submission 24/06/2024 5:00 pm |
| Practical/ Demonstration |
Individual mapping
|
20% |
Mica Creek outcrop map 26/06/2024 8:00 pm Final individual map 1/07/2024 3:00 pm |
| Practical/ Demonstration |
Mica Creek mapping project
|
30% |
30/06/2024 5:00 pm |
Assessment details
Field Techniques
- In-person
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Performance
- Weight
- 10%
- Due date
17/06/2024 - 1/07/2024
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06
Task description
An individual assessment based on the student's performance in the field (e.g., leadership, navigation, rock identification, 3D visualisation, appropriate usage of geological gear, etc).
Course Hurdle: All assessment must be submitted to pass the course. If a student does not submit ALL assessment, the highest grade that can be achieved is a grade of 3.
Submission guidelines
No submission is required for this assessment item
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Lake Moondarra mapping project
- Team or group-based
- In-person
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance, Written
- Category
- Practical/ Demonstration
- Weight
- 40%
- Due date
Stratigraphic column 21/06/2024 9:00 pm
Final submission 24/06/2024 5:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06
Task description
A group assessment based on a 6-days mapping exercise. Assessment will be made based on fact map, Interpretation map, two cross sections, and a stratigraphic column. All mapping and written project material must be to a professional standard that includes accurate observations, precise data recording, a synthesis of the field and mapping data, and geologically viable and reasonable interpretations.
Course Hurdle: All assessment must be submitted to pass the course. If a student does not submit ALL assessment, the highest grade that can be achieved is a grade of 3.
Submission guidelines
Submitted directly to the lecturers.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Late submission
A penalty of 3% will be applied for every one-hour delay in submission.
Individual mapping
- In-person
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance, Written
- Category
- Practical/ Demonstration
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
Mica Creek outcrop map 26/06/2024 8:00 pm
Final individual map 1/07/2024 3:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06
Task description
Individual assessments based on two single-day mapping exercises. All mapping and written project material must be to a professional standard that includes accurate observations, precise data recording, a synthesis of the field and mapping data, and geologically viable and reasonable interpretations.
Course Hurdle: All assessment must be submitted to pass the course. If a student does not submit ALL assessment, the highest grade that can be achieved is a grade of 3.
Submission guidelines
Submitted directly to the lecturers.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Late submission
A penalty of 3% will be applied for every one-hour delay in submission.
Mica Creek mapping project
- Team or group-based
- In-person
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance, Written
- Category
- Practical/ Demonstration
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
30/06/2024 5:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06
Task description
A group assessment based on a 3-days mapping exercise in polydeformed/ polymetamorphic sedimentary-igneous complex. Assessment will be made based on a fact map, an interp. map and a cross section. All mapping and written project material must be to a professional standard that includes accurate observations, precise data recording, a synthesis of the field and mapping data, and geologically viable and reasonable interpretations.
Course Hurdle: All assessment must be submitted to pass the course. If a student does not submit ALL assessment, the highest grade that can be achieved is a grade of 3.
Submission guidelines
Submitted directly to the lecturers.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Late submission
A penalty of 3% will be applied for every one-hour delay in submission.
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
Course Hurdle: All assessment must be submitted to pass the course. If a student does not submit ALL assessment, the highest grade that can be achieved is a grade of 3.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
Applications for Extensions
Information on applying for an extension can be found here - my.UQ Applying for an extension
Extension applications must be received by the assessment due date and time.
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 Word document outlining why you cannot provide the documentation and upload the documentation to the portal within 24 hours.
Please note: While your extension request is being considered, you should work towards completing and submitting your assessment as soon as possible.
If you have been ill or unable to attend class for more than 4 weeks in a semester, we advise you to carefully consider whether you are capable of successfully completing your courses. You might need to consider applying for removal of course. We strongly recommend you seek advice from the Faculty that administers your program.
Extensions with Student Access Plans (SAP)
For extensions up to 7 days, your SAP is all that is required as documentation to support your application. However, extension requests longer than 7 days (for any one assessment item) will require the submission of additional supporting documentation e.g., a medical certificate. A maximum of two applications may be submitted for any one assessment item, unless exceptional circumstances can be demonstrated. All extension requests must be received by the assessment due date and time.
All mapping and written project material must be to a professional standard that includes accurate observations, precise data recording, a synthesis of the field and mapping data, and geologically viable and reasonable interpretations.
Lake Moondarra mapping project (Total = 40%)
· Fact Map (Total = 12%)
- o Coverage: how well did you cover the mapping area (3%)
- o Data collection: bedding and younging criteria (1.5%)
- o Data collection: cleavage, intersection lineation, fold hinges, fold axial planes (1.5%)
- o Mapping techniques, e.g., lithological and structural symbols, contact lines, precision, neatness, legend, and consistency between map and legend (3%)
- o Accuracy (3%)
· Interpretation Map (Total = 12%)
- o Legend: complete unit descriptions (not single words), includes both rock-type information, bedding thicknesses, and explanations of all symbols used (1.2%).
- o Map information: scale, scale bar, north arrows, authors, title, date (0.6%)
- o Fidelity: accuracy in transferring data from the fact map to interpretation map (1.2%).
- o Trend lines: interpretation of general strike of bedding throughout the entire map (1.2%)
- o Folds: interpretation of the axial planes and hinges of folds (1.2%)
- o Folds: interpretation of the 3D orientation and kinematics of faults (1.2%)
- o Map-scale interpretation: do the 3D geometry and geological relationships make sense? (3%)
- o Presentation: precision, neatness, scale, colouring etc. (2.4%)
· Cross section AA’ (Total = 6%)
- o Techniques and precision of construction (e.g., the x-section includes information on the scale, units, and orientation; the location of the section is shown on the map; legend included, etc) (0.6%)
- o Accuracy of surface data, including bedding orientation, stratigraphy, folds, and faults (1.8%)
- o Interpretation of subsurface geology and geological reasonableness (2.4%)
- o Presentation: precision, neatness, colouring etc. (1.2%)
· Cross section BB’ (Total = 2%)
· Stratigraphic column (Total = 8%)
- o Stratigraphic order and accuracy (0.8%)
- o Units’ description and interpretation of depositional environments
- o (3.2%)
- o Units’ thickness (1.6%)
- o Information on grain size, sedimentary features and unconformities (1.2%)
- o Legend (0.4%)
- o Presentation: precision and neatness (0.8%)
Mica Creek mapping project (Total = 30%)
· Fact Map (Total = 12%)
- o Coverage (2.4%)
- o Measurements (2.4%)
- o Lithological contacts and accuracy (2.4%)
- o Mapping techniques (2.4%)
- o Presentation (2.4%)
· Interpretation Map (Total = 12%)
- o Legend and map information (3%)
- o Fidelity: accuracy in transferring data from the fact map to interpretation map (1.2%)
- o Form lines and interpretation (5.4%)
- o Presentation: precision, neatness, scale, colouring etc. (2.4%)
· Cross section (Total = 6%)
- o Accuracy (1.8%)
- o Interpretation of subsurface geology and geological reasonableness (3.6%)
- o Presentation: information on scale and orientation, form lines, legend, precision, neatness, colouring etc. (0.6%)
Individual mapping exercises:
· Mica Creek outcrop map (Total = 10%)
- o Coverage (1.5%)
- o Quantity and correctness of measurements (2%)
- o Lithological contacts (1.5%)
- o Trendlines (2%)
- o Legend (1.5%)
- o Presentation (1.5%)
· Final individual mapping project (Total = 10%)
- o Scale and orientation (1.5%)
- o Measurements of bedding, cleavage, and intersection lineations (1.5%)
- o Mapping techniques and accuracy (2.5%)
- o Interpretation (2.5%)
- o Legend (1%)
- o Presentation (1%)
Field techniques (Total = 10%)
· Leadership
· Navigation
· Rock identification
· 3D visualisation
· Appropriate usage of geological gear
· Notebook techniques
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.
Other course materials
If we've listed something under further requirement, you'll need to provide your own.
Required
| Item | Description | Further Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Field gear | see below | own item needed |
Additional learning resources information
Field gear:
Broad brimmed hat
Backpack for fieldwork
Long sleeved shirts
Long trousers (no shorts during fieldwork)
Canteen or water bottles (at least 3L)
Sturdy boots in good condition
Sunscreen (>SPF30)
Sunglasses
Gaiters (to protect your shins from spinifex grass) (recommended)
Personal first aid kit (band-aids, antiseptic, tape and scissors for blisters, cold/flu tablets, personal medications)
Hard-bound field notebook
Geological hammer
Safety glasses
Hand lens
Magnet
Pencils and pens, including a set of permanent markers and Pentel (sizes of 0.03, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3 and 1). Students frequently lose pens in the field, so please bring extra permanent marker pens.
Protractor
Ruler
Coloured pencils
A4 and A3 tracing papers
Additional costs
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
Field trip costs |
$200, heavily subsidised travel costs (accommodation, local transport and food) |
Bus to Mt Isa (optional) |
$225 (UQ bus, return trip) |
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 |
Fieldwork |
Mt Isa Field Camp See timetable below Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Additional learning activity information
Sunday June 16: A 32-seater 4-wheel bus departs from Brisbane at 5:00 am. We will stay along the way in a shared accommodation. Students should bring sleeping bags. Arrive in Mt Isa in the afternoon of June 17th.
Monday June 17: Some students and staff will travel to Mount Isa independently. Lecturers will arrive at 9am and will take students directly to Moondarra Caravan Park. Students who need to be picked up from other locations (e.g. bus or train terminals) should contact the lecturers. Accommodation (dongas) should be ready on arrival at Moondarra Caravan Park. Shopping for groceries and supplies (if needed) will be completed in the afternoon.
Evening: Orientation meeting at 5:00pm and a 1.5 hour lecture on mapping techniques after dinner (8:00pm).
Tuesday June 18: Begin group mapping project at Lake Moondarra. Each group will start preparing a geological map, but the whole class will stay together and will be guided by the lecturers. We will conduct a transect across the mapping area immediately south of Lake Moondarra. The rocks are stratified, folded, and faulted, and show evidence of low greenschist facies rocks. The transect will concentrate on field techniques required to map these rocks, and on delineation of mappable contacts.
Evening: Transfer of daily mapping data to a compilation map and drafting of stratigraphic column. This procedure should be followed every night of mapping. First day maps will be checked in the evening for proper mapping techniques. Feedback will be provided using examples from the groups. You need to start a rough draft of your stratigraphic column tonight.
Wednesday June 19: Group mapping in the southern part of the Lake Moondarra mapping area. Each group will work individually.
Evening: Transfer of daily mapping data to a compilation map and drafting of stratigraphic column.
Thursday June 20: A guided transect in the northern part of the Lake Moondarra mapping area, and supervised mapping. Each group will continue to work on their geological map, but the whole class will stay together.
Evening: Transfer of daily mapping data to a compilation map and drafting of stratigraphic column.
Friday June 21: Group mapping. Each group will choose their own itinerary in the Lake Moondarra mapping area. Occasion interactions with staff will ensure that correct mapping techniques are being applied.
Evening: Finalizing stratigraphic column and turn it in.
-- Stratigraphic column due at 09:00 pm --
Saturday June 22: Group mapping. Each group will choose their own itinerary in the Lake Moondarra mapping area. Occasion interactions with staff will ensure that correct mapping techniques are being applied.
Evening: Transfer of daily mapping data to a compilation map. At 8:00 pm, there will be a 1-hour lecture on cross-section techniques and preparation of draft cross-sections across the map area.
Sunday June 23: Group mapping. Each group will choose their own itinerary in the Lake Moondarra mapping area. Occasion interactions with staff will ensure that correct mapping techniques are being applied.
Evening: Transfer of daily mapping data to compilation map and drafting of cross-sections.
Monday June 24: Preparation of maps and field results from the Lake Moondarra field area (no fieldwork).
-- Maps and cross-sections submission by 05:00 pm --
Tuesday June 25: Assessment and feedback on Moondarra maps. Group sessions with the instructors. Optional tours to mine and/or exploration sites.
Evening - preparation to the Mica Creek Outcrop exercise and a 1-hour lecture on overprinting criteria.
Wednesday June 26: Mica Creek outcrop map. Guided introduction to working on multiply deformed rocks and measuring overprinting relationships. Production of detailed map of multiply deformed outcrop.
-- Map due at 8:00 pm --
Thursday June 27: Mica Creek group mapping project (multiply deformed area with emphasis on meta-igneous rocks). The main emphasis will be on mapping several meta-igneous bodies and relating their intrusive history to one another and to the regional deformation history recorded by structural fabrics. On the first day we will perform a guided transect thorough the mapping area to become familiar with the main lithologies. Later in the afternoon, groups of will start working individually.
Friday June 28: Mica Creek group mapping project. Each group will choose their own itinerary. Occasion interactions with staff will ensure that correct mapping techniques are being applied.
Saturday June 29: Mica Creek group mapping project. Each group will choose their own itinerary. Occasion interactions with staff will ensure that correct mapping techniques are being applied.
Sunday June 30: Mica Creek map compilation (no fieldwork).
-- Maps and cross-sections submission by 05:00 pm --
Monday July 1: Individual mapping project. Students will individually collect data for the preparation of an interpretation map to be submitted at the end of the day in the field.
-- Submission by 03:00 pm --
Tuesday July 2: Departure. UQ bus will drive back to Brisbane, departing early in the morning on Tuesday and arriving in the evening of July 3. The remainder of the group will fly back from Mt Isa to Brisbane/Canberra. Transportation from the caravan park to the airport will be provided.
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 - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
You'll also need to be aware of the following policies and procedures while completing this course:
- Student Travel