This course teaches the concepts of structural geology and tectonics using examples from the unique geological history of the Australian plate and its boundaries. It develops a broad understanding of the processes that shape the continental crust and the forces that drive geological deformation. Basic principles of rock mechanics at scales ranging from a single crystal to continental-wide give a quantitative understanding of the connection between stress and deformation. The course connects geological mapping to geophysical imaging to provide the essential tools for understanding how, when and why structures form in the crust and how they relate to the formation of important mineral deposits, sedimentary basins, fault systems and their associated earthquakes. There are opportunities to undertake mapping exercises in the field or with digital geology tools, as well as an introduction to laboratory analogue experiments and computational models.

Honours Pathway Option (HPO):

Honours Pathway students will be required to synthesise a computational modelling exercise with theoretical concepts from the course material or complete an in-depth, critical review of a complex issue in structural geology.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Describe the broad geological history of the Australian plate and place its major structures in their tectonic context.
2. Explain the relationship between plate kinematics, plate tectonics forces and the deformation patterns in the continental crust.
3. Evaluate how observational data collected during laboratory experiments and field work (in person or virtual) supports or refutes theoretical concepts in structural geological and tectonics.
4. Predict the geometry and location of structures at depth or in areas of poor outcrop through the use of geological and geophysical observations.
5. Interpret the relative timing of formation of structures, the kinematics of deformation, and progressive deformation histories in geological settings and laboratory / computer analogues.
6. Synthesise field observations and theoretical / laboratory-derived concepts to interpret a geological cross section within its tectonic context.
7. Independently develop laboratory analogue experiments that represent archetypal geological structures.
8. For HPO students only: Integrate computational modelling results or independent literature review with advanced concepts in tectonics/structure.

Research-Led Teaching

This course develops research skills of the individual student through their involvement in their own research project. The student will investigate aspects of structural geology and tectonics in respect to topical content in global tectonics or structural geology with particular focus on connecting to Australian examples. Guest researchers will be asked to give talks relevant to each module that connect the lectures to ongoing research in the school.

Field Trips

We expect to run the mapping exercise as a short (day-length) field outing close to ANU. This will be replaced by an online exercise if the class is unable to proceed in person.

Additional Course Costs

There will be no additional class costs.

Examination Material or equipment

Students will take the examination online as a Canvas quiz, so they will need access to a computer during the times in question.

Required Resources

We will have a number of on-line exercises for you to complete so we expect you to have access to a laptop or tablet (with keyboard) for labs and homework.

Recommended Resources

Whether you are on campus or studying online, there are a variety of online platforms you will use to participate in your study program. These could include videos for lectures and other instruction, two-way video conferencing for interactive learning, email and other messaging tools for communication, interactive web apps for formative and collaborative activities, print and/or photo/scan for handwritten work and drawings, and home-based assessment.

Other information is also available about the various Learning Platforms you may use.

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• written comments
• verbal comments
• feedback to whole class, groups, individuals, focus group etc

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). Feedback can also be provided to Course Conveners and teachers via the Student Experience of Learning & Teaching (SELT) feedback program. SELT surveys are confidential and also provide the Colleges and ANU Executive with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement.

Other Information

Honours Pathway Option (HPO):

Honours Pathway students will be required to synthesise a computational modelling exercise with theoretical concepts from the course material or complete an in-depth, critical review of a complex issue in structural geology.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	General Information The course will involve three hours per week in lectures, with one two hour practical. The lecture material is broken into five sections that cover different aspects of tectonics, deformation and structure. Examples are taken from / related to the geological history of the Australian plate where possible so that you will also develop an appreciation of the geological events that shape the Australian continent and the Australian plate. Labs broadly follow the lectures but, for logistical reasons, run as a parallel activities that can span multiple weeks. In each module, we will have one expert talk that builds upon the material in lectures.	There will be 5 short quizzes during the semester that will help you to calibrate your knowledge from the course material for each module and which you can use for revision. (15% on these quizzes) Lab-based assessments will be worth 40% of the course in total. One assessment group will be an exercise on interpreting sandbox models that you will be running in the lab (20%) The second set of assessments will be based on a mapping exercise. (20%) There will be a presentation and report that together make up 15% of the course assessment. The final exam will be worth 30% of the course.
2	Module I. Introduction to Global Tectonics This module introduces the concepts of global-scale tectonics, plate motions, the nature of plate boundaries and the geological structures characteristic of large-scale deformation of the crust. We address the history of plate tectonics and what we know about the physical evolution of the continental crust through time. In this module, we will lead you on a journey through typical structural features of the Earth's crust with examples from the Australian plate.
3	Module II. Structures in the Earth This module aims to develop student intuition and proficiency in 3- and 4-dimensional visualization and thinking and teach the fundamentals of rock deformation using natural examples. You will be given an overview of the geometry and type of structures produced by complex crustal deformation histories involving contractional, extensional and wrench regimes over a wide range of spatial and temporal scales.  You will learn how to recognise structural features using satellite imagery or geological maps and will learn how to construct geological profiles.
4	Module III. Theoretical underpinnings: stress, strain and geometry The theory of stress and strain, an introduction to continuum mechanics as relevant to structural geology and tectonics. In order to understand geological structures in more detail, we need some background understanding of how stresses and strains work, how they are measured, and how you can use these concepts to interpret what you see in the field.
5	Module IV. Brittle Deformation When rocks undergo rapid, localised deformation, refer to the process as "brittle deformation". Typically brittle features in the Earth's crust are faults and we can understand much about the stress and deformation if we understand faults, their rupture and associated seismic energy release.
6	Module V. Ductile Deformation: Folding, shearing and associated structures Ductile deformation occurs when rocks are able to accommodate large deformations without fracturing. You will learn how to recognise elements of ductile deformation such as folding, shearing and stretching.
7	Module VI. Project and Guest Lectures Synthesis of concepts in tectonics and structure modules and the different geological / geophysical signatures of the Australian continent. It also introduces the usage of GPlates for reconstructing plate history NOTE: This module may be interspersed with Modules 2-5, depending on availability of guest lecturers.

Tutorial Registration

ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Quizzes	15 %	*	*	1,2,3,4
Lab reports on experimental sandbox exercise(s) and preparatory tasks	20 %	*	*	2,3,5,7
Mapping exercise & preparatory tasks	20 %	*	*	1,2,3,5,6
Presentation of a poster / digital poster / slideshow	15 %	*	*	1,3,4,5,6
End of semester exam	30 %	05/11/2026	09/12/2026	1,2,3,4,5,6

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines , which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Integrity Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Extenuating Circumstances Application
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
• Code of practice for teaching and learning

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Skills website. In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Canvas’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

Students are expected to attend lectures and practicals to benefit from discussion of required readings from the course materials.

Examination(s)

Please note, that where a date range is used in the Assessment Summary in relation to exams, the due date and return date indicate the approximate timeframe in which the exam will be held and results returned to the student (official end of Semester results released on ANU Hub). Students should consult the course wattle site and the ANU final examination timetable to confirm the date, time and venue of the exam.

Assessment Task 1

Quizzes

There will be 5 short quizzes during the semester that will help you to calibrate your knowledge from the course material for each module and which you can use for revision. The first of these quizzes will be a refresher on plate kinematics during the practical time in week 1 which you will be allowed to re-take after an optional tutorial. The quizzes will be otherwise be released on the last Wednesday of each module and will be due for return on the following Monday.

Assessment Task 2

Lab reports on experimental sandbox exercise(s) and preparatory tasks

We will be undertaking a linked series of experiments using a sandbox apparatus in which complicated structures are developed from a simple pattern of forces. The labs will be team exercises and the schedule depends on class numbers. The individual assessment task is to write up the experiments and connect them to examples from the geological record. The lab report will be due on the Friday of week 7 of the semester (after the mid-semester break).

Assessment Task 3

Mapping exercise & preparatory tasks

We will undertake a mapping exercise at a location close to campus, and virtual field exercises in the practical classes to give you the skills to interpret geological structures in terms of the fundamental concepts from the lectures.

Assessment Task 4

Presentation of a poster / digital poster / slideshow

An individual "research project" that you will present as a poster or a short lecture to the class with a short written report. This provides a synthesis of lab work, mapping exercises, and a topic of your choice related to course material.

Assessment Task 5

End of semester exam

The final overall theory exam for the course will take place during the examination period after the end of semester II. This final examination is worth 40% of the total mark. The content of the examination will be restricted to the subject matter discussed during the course and background material that has been assigned by the lecturers.

The date range in the Assessment Summary indicates the start of the end of semester exam period and the date official end of semester results are released on ANU HUb. Please check the ANU final Examination Timetable http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/assessments-exams/examination-timetable to confirm the date, time and location exam.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. The University’s students are an integral part of that community. The academic integrity principle commits all students to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support, academic integrity, and to uphold this commitment by behaving honestly, responsibly and ethically, and with respect and fairness, in scholarly practice.

The University expects all staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle, the Academic Integrity Rule 2021, the Policy: Student Academic Integrity and Procedure: Student Academic Integrity, and to uphold high standards of academic integrity to ensure the quality and value of our qualifications.

The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 is a legal document that the University uses to promote academic integrity, and manage breaches of the academic integrity principle. The Policy and Procedure support the Rule by outlining overarching principles, responsibilities and processes. The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 commences on 1 December 2021 and applies to courses commencing on or after that date, as well as to research conduct occurring on or after that date. Prior to this, the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 applies.

 

The University commits to assisting all students to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. All coursework students must complete the online Academic Integrity Module (Epigeum), and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are required to complete research integrity training. The Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as understanding and upholding academic integrity.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Late submission permitted. Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.

Referencing Requirements

The Academic Skills website has information to assist you with your writing and assessments. The website includes information about Academic Integrity including referencing requirements for different disciplines. There is also information on Plagiarism and different ways to use source material. Any use of artificial intelligence must be properly referenced. Failure to properly cite use of Generative AI will be considered a breach of academic integrity.

Returning Assignments

Assignments should be submitted by the due date. They will be marked and returned with comments and feedback with maximum possible expediency.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Resubmission of Assignments

Under exceptional circumstances an assignment will be allowed to be submitted or resubmitted after the due date, but this will require a request for special consideration, accompanied by a medical certificate where relevant.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Accessibility for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents all ANU students