ERB331 Field Methods

Field experience is essential for the professional training of geologists, environmental scientists, and natural-resource specialists. The conduct of geological and environmental research, geo-exploration, environmental impact assessment, and resource assessment require that practitioners are skilled in methods for mapping, map reading and interpretation, orientation and geo-location in the field, the interpretation of the exposed rock record, and the ethical and legal requirements of land access. This class introduces the theory and application of methods to recognize, map, document, and measure the three-dimensional rock inventory of an area to derive an interpretation of its geological evolution. Assumed knowledge includes fundamental geological principles and methods, namely structural geology, basic petrology, and petrography (sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic rocks). It provides professional experiences that are essential for the employability for geology graduates.

Unit information

Unit code: ERB331
Faculty: Faculty of Science
School/Discipline: School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences
Study area: Science
Credit points: 12

Dates and locations

Teaching period	Dates	Locations
Semester 1, 2026	23 February 2026 - 20 June 2026	Gardens Point

See all available class timetables for this unit

Previous study requirements

Prerequisites: (ERB203 or ERB221) and (ERB204 or ERB223) and (ERB206 or ERB222)
Equivalents: ERB305

Guide to previous study requirements

Prerequisites: To enrol in this unit, you must have completed these prerequisite units (or have credit, advanced standing or exemption for them), or be able to demonstrate that you have equivalent background knowledge.
Anti-requisites: You can’t enrol in this unit if you have completed any of these anti-requisite units.
Co-requisites: To enrol in this unit, you must have already completed these co-requisite units, or you must enrol in them at the same time.
Equivalents: You can’t enrol in this unit if you have completed any of these equivalent units.
Assumed knowledge: We assume that you have a minimum level of knowledge in certain areas before you start this unit.

Unit outlines

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Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of the teaching period.