Outline

Overview

Understanding the processes by which the Earth is shaped, rock systems evolve, and mineral resources are formed, is key to address the challenges of sustainable development (cf. UN Sustainable Goals 1, 2, 7, 8, 12). The geological record accessible at the Earth's surface provides detailed insights into Earth's processes and past geological crises that have punctuated the long Earth's history. GEOS3008 offers a unique experience through field-based immersive learning, and the opportunity to develop a flair for 3-dimensional geological thinking. In this unit of study, you will collect data in the field to understand not only the geology hidden underneath the Earth's surface, but also the geology that once was above it and now lost through erosion. You will learn to decode the temperature, pressure and strain history of metamorphic rocks. You will sharpen your problem-solving skills by combining and applying knowledge from various geoscience subdisciplines to decode rock systems (e.g., sedimentary, igneous, metamorphic). You will learn to identify and address in the field geological problems by designing and implementing a plan of field data collection, analysis and interpretation to test multiple hypotheses. Through exposure to field-based investigations, you will learn to integrate the uncertainties inherent in natural studies, and you will become confident in exploring complex Earth systems. Moving to the future of field geology, you will use digital technology to collect and analyse geological data, gaining appreciation of open data sharing and cybertechnology in Earth Sciences. You will learn to synthesize field observations into four-dimensional models that describe the geological evolution of an area.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Geosciences Academic Operations
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	GEOS2124 or GEOS2924
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	GEOL3103 or GEOS3908
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Vasileios Chatzaras, vasileios.chatzaras@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Patrice Rey, patrice.rey@sydney.edu.au
	Sara Moron Polanco, sara.moronpolanco@sydney.edu.au
	Vasileios Chatzaras, vasileios.chatzaras@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Assignment	Formative Assignments Formative Assignments	30%	Multiple weeks	Multiple days
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Summative Assignments Summative Assignments	50%	Multiple weeks	Multiple days
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Workshop Exercises Take-home exercise	10%	Week 01	Multiple days
Outcomes assessed:
Small test	Test on key literature Short answer test on questions relevant to the geology of the study area.	10%	Week 03	90 minutes
Outcomes assessed:

Assessment summary

Workshop exercises: Complete a series of exercises during the pre-excursion workshop.
Small test: Assessment on background reading of key literature.
Formative Assignments: Complete assignments on geologcial mapping and analysis of geological structures in the field.
Summative Assignments: Complete assignments on geologcial mapping and analysis of geological structures in the field.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

GEOS3008 Field excursion - Marking Criteria

Criteria	Pass (50 - 64)	Credit (65 – 74)	Distinction (75 – 84)	High Distinction (85 – 100)
Rock and mineral identification	Correctly identify and describe the basic minerals and rock types in the assigned project area.	Correctly identify and describe all common minerals and rock types in the assigned project area.	As for credit, and correctly interpret nuanced relationships (depositional environments, facies variations, igneous petrogenesis, metamorphic grade variations).	As for distinction, and show a flair in the interpretation of nuanced relationships (dep- ositional environments, facies variations, igneous petrogenesis, metamorphic grade variations).
Geological mapping	Correctly interpret the basic geological relationships, correctly represent the relationships on the base map or air photo- graph and include a geological legend that correctly represents and labels the basic chronological relationships.	As for pass, and the stratigraphy of appropriate units will be well defined with type sections indicated, and the structure will be well constrained with an appropriate amount of data. Geological legend will correctly represent and label most chronological relationships.	As for credit and include accurate details. The stratigraphy of appropriate units will be well defined with type sections indicated, and the structure will be well constrained with an appropriate amount of data. An advanced level of achievement will be indicated from careful and accurate work indicating a high level of understanding of complex relationships.	As for distinction. An exceptional level of achievement will be indicated from detailed and accurate work, and demonstrate an exceptional level of understanding of complex relationships. Evidence of independent reading, cross-disciplinary understanding and initative is expected.
Cross sections / Block diagrams	Indicate an adequate capacity to interpret 3D relationships through the construction of appropriate and reasonable sections or block diagrams.	Correctly interpret 3D relationships through the construction of appropriate sections or block diagrams.	As for credit, with accurate detail, and the structure will be well constrained with an appropriate amount of data. An advanced level of achievement will be indicated.	As for distinction. An exceptional level of achievement will be indicated from accurate work and the resolution of complex relationships.
Identification of geological structures	Demonstrate the capacity to interpret and document the basic structural features, including folds, faults and superposed foliations in multiply deformed rocks. Be able to represent relevant field data and perform basic manipulations in common equal area projections.	Correctly interpret and document structural features, including folds, faults and superposed foliations in multiply deformed rocks. Be able to represent relevant field data and perform manipulations in common equal area projections.	As for credit, with accurate detail, and the structure will be well constrained with an appropriate amount of data. An advanced level of achievement will be indicated from accurate work.	As for distinction. An exceptional level of achievement will be indicated from accurate work and the resolution of complex relationships.
Geological history	Synthesise the field and mapping data to produce a reasonable geological interpretation.	Synthesise the field and mapping data to produce a reasonable and detailed geological interpretation.	As for credit, with accurate detail justfied from field observations. An advanced level of achievement will be indicated from careful accurate work.	As for distinction. An exceptional level of achievement will be indicated from detailed insight related to personal observations and interpretations. Evidence of independent reading, cross-disciplinary understanding and initative is expected.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity	Learning outcomes
Multiple weeks	Geological field techniques	Field trip (104 hr)
Week 01	On-campus workshops	Workshop (20 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: Due to the nature of the exercises, there are no alternatives to physically attending the field trip. For exceptions, please contact directly the UoS coordinator.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Textbooks for this unit can be accessed through the Library eReserve, available on Canvas. Literature for the field area will be provided on Canvas.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. Develop an advanced knowledge of geological mapping and field analysis techniques, acquiring skills transferable to a wide range of geological systems.
LO2. Identify geological problems and develop problem-solving skills in the field environment: Address geological problems by designing and implementing a plan of data collection, analysis and interpretation that acknowledges assumptions, limitations, and uncertainty.
LO3. Use geological digital data systems to collect and analyse qualitative and quantitative geological information in the field.
LO4. Combine modern structural practice with understanding of rock systems (e.g., sedimentary, igneous, metamorphic).
LO5. Use field data and potentially synthesize with additional information (e.g., geophysical, geochronological, geochemical, petrological, microstructural data) to unravel complex geological and tectonic processes in space and time.
LO6. Present geological observations and interpretations in a professional manner in the form of succinct reports.
LO7. Develop and practice fieldwork, health, and safety protocols.
LO8. Develop an understanding and appreciation of diversity in problem-solving teams, to actively and effectively collaborate in racially, ethnically, culturally, and gender diverse groups.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

The following changes have been implemented in response to 2022 student feedback: 1) Additional time for field data synthesis: The field-based assignments were redesigned allocating more time towards the processing and synthesis of field observations. 2) A day off was added in the second week of the field school. 3) A workshop dedicated to core logging was added to prepare students for the core logging assignment during the Broken Hill field school. 4) The reading material required for the literature test has been reduced.

Additional information

More information related to this unit will be provided during the on-campus workshops, on Canvas, and through direct communication with the UoS Coordinator and the rest Teaching Team.

The field school to Broken Hill is scheduled for 3-18 July. Please note that fieldwork planning is subject to change depending on NSW Government guidelines and restrictions.

Additional costs

Each student will need to pay a contribution to cover transport, living and accommodation expenses whilst on the excursion. An indicative amount for the contribution is $1,450. The fee will need to be paid to the University before a specified deadline. Each student will also need to pay for their own train ticket between Sydney and Broken Hill. Information regarding transport will be provided by the UoS coordinator. Importantly, The Edgeworth David Travelling Scholarship has been approved to reimburse USyd students for up to $1000 who attend the Broken Hill field trip in 2023. The reimbursement will be received following the completion of the field school. We are mindful that the costs may be a burden to some students. However, the attendance of each student on this excursion presents a substantial cost to the School beyond individual contributions. Students that perceive having problems meeting this commitment can confidentially contact the UoS coordinator to discuss.

Site visit guidelines

Information regarding field conditions and relevant inductions will be completed during the first on-campus workshop.

Work, health and safety

It is students’ responsibility to take all personal medication required for the duration of the fieldtrip and inform trip leaders of any issues that might arise during the fieldtrip. As we will be in remote locations mobile phone reception might nit be available in some of the study areas. Advance warning of any potentially serious issues is common sense and necessary.

Most days of the fieldtrip involve spending approximately eight hours in isolated field areas, during which you will be walking and making observations and interpretations over locally rugged but not steep terrain. The mean diurnal temperature range for the area in July is 6–15°C, but nights can be colder (below zero) and days may be warmer (20°C). Participants should be physically capable of such activity. If you have any concerns, please discuss with the UoS coordinator well before the field school.

It is recommended (but not required) that all participants have attained competency in HLTFA311A Apply First Aid (or equivalent), through a registered training organisation. Those of you who have already enrolled to GEOS3008, or intend to enrol, please complete, sign and submit the online Field School Disclosure and Acknowledgement Form, when requested by the UoS Coordinator. Submission of the form is compulsory.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Site visit guidelines

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

GEOS3008: Field Geology in the Digital Age

Intensive July, 2023 [Block mode] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Site visit guidelines

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect