Economic Geology

Unit Outline (Higher Education)

Level of Unit in Course

AQF Level(s) of Course

Level of Unit in Course

Introductory

Intermediate

Effective Term:

2024/20

Institute / School :

Institute of Innovation, Science & Sustainability

Unit Title:

Economic Geology

Unit ID:

SCGEO3116

Credit Points:

15.00

Prerequisite(s):

SCGEO1103

Co-requisite(s):

Nil

Exclusion(s):

(SCGEO2105)

ASCED:

010703

Other Change:

Brief description of the Unit

This unit provides students with a solid grounding in the fundamental concepts and skills they will need to put their work in the minerals industry into its geological context. The unit describes the formation and occurrence of the major ore deposit styles in both space and time, and gives students the opportunity to improve their rock and mineral identification skills through observing samples from a range of world-class deposits. Students will also work in a multidisciplinary team to examine an important ore deposit.

Grade Scheme:

Graded (HD, D, C, P, MF, F, XF)

Work Experience Indicator:

No work experience

Placement Component: No

Supplementary Assessment:

Where supplementary assessment is available a student must have failed overall in the Unit but gained a final mark of 45 per cent or above, has completed all major assessment tasks (including all sub-components where a task has multiple parts) as specified in the Unit Description and is not eligible for any other form of supplementary assessment

Course Level:

Learning Outcomes:

This unit aims to provide students with a solid grounding in the fundamental concepts and skills they will
need to work effectively in the minerals industry. The unit describes the formation and occurrence of the
major ore deposit styles in both space and time, and gives students the opportunity to improve their rock and
mineral identification skills through observing samples from a range of world-class deposits. At the completion
of this unit, student will be able to:

Knowledge:

K1.	Describe common ore deposit models and appreciate their significance in mineral exploration

K2.	Describe the variety of ore minerals and textures and relate to ore deposit models and formation

K3.	Define the relationship between plate tectonics and the distribution of mineral deposits in space and time

K4.	Categorise and compare a range of world-class mineral deposits and explain their importance to humans

Skills:

S1.	Review a mineral deposit and mining operation with integration of financial, mining, metallurgical and geological components

S2.	Identify and differentiate a range of key minerals and describe associated ore deposit styles, and relate to commodities of use

S3.	Demonstrate research and communication skills

Application of knowledge and skills:

A1.	Identify and describe mineral and rock samples from a range of ore deposit styles

A2.	Interpret likely ore deposit styles based on lithological and tectonic relationships

A3.	Collaborate with others in a multi-disciplinary team and report the findings of an investigation

Unit Content:

•Mineral Economics and human population
•Plate tectonics and metallogeny
•Ore deposit types including rock suites, alteration, host rocks, grade characteristics and mining methods
•Exploration practice related to specific deposit types
•Mining in a modern world - legislation, native title and environmental practice

Graduate Attributes:

Federation University recognises that students require key transferable employability skills to prepare them for their future workplace and society. FEDTASKS (Transferable Attributes Skills and Knowledge) provide a targeted focus on five key transferable Attributes, Skills, and Knowledge that are be embedded within curriculum, developed gradually towards successful measures and interlinked with cross-discipline and Co-operative Learning opportunities. One or more FEDTASK, transferable Attributes, Skills or Knowledge must be evident in the specified learning outcomes and assessment for each FedUni Unit, and all must be directly assessed in each Course.

FED TASK and descriptor		Development and acquisition of FEDTASKS in the Unit
FED TASK and descriptor		Learning outcomes (KSA)	Assessment task (AT#)
FEDTASK 1 Interpersonal	Students will demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate, inter-act and work with others both individually and in groups. Students will be required to display skills in-person and/or online in: • Using effective verbal and non-verbal communication • Listening for meaning and influencing via active listening • Showing empathy for others • Negotiating and demonstrating conflict resolution skills • Working respectfully in cross-cultural and diverse teams.	K1-K4, S1, S2, S3, A1, A3	AT1
FEDTASK 2 Leadership	Students will demonstrate the ability to apply professional skills and behaviours in leading others. Students will be required to display skills in: • Creating a collegial environment • Showing self -awareness and the ability to self-reflect • Inspiring and convincing others • Making informed decisions • Displaying initiative	S1, S3, A3	AT3
FEDTASK 3 Critical Thinking and Creativity	Students will demonstrate an ability to work in complexity and ambiguity using the imagination to create new ideas. Students will be required to display skills in: • Reflecting critically • Evaluating ideas, concepts and information • Considering alternative perspectives to refine ideas • Challenging conventional thinking to clarify concepts • Forming creative solutions in problem solving.	K3, K4, S1, A2, A3	AT3
FEDTASK 4 Digital Literacy	Students will demonstrate the ability to work fluently across a range of tools, platforms and applications to achieve a range of tasks. Students will be required to display skills in: • Finding, evaluating, managing, curating, organising and sharing digital information • Collating, managing, accessing and using digital data securely • Receiving and responding to messages in a range of digital media • Contributing actively to digital teams and working groups • Participating in and benefiting from digital learning opportunities.	S1, A3	AT3
FEDTASK 5 Sustainable and Ethical Mindset	Students will demonstrate the ability to consider and assess the consequences and impact of ideas and actions in enacting ethical and sustainable decisions. Students will be required to display skills in: • Making informed judgments that consider the impact of devising solutions in global economic environmental and societal contexts • Committing to social responsibility as a professional and a citizen • Evaluating ethical, socially responsible and/or sustainable challenges and generating and articulating responses • Embracing lifelong, life-wide and life-deep learning to be open to diverse others • Implementing required actions to foster sustainability in their professional and personal life.	K1, K4, S1, A3	AT3

	Learning Outcomes Assessed	Assessment Tasks	Assessment Type	Weighting
1.	K1-K4, S2, A1-A2	Examine a range of mineral deposits as examples of those studied in class.Examine the importance, and social and ethical implications of our use of earth resources. Examine and describe samples from those deposits,and answer questions relating to their formation, geological and tectonic setting, alteration, and mineralogy.	Practical assignments	30-40%
2.	K1, K4, S1, S2, S3, A3	Work in groups to research and report back on a particular commodity of economic value, using a specific nominated deposit as a case study.	Team-based research report	20-30%
3.	K1-K4, S2, S3, A2	Students will be tested on their comprehension of concepts explored during the semester	Theory test	30-50%

Adopted Reference Style:

APA

Professional Standards / Competencies:

Standard / Competency

Threshold Learning Outcomes - Science: Initial

Attribute			Assessed	Level
1 Understanding Science
	1.1 Demonstrate a coherent understanding of science.
		1.1.1 Articulating the methods of science and explaining why current scientific knowledge is both contestable and testable by further inquiry.	Yes	Intermediate
		1.1.2 Explaining the role and relevance of science in society.	Yes	Advanced
2 Scientific Knowledge
	2.1 Exhibit depth and breadth of scientific knowledge.
		2.1.1 Demonstrating well-developed knowledge in at least one disciplinary area.	Yes	Advanced
		2.1.2 Demonstrating knowledge in at least one other disciplinary area.	Yes	Intermediate
3 Inquiry and Problem Solving
	3.1 Critically analyse and solve scientific problems.
		3.1.1 Gathering, synthesising and critically evaluating information from a range of source.	Yes	Advanced
		3.1.2 Designing and planning an investigation.	Yes	Advanced
		3.1.3 Selecting and applying practical and / or theoretical techniques or tools in order to conduct an investigation.	Yes	Intermediate
		3.1.4 Collecting, accurately recording, interpreting and drawing conclusions from scientific data.	Yes	Intermediate
4 Communication
	4.1 Be effective communicators of science.
		4.1.1 Communicating scientific results, information, or arguments, to a range of audiences, for a range of purposes, and using a variety of modes.	Yes	Advanced
5 Personal and Professional Responsibility
	5.1 Be accountable for their own learning and scientific work.
		5.1.1 Being independent and self-directed learners.	Yes	Advanced
		5.1.2 Working effectively, responsibly and safely in an individual or team context.	Yes	Advanced
		5.1.3 Demonstrating knowledge of the regulatory frameworks relevant to their disciplinary area and personally practising ethical conduct.	Yes	Intermediate

Engineers Australia - Stage 1 (Professional): 2017 accreditation & AQF

Attribute			Assessed	Level
1 Knowledge and Skill Base
	1.1 Comprehensive, theory based understanding of the underpinning natural and physical sciences and the engineering fundamentals applicable to the engineering discipline.
		1.1.1 Engages with the engineering discipline at a phenomenological level, applying sciences and engineering fundamentals to systematic investigation, interpretation, analysis and innovative solution of complex problems and broader aspects of engineering practice.	No	Introductory
	1.2 Conceptual understanding of the, mathematics, numerical analysis, statistics, and computer and information sciences which underpin the engineering discipline.
		1.2.1 Develops and fluently applies relevant investigation analysis, interpretation, assessment, characterisation, prediction, evaluation, modelling, decision making, measurement, knowledge management and communication tools and techniques pertinent to the engineering discipline.	Yes	Introductory
	1.3 In-depth understanding of specialist bodies of knowledge within the engineering discipline.
		1.3.1 Proficiently applies advanced technical knowledge and skills in at least one specialist practice domain of the engineering discipline.	Yes	Intermediate
	1.4 Discernment of knowledge development and research directions within the engineering discipline.
		1.4.1 Identifies and critically appraises current developments, advanced technologies, emerging issues and interdisciplinary linkages in at least one specialist practice domain of the engineering discipline.	Yes	Intermediate
		1.4.2 Interprets and applies selected research literature to inform engineering application in at least one specialist domain of the engineering discipline.	Yes	Introductory
	1.5 Knowledge of contextual factors impacting the engineering discipline.
		1.5.1 Identifies and understands the interactions between engineering systems and people in the social, cultural, environmental, commercial, legal and political contexts in which they operate, including both the positive role of engineering in sustainable development and the potentially adverse impacts of engineering activity in the engineering discipline.	No	Introductory
		1.5.4 Identifies the structure, roles and capabilities of the engineering workforce.	Yes	Introductory
		1.5.5 Appreciates the issues associated with international engineering practice and global operating contexts.	Yes	Intermediate
	1.6 Understanding of the scope, principles, norms, accountabilities and bounds of contemporary engineering practice in the specific discipline.
		1.6.2 Appreciates the basis and relevance of standards and codes of practice, as well as legislative and statutory requirements applicable to the engineering discipline.	Yes	Introductory
		1.6.3 Appreciates the principles of safety engineering, risk management and the health and safety responsibilities of the professional engineer, including legislative requirements applicable to the engineering discipline.	No	Intermediate
2 Engineering Application Ability
	2.1 Application of established engineering methods to complex engineering problem solving.
		2.1.3 Competently addresses engineering problems involving uncertainty, ambiguity, imprecise information and wide-ranging and sometimes conflicting technical and non-technical factors.	Yes	Introductory
		2.1.5 Conceptualises alternative engineering approaches and evaluates potential outcomes against appropriate criteria to justify an optimal solution choice.	Yes	Intermediate
		2.1.6 Critically reviews and applies relevant standards and codes of practice underpinning the engineering discipline and nominated specialisations.	No	Introductory
		2.1.8 Interprets and ensures compliance with relevant legislative and statutory requirements applicable to the engineering discipline.	Yes	Introductory
		2.1.9 Investigates complex problems using research-based knowledge and research methods.	Yes	Intermediate
	2.2 Fluent application of engineering techniques, tools and resources.
		2.2.1 Proficiently identifies, selects and applies the materials, components, devices, systems, processes, resources, plant and equipment relevant to the engineering discipline.	Yes	Intermediate
		2.2.8 Safely applies laboratory, test and experimental procedures appropriate to the engineering discipline.	Yes	Introductory
	2.3 Application of systematic engineering synthesis and design processes.
		2.3.2 Addresses broad contextual constraints such as social, cultural, environmental, commercial, legal political and human factors, as well as health, safety and sustainability imperatives as an integral part of the design process.	Yes	Intermediate
3 Professional and Personal Attributes
	3.2 Effective oral and written communication in professional and lay domains.
		3.2.1 Is proficient in listening, speaking, reading and writing English, including: a) comprehending critically and fairly the viewpoints of others; b) expressing information effectively and succinctly, issuing instruction, engaging in discussion, presenting arguments and justification, debating and negotiating to technical and non-technical audiences and using textual, diagrammatic, pictorial and graphical media best suited to the context; c) representing an engineering position, or the engineering profession at large to the broader community; d) appreciating the impact of body language, personal behaviour and other non-verbal communication processes, as well as the fundamentals of human social behaviour and their cross-cultural differences.	Yes	Intermediate
	3.3 Creative, innovative and pro-active demeanour.
		3.3.3 Is aware of broader fields of science, engineering, technology and commerce from which new ideas and interfaces may be may drawn and readily engages with professionals from these fields to exchange ideas.	Yes	Intermediate
	3.5 Orderly management of self, and professional conduct.
		3.5.1 Demonstrates commitment to critical self-review and performance evaluation against appropriate criteria as a primary means of tracking personal development needs and achievements.	No	Introductory
		3.5.4 Manages time and processes effectively, prioritises competing demands to achieve personal, career and organisational goals and objectives.	No	Intermediate
		3.5.6 Presents a professional image in all circumstances, including relations with clients, stakeholders, as well as with professional and technical colleagues across wide ranging disciplines.	No	Intermediate
	3.6 Effective team membership and team leadership.
		3.6.1 Understands the fundamentals of team dynamics and leadership.	No	Intermediate
		3.6.2 Functions as an effective member or leader of diverse engineering teams, including those with multilevel, multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural dimensions.	Yes	Intermediate
		3.6.3 Earns the trust and confidence of colleagues through competent and timely completion of tasks.	No	Introductory
		3.6.4 Recognises the value of alternative and diverse viewpoints, scholarly advice and the importance of professional networking.	No	Introductory
		3.6.5 Confidently pursues and discerns expert assistance and professional advice.	No	Introductory
		3.6.6 Takes initiative and fulfils the leadership role whilst respecting the agreed roles of others.	No	Introductory