Earth Sciences Stage II courses

Field survey techniques for earth sciences, including spatial–temporal geological and geomorphological evolution reconstruction. Includes: field surveying, terrain/geological mapping and systematic observation and recording, links between earth surface processes and geological formations, geological structures, stratigraphy, sedimentology and palaeontology. Practical classes utilise data from residential field course/ independent mapping projects.

This course is taught in: First Semester, City Campus (S1 C)

Format: three 1-hour lectures and one 3-hour lab per week, plus three compulsory field trips - 1 day, 5-6 days, 2 days - run over weekends and teaching breaks. Dates to be advised.
Points: 15
Assessment: 100% coursework
Prerequisite: 15 points from EARTHSCI 103, GEOLOGY 103,104
Restriction: GEOLOGY 201
Course coodinator: Barry O'Connor

Explores the evolution of the Earth from its molten beginnings to the dynamic planet we live on today. Topics include: stratigraphy (litho-, bio-, cyclo-, magneto-); evolution; paleoecology; Precambrian Earth (formation, first continents and beginnings of life); development of the Earth and life through the Phanerozoic Eon.

This course is taught in: Second Semester, City Campus (S2 C).

Format: three 1-hour lectures and one 3-hour laboratory per week; plus a one day field trip
Points: 15
Assessment: 60% coursework (labs and assignments), 40% examination
Prerequisite: 15 points from GEOLOGY 103 or GEOLOGY 104
Restriction: GEOLOGY 202
Course coordinator:  Barry O'Connor

An examination of the origin and evolution of igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks by focussing on formative processes in the Earth's interior and surface. Material covered includes: controls on the mineralogy and chemistry of magmas; sedimentary processes and controls; biogenic sediments; and metamorphic facies. Silicate and carbonate minerals will be introduced and used to develop petrographic microscopy skills. The course includes fieldwork.

This course is taught in: First Semester, City Campus (S1 C).

Format: three 1-hour lectures and one 3-hour lab per week
Points: 15
Assessment: 50% coursework, 50% final examination
Prerequisite: 15 points from EARTHSCI 103, GEOLOGY 103
Restriction: GEOLOGY 203
Course coordinator:  Philip Shane

A foundation course in structural geology introduces students to descriptive and analytical methods for working with deformed rock. On completion of this course a student will be able to describe brittle and ductile structures, undertake simple analyses of stress and strain, and appreciate the role that structural geology plays in the applied and fundamental geological sciences, including engineering geology, geophysics, mineral and energy exploration, hydrogeology, and tectonophysics. Students enrolling in this course are encouraged to complement it with courses in any of mathematics, physics and/or geomechanics.

This course is taught in: Second Semester, City Campus (S2 C).

Format: two 1-hour lectures and one 2-hour lab per week, and a compulsory 1-day field trip scheduled for either a Saturday or Sunday (check the course website)
Points: 15
Assessment: 50% coursework, 50% final examination
Prerequisite: 15 points from EARTHSCI 103, GEOLOGY 103, 104
Restriction: GEOLOGY 204
Course coordinator:   Julie Rowland

Take a 500 million year journey through time following the geologic and biologic development of New Zealand from humble beginnings on the edge of the ancient supercontinent Gondwana to the present day geologically dynamic land mass beset by volcanic eruptions, earthquakes and massive erosion as a consequence of being located on the edge of the Earth's largest tectonic plate.

This course is taught in: First semester, City Campus (S1 C)

Format: two 1-hour lectures per week, plus a one day field trip
Points: 15
Assessment: 50% coursework, 50% final examination
Prerequisite: 75 Points passed
Restriction: GEOLOGY 205, 205G
Course coordinator:  Barry O'Connor