GEOL476-26X (C) General non-calendar-based 2026

Physical Volcanology

15 points

Details:
Start Date: Monday, 19 January 2026
End Date: Sunday, 28 June 2026
Withdrawal Dates
Last Day to withdraw from this course:
  • Without financial penalty (full fee refund): Sunday, 1 February 2026
  • Without academic penalty (including no fee refund): Sunday, 17 May 2026

Description

This course aims to provide students with an understanding of the physical processes that influence volcanic deposits resulting from both effusive and explosive eruptions. Topics range from the magma reservoir and conduit to the final resting place of volcanic deposits and specifically include the physical properties of magmas, dynamics of lava flows and domes, structure and origin of calderas, explosive eruptions, pyroclastic flows and surges, debris avalanches, lahars, submarine volcanism and magmatic hydrothermal/geothermal systems. There is a compulsory field trip for this course run early in February.

Learning Outcomes

University Graduate Attributes

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.

Biculturally competent and confident

Students will be aware of and understand the nature of biculturalism in Aotearoa New Zealand, and its relevance to their area of study and/or their degree.

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.

Prerequisites

GEOL206 or GEOL326, and 60 points from GEOL courses.

Timetable 2026

Students must attend one activity from each section.

Lecture A
Activity Day Time Location Weeks
01 Wednesday 13:00 - 15:00 Jack Erskine 244
16 Feb - 22 Mar
Field Trip A
Activity Day Time Location Weeks
01 Monday 08:00 - 00:00 Whakapapa / Ruapehu
19 Jan - 25 Jan

Course Coordinator

For further information see School of Biological Sciences Head of Department

Assessment

Assessment Due Date Percentage  Description
Field trip (Feb before semester starts) 50% Fail versus flow exercise (10%); Ruapehu exercise (10%); Lava map exercise (10%); Field attitude and Notebook (10%).
My project and why I choose it, and direction for reading during class 1 10% (Weeks 1 - 6)
Forums before all classes 10% (Weeks 1 - 6)
Research project presentation - if I did this again, I would change because... 10% (Weeks 1 - 6)
Positive comments (what you learnt) and analytical questions during all classes 10% (Weeks 1 - 6)
Reflections & Connections 10% (Week 6)

Indicative Fees

Domestic fee $1,286.00

* 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.

For further information see School of Biological Sciences .

All GEOL476 Occurrences

  • GEOL476-26X (C) General non-calendar-based 2026
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