300-level

GEOL309
Mantle and Magmatic Processes
Description
Have you ever wondered what the Earth’s mantle is made of, how it melts to generate magma, why the magma erupts where it does and why magmas erupting in different tectonic settings have different compositions? This course will provide answers to these questions and many more. It will examine the nature, origin, and interpretation of igneous rocks and mineral assemblages, as well as the magmatic processes that have produced these materials. Additionally, students will develop an understanding of the petrological evolution of the crustal lithosphere within a modern plate dynamic framework. Case studies will be used from across the globe to provide examples of various magmatic systems, but there will be a particular emphasis on those from the Pacific island nations, including Aotearoa New Zealand. Students taking this course will receive a broad grounding in the experimental, petrographical and geochemical aspects of igneous petrogenesis and magmatic processes. This will be achieved in two lectures and one laboratory class each week, along with half a day of fieldwork to collect geochemical data and a subsequent laboratory class to describe, evaluate interpret those data. Students will be expected to set their work in the context of the broader published literature. Completion of activities in each lecture, marked output from lab classes and a discussion in which the student demonstrates the level of their understanding of key concepts will contribute to the course mark.
Occurrences
Semester Two 2024
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
GEOL242
Restrictions
GEOL209, GEOL336
GEOL326
Volcanology and Science Communication
Description
This course will teach you how and why volcanoes erupt and how to communicate this to diverse audiences. During the course you will explore our local volcanoes on fieldtrips, and explore volcanoes in North Island NZ/Aotearoa and Iceland via virtual fieldtrips. During the labs you will use microscopes, cooking, and explosions to describe volcanic deposits, understand lava viscosity, and explain volcanic hazards Students will learn science observation methods and develop their bicultural competence, hearing from mana whenua, and applying their learning in a volcano science communication project. The course is intended for geology majors and those in any Sciences wishing to learn more about Aotearoa/New Zealand’s volcanoes and how to communicate science.
Occurrences
Semester Two 2024
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
GEOL101 or GEOL102, as well as 30 points from 200-level GEOL courses
Restrictions
GEOL206, GEOL336
GEOL331
Principles of Basin Analysis
Description
An introduction to the principles, methods and tools of basin analysis.
Occurrences
Semester Two 2024
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
GEOL243 and any 15 points at 200 level from GEOL
GEOL340
Special Topic
Description
Students may only enrol in this Special Topic course on the advice of the Department of Geological Sciences.
Occurrences
Semester Two 2024
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
Subject to approval of the Head of Department
GEOL342
Special Topic
Description
Students may only enrol in this Special Topic course on the advice of the Department of Geological Sciences.
Occurrences
Semester One 2024
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
Subject to approval of the Head of Department
GEOL343
Special Topic
Description
Students may only enrol in this Special Topic course on the advice of the Department of Geological Sciences.
Occurrences
Semester Two 2024
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
Subject to approval of the Head of Department
GEOL345
Groundwater and Geothermal Systems
Description
This course provides an introduction to water in the subsurface environment. The emphasis is on the common unifying concepts that underlie the two main topics covered - groundwater and geothermal systems - and the linkages and differences between them. In addition to the concepts, the students will learn how to observe, measure and/or estimate key parameters, e.g. flow through porous and fractured media, interaction with surface water/springs, and the effects on these parameters from human exploitation (pumping and production). For geothermal systems, this will encompass the liquid and gas phases of water and how surface measurements can provide insights into the deep reservoir. Learning concepts, processes and parameters in groundwater and geothermal systems will be contextualised by the global significance of water and renewable energy resources, and how these are valued and managed in Aotearoa (including matauranga and kaitiakitanga perspectives) and the Pacific.
Occurrences
Semester One 2024
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
Any 100 level GEOL course. MATH101 or equivalent is highly recommended.
GEOL351
Advanced Field Techniques
Description
Extended field work and related exercises aimed at broadening geological experience in the understanding and interpretation of rocks at outcrop, field map, and regional scales.
Occurrences
Semester One 2024
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
, (1) GEOL240 and GEOL241, and (2) GEOL243 (3) 30 points from other GEOL 200-level courses.
Co-requisites
15 points from GEOL331-357 offered in the same semester.
GEOL352
Advanced Field Mapping
Description
Extended field mapping and related exercises aimed at broadening geological experience in the understanding and interpretation of rocks at outcrop, field map, and regional scales.
Occurrences
General non-calendar-based 2024
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
, (1) GEOL240 and GEOL241, and (2) GEOL244 (3) 30 points from other GEOL 200-level courses.
Co-requisites
15 points from GEOL331-357 offered in the same semester.
GEOL354
Geodynamics and Geohazards
Description
This inter-disciplinary course focuses on the dynamics of potentially hazardous geological events and the connections between geodynamics and societal risk.
Occurrences
Semester One 2024
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
GEOL102; any 30 points from GEOL244, GEOL246, or GEOG215.
ENVR356
Field-focused Research Methods in Environmental Science
Description
This course links field-based learning and/or data collection with instruction in research methods and tutorials dedicated to working in research teams analysing, processing and interpreting data in the broad subject area of environmental science.
Occurrences
General non-calendar-based 2024
Special non-calendar-based Two 2024
Points
30 points
Prerequisites
Enrolment in the Frontiers Abroad programme and Head of Department approval. RP: Completion of course(s) at home institution in the broader field of Earth Systems Science and Environmental Science and Studies.
Restrictions
GEOL356. This course is not open to non-Frontiers Abroad students
GEOL356
Field-focused Research Methods
Occurrences
General non-calendar-based 2024
Special non-calendar-based Two 2024
Points
30 points
Prerequisites
Subject to approval of the Head of Department.
Restrictions
ENVR356

Not Offered Courses in 2024

300-level

GEOL338
Engineering and Mining Geology
Description
Principles and practices of geology associated with engineering and mining activities.
Occurrences
GEOL338-24S2 (C)
Semester Two 2024 - Not offered
For further information see GEOL338 course details
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
GEOL242 and GEOL246
GEOL339
Special Topic
Description
Students may only enrol in this Special Topic course on the advice of the Department of Geological Sciences.
Occurrences
GEOL339-24S1 (C)
Semester One 2024 - Not offered
For further information see GEOL339 course details
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
Subject to approval of the Head of Department
GEOL340
Special Topic
Description
Students may only enrol in this Special Topic course on the advice of the Department of Geological Sciences.
Occurrences
GEOL340-24S1 (C)
Semester One 2024 - Not offered
For further information see GEOL340 course details
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
Subject to approval of the Head of Department
GEOL343
Special Topic
Description
Students may only enrol in this Special Topic course on the advice of the Department of Geological Sciences.
Occurrences
GEOL343-24S1 (C)
Semester One 2024 - Not offered
For further information see GEOL343 course details
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
Subject to approval of the Head of Department
GEOL347
Forensic Palaeontology
Description
The palaeontology and palaeobiogeographic development of Aotearoa New Zealand is examined through the investigation of selected marine and terrestrial fossil invertebrate and vertebrate groups. The course is recommended for geology majors and those in biological or environmental sciences with an interest in New Zealand's palaeontological history and unique taonga.
Occurrences
Not offered 2024, offered in 2023
For further information see GEOL347 course details
Points
15 points
GEOL357
Topics in New Zealand Geology
Description
This course examines New Zealand geology in a regional and global context of tectonics, climate, and oceanographic events. Topics covered will include tectonics, resources and the geological development of New Zealand. The course aims to develop student’s research, presentation and written communication, and geological synthesis skills, and to build an understanding of New Zealand geology relevant to our future. This course is seen as a capstone course for BSc students, and useful preparation for those going on to postgraduate study.
Occurrences
Not offered 2024, offered in 2018 , 2019 , 2020 , 2021 , 2022
For further information see GEOL357 course details
Points
15 points