EAE3531 Geoscience: Deformation of the crust
Faculty of Science
EAE3531 Geoscience: Deformation of the crust is a level 3, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Science, offered in 2025 in Semester 1 at Clayton. It has no prerequisites.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2025
- Semester 1
- Clayton
- Assessment
- Exam 60%
- and 1 other task
- Workload
- 144 hours
- per semester
This is the 2025 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
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Requisites
Before EAE3531
No prerequisites or corequisites besides the enrolment rules below.
After EAE3531
No unit lists EAE3531 as a prerequisite in the 2025 handbook.
Enrolment rules
PREREQUISITE: One of EAE2511, ESC2111, EAE2532, ESC2132
PROHIBITION: EAE3511, ESC3201
Overview
Plate tectonics drives rock deformation as continents collide or split into two. On completion of this unit you will understand the processes of rock deformation, and be able to describe, classify and interpret the significance of both large- and small-scale structural features in deformed rock sequences, as well as understand basic concepts of deformation processes in rocks. This unit focuses on the skills required to observe, identify and measure structural elements in the field, analyse three-dimensional structure from geological maps, and the application of geometric, kinematic and dynamic analysis of rock deformation. It then uses all the material learned to link with global-scale tectonics and geodynamics.
Offerings in 2025
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| First semester | Clayton | On campus |
Assessment
- Ongoing practical assessments and field trip reportsDemonstration40%
- Final practical assessmentExamination60%
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
Identify and classify small- to large-scale geological structures and interpret their significance;
- 2
Apply concepts of geometric, kinematic and dynamic structural analysis;
- 3
Identify the deformation behaviour of major rock forming minerals under different conditions;
- 4
Develop a sound understanding of analysis and documentation of three-dimensional structures in the field, geological maps and geophysical data;
- 5
Combine scientific data to understand the relationship between tectonic settings and deformation;
- 6
Link structural geology and tectonics with geodynamics.
Workload and teaching
- Practical activities36 hours
Total 144 hours over 12 weeks, which includes:
- One 3-hour practical class;
- One 2-day field trip and
- Seven hours of private study per week.
Where it fits
EAE3531 is part of 3 areas of study in the 2025 handbook.
Contacts
- Chief Examiners
- Professor Sandy Cruden
- Unit Coordinators
- Professor Sandy Cruden
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for EAE3531?
EAE3531 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.
When is EAE3531 offered?
In 2025, EAE3531 runs in Semester 1 at Clayton.
How much work is EAE3531?
The handbook expects about 144 hours of study across the semester. No students have rated its difficulty yet.
Does EAE3531 have an exam?
Yes. The exam is worth 60% of the final mark, alongside 1 other task.
Which majors and minors include EAE3531?
EAE3531 is part of Earth science.