This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the materials, processes, and history of the Earth through the study of landscapes, geological structures, rocks, minerals, and geochemical data. Students develop practical skills in field mapping, rock and mineral identification, microscopic analysis, and interpreting geochemical data. Through field and laboratory investigations, they learn how geological evidence can reconstruct past environments, explain Earth processes, and determine the timing of geological events. The course emphasises the integration of multiple sources of geological information to build a holistic understanding of Earth's evolution and dynamic systems.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Classify igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks in hand specimen, field settings and thin section
- Interpret sedimentary rocks, structures and stratigraphic relationships in terms of depositional environment and geological history
- Recognise and interpret common structures produced by crustal deformation
- Map and quantitatively describe geological structures in the field
- Interpret mineral and geochemical data to infer geological processes leading to the formation of igneous and metamorphic rock
- Understand deep time in geology and the basis of radiogenic clock systems
- Integrate field, structural, petrological and geochemical datasets to interpret Earth history and solid Earth systems
Other Information
Over the first week of the mid semester teaching break (usually in April) we will undertake a week long field trip where student will develop practical skills in geological observation, mapping, data collection, and interpretation. As an indication, this field trip cost students $400 in 2026.
Fieldtrip payments can be made via Scienceshop .
Indicative Assessment
- In class assessment during practicals (20) [LO 1,5]
- Assignments completed outside class (30) [LO 5,6,7]
- Field based assessment (20) [LO 2,3,4,7]
- Final practical examination (30) [LO 1,2,3,5,6,7]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
The expected workload will consist of approximately 130 hours throughout the semester including:
- Face-to face component which may consist of 1 x 1 and 1 x 2 hour lectures, plus 1 x 3-4 hour practical per week
- An additional six day field trip will take place during the mid-semester break.
- Approximately 30 hours of self-directed study which will include preparation for lectures, presentations and other assessment tasks.
Students are expected to actively participate and contribute towards discussions and activities.
Inherent Requirements
Students in this course must typically participate in an approximately 6 day field trip. This requires students to be able to:
- Travel to the field location and stay in field accommodation such as shared basic cabins or dorm rooms;
- Safely traverse short distances (approximately 10-500m) over uneven ground.
Students who cannot meet these requirements may be able to negotiate alternative participation and assessment requirements with the course convenor. Please see the trip information page for more information.
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
No prescribed textsPreliminary Reading
Winter, J.: Introduction to Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology, Prentice Hall
Gill, R.C.O: Igneous Rocks & Processes, Wiley-Blackwell
Klein, C & Philpotts, A: Earth Materials — Introduction to Mineralogy and Petrology. Cambridge
Assumed Knowledge
Basic inorganic chemistry and mathematicsFees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 2
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2027 | $5040 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2027 | $7200 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4006 | 22 Feb 2027 | 01 Mar 2027 | 31 Mar 2027 | 28 May 2027 | In Person | N/A |