300-level

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 2025
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 2025
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
GEOL243 and any 15 points at 200 level from GEOL
GEOL338
Engineering and Mining Geology
Description
Principles and practices of geology associated with engineering and mining activities.
Occurrences
Semester Two 2025
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
GEOL242 and GEOL246
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 2025
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 2025
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 2025
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 2025
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
Any 100 level GEOL course plus 60 points total from GEOL or ENVR or GEOG or WATR 200 level courses. MATH101 or equivalent is highly recommended.
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
Semester Two 2025
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
GEOL101 or BIOL112 or BIOL113. GEOL243 is recommended preparation but is not required.
Restrictions
GEOL247
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 2025
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 2025
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
Geohazards and Risk
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 2025
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
GEOL102 and any 30 points from GEOL244, GEOL246, or GEOG215
GEOL356
Field-focused Research Methods
Occurrences
General non-calendar-based 2025
Special non-calendar-based Two 2025
Points
30 points
Prerequisites
Subject to approval of the Head of Department.
Restrictions
ENVR356

Not Offered Courses in 2025

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
Not offered 2025, offered in 2024
For further information see GEOL309 course details
Points
15 points
GEOL339
Special Topic
Description
Students may only enrol in this Special Topic course on the advice of the Department of Geological Sciences.
Occurrences
Not offered 2025, offered in 2020 , 2021 , 2022 , 2023 , 2024
For further information see GEOL339 course details
Points
15 points