1997 QUT Handbook

materials are then studied under the following headings: mineralogy,
genesis, use and value, mining methods, beneficiation,
major overseas deposits, Australian deposits. The role of the
mine geologist. Practical work includes studies of economic
minerals, and exercises in interpretation of mine data.
Courses: SC30 Prerequisites: ESB312
Credit Points: 12 Contact Hours: 5 per week
■ ESB512 IGNEOUS & METAMORPHIC
PETROLOGY
The origin, formation, and geological history of igneous and
metamorphic rocks as determined from field and laboratory
studies of occurrences, mineral assemblages, rock compositions
and textures. Interpretation of rock and mineral
compositional diagrams; application of experimental work and
detailed computer modelling of petrochemical processes. Practical
work examines the petrography and geochemistry of igneous
and metamorphic suites. Field studies are an essential
component of the unit.
Courses: SC30 Prerequisites: ESB462
Credit Points: 12 Contact Hours: 5 per week
■ ESB522 HYDROGEOLOGY
A broad-based course on groundwater, directed to its occurrence
and quality, from both resource and environmental aspects.
The hydrological cycle; the origin, occurrence and
movement of groundwater; geology and character of aquifers;
the chemistry and quality of groundwater, and their monitoring;
exploration methods; drilling and testing methods and
equipment. Practical exercises with pump tests, groundwater
flow, material permeability, field testing, chemical analysis,
computer software and introduction to modelling. Laboratory
visits, demonstrations and a field practical, interaction with
government departments and private industry.
Courses: SC30 Prerequisites: ESB432
Credit Points: 12 Contact Hours: 5 per week
■ ESB542 STRUCTURAL & ENGINEERING
GEOLOGY
This unit furthers the understanding of deformation of midto
lower-crustal rocks and superposed folding, and develops
the method of balancing cross sections for thrust and normal
fault regimes. These concepts and methods are needed for the
mineral, oil, and engineering geology industries. Students
undertaking the unit will acquire the conceptual and technical
tools to enable them to rationally interpret the history and significance
of ductile to semi-ductile geological structures, and
give them an overview of the deformed crust. They will also
acquire an understanding of the mechanical properties of
deeply buried earth materials, an appreciation for modelling
methods, and the computational skills needed to describe,
analyse, and interpret geological structures. Practical work
includes a series of assignments involving both hand samples
and balanced cross section construction. A weekend field trip
is required. Field work involves mapping and analysing polyphase
deformation of rocks
Courses: SC30 Prerequisites: ESB392 and ESB342
Credit Points: 12 Contact Hours: 5 per week
■ ESB582 ORE GENESIS
The formation of ore deposits. A wide variety of deposits are
studied with an emphasis on metallic ore deposits, their characteristics,
and environments of deposition. Ore-forming processes
are discussed, together with tectonic perspectives, modern
ore formation and techniques of study of ore deposits.
Courses: SC30 Prerequisites: ESB472
Credit Points: 12 Contact Hours: 5 per week
■ ESB592 ADVANCED GEOLOGICAL MAPPING
A field excursion conducted during the semester break emphasising
geologic mapping skills in lithologically and structurally
varied regions. Past excursions have focused on the
Mt Isa region, and have been run in collaboration with the
University of Queensland. Lectures/tutorials prior to the excursion
review and develop mapping and geologic interpretation
techniques. Assessment is based on tutorial exercises completed
during the semester, and geologic maps, cross sections
688
and reports in the field. All work is finalised at the conclusion
of the excursion. Students are expected to cover their transport
expenses to the field site, as well as accommodation and
food costs during the excursion.
Courses: SC30
Prerequisites: ESB342, ESB392, ESB432, ESB512
Credit Points: 12
■ ESB602 GEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS
An introduction to geological research through the development
and completion of a research project within a specified
area of geology. Students are required to develop, in consultation
with an appropriate staff member, a research proposal
with specific aims and objectives, relevant methodology and
appropriate background. The research problem must be fieldbased
and include a laboratory component. Lecture/tutorial
sessions in information retrieval, writing and presentation
skills. Assessment is based on written and oral reports.
Courses: SC30
Prerequisites: Approval from Head of School
Credit Points: 12 Contact Hours: 5 per week
■ ESB652 EXPLORATION GEOSCIENCE
Design of mineral exploration programs: target generation,
reconnaissance, detailed investigation, evaluation, time and
budget schedules, risk factors. Introduction to the theoretical
base of exploration geochemistry; main types of geochemical
surveys in regional, local and mine scale exploration; the role
of statistics in design and interpretation of exploration
geochemical programs; analytical methods in geochemical
prospecting; the role of biogeochemistry. Remote sensing in
exploration; airborne geophysical surveys, design, acquisition,
processing and interpretation leading to the design and operation
of follow-up ground surveys; assessment of drilling results
by geophysical logging and tomography; use of software
applications; geophysical case histories.
Courses: SC30
Prerequisites: ESB332, ESB452, ESB582
Credit Points: 12 Contact Hours: 5 per week
■ ESB672 FOSSIL FUEL GEOLOGY
Coal properties, classification, genesis and analysis; hand
specimen study and microscopy; hydrocarbon generation from
coal and oil shale; coalfield geology and subsurface mapping
techniques; basin analysis; coal production and economics.
Origin and characteristics of petroleum fluids including: generation,
accumulation and migration through time and space;
study of structural and stratigraphic traps and reservoir rock
characteristics; application of drilling, logging and geophysical
techniques to quantify these aspects; correlation techniques
including seismic stratigraphy; economics of production. Field
excursions of short duration as required, together with practical
assignments.
Courses: SC30 Prerequisites: ESB522
Credit Points: 12 Contact Hours: 5 per week
■ ESB682 SEDIMENTOLOGY & BASIN ANALYSIS
Principles of fluid flow, flow regimes, sedimentary processes;
facies and sequence models for alluvial, deltaic, estuarine, shoreline,
shelf, turbidite, lacustrine, carbonate and evaporite
depositional systems; how these systems respond to accommodation-space
changes induced by changes in tectonic, eustatic
and climatic conditions through time; integration of geophysical,
geochemical, biostratigraphical, palaeoecological,
diagenetic, thermal and other specialist datasets to the process
of basin analysis. Involves compulsory field studies and practical
exercises in both modern and ancient sedimentary environments.
Courses: SC30, ED50
Prerequisites: ESB342, ESB432, ESB462
Credit Points: 12 Contact Hours: 5 per week
■ ESB700 PROJECT
This unit involves undertaking, in consultation with a supervisor
and through interaction with lecturing and technical staff
of the School of Geology, a substantial project in an appropriate
area of earth science. The unit provides the opportunity