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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.
This course examines New Zealand geology in a regional and global context of tectonics, climate, and oceanographic events. The lectures aim to provide a broad basis of related scientific framework on a general scale as well as place New Zealand into the global context. Students will draw on their existing knowledge of geology to examine and assess key questions in New Zealand geology. The lectures are supported by seminars, and by an individual assessment on a related topic that provides students with an exercise to improve their scientific writing skills. Students will complete a library and classroom based research topic through the latter part of the course. Topics covered will include tectonics, resources, geological development of New Zealand and will be covered in discrete modules through the course, and students will be expected to complete reading assignments ahead of lectures. The course aims to develop student’s research, written and oral communication and geological synthesis skills, and to build an understanding of New Zealand geology relevant to our future. TimetableLectures: one lectures per week Practicals: 2.5 hour tutorial or practical sessions as timetabled (see weekly planner)Prerequisites45 points from GEOL240-246. GEOL351 and GEOL352 are highly recommended.
Goal of the CourseStudents should gain an understanding on the major geological processes that shaped New Zealand through a discussion of the tectonic development at convergent and divergent plate margins and be able to critically assess and utilize geological evidence and place New Zealand into a global context. Learning OutcomesStudents successfully completing this course will be able to:Evaluate the tectonic evolution of New Zealand and the role of plate boundary dynamicsEvaluate the major Cenozoic palaeoclimate events and their likely causes, and explain their expression in New Zealand rocks Articulate the broad petroleum character of New Zealand basinsRecognise resource potential of New Zealand geologyGain on overall picture of the Quaternary geology of New Zealand Interpret, critically assess, and utilize different evidence of Past Climate Change.Prepare and present poster on a relevant topicWrite a scientific report on an individual topic and exercise literature research as preparation for future tasks in the workforce or during postgraduate studies.
This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attributes specified below:
Critically competent in a core academic discipline of their award
Students know and can critically evaluate and, where applicable, apply this knowledge to topics/issues within their majoring subject.
Employable, innovative and enterprising
Students will develop key skills and attributes sought by employers that can be used in a range of applications.
Globally aware
Students will comprehend the influence of global conditions on their discipline and will be competent in engaging with global and multi-cultural contexts.
GEOL244 and GEOL243
GEOL353
Lectures and Lecturers:Week # - Week starting - Lectures - Labs - Lecturer28 - 10th July - Introduction - CMR - Library research session29 - 17th July - NZ Basement terranes - CMR - Independent research30 - 24th July - Gondwanan relationships - CMR - Poster development skills session31 - 31st July - New Zealand Petroleum basins - CMR - Poster Presentation Session32 - 7th Aug - Engineering Geology - MCV - Introduction to assessment: principles of literature research and scientific writing33 - 14th Aug - Palaeogene climate and ocean chemistry - CMR - Editing workshop SEMESTER BREAK 36 - 4th Sept - Neogene development of New Zealand - CMR 37 - 11th Sept - Chatham Rise phosphorite and glauconite - CMR - Independent research38 - 18th Sept - Wanganui Basin - CMR 39 - 25th Sept - Hikurangi Margin - JRP 40 - 2nd Oct - Pacific Arc - ARN tbc - Supporting exercise41 - 9th Oct - Pliocene to Recent palaeoseismic records records - CMR - Review paper due
Catherine Reid
AssessmentsNZ tectonic exercise 20% - Due date: End of week 31 TBCResearch Poster 20% - Due date: End of week 37 TBCReview Paper 20% - Due date: End of week 41 TBCExamination and Formal Tests Final examination: 40% - Date TBA in year-end exam period
Weekly reading to be advised
Domestic fee $865.00
International fee $3,788.00
* All fees are inclusive of NZ GST or any equivalent overseas tax, and do not include any programme level discount or additional course-related expenses.
This course will not be offered if fewer than 30 people apply to enrol.
For further information see School of Earth and Environment .