ESC1011

Planet earth and its environment: the cosmic connection ( 6 points, SCA Band 2, 0.125 EFTSL)

Leader: Ms Marion Anderson

Offered:
Clayton First semester 2005 (Day)

Synopsis: The beginning and evolution of the Universe, Solar System and Earth; planetary geology and the structure and chemistry of the Earth and other planets; geological evolution of the Earth, relative and absolute scales in geological time; plate tectonics and the structure of the Earth's crust; minerals and igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks and processes; formation and evolution of life, atmosphere and oceans on the Earth and other planets during geological time, geology and the environment.

Objectives: On the completion of this unit students will be able to discuss the birth, evolution and age of the universe and solar system; describe the earth's structure and chemistry as well as some of the tools that have been used to discover them, discuss the evolution of the earth?s crust over geological time; describe geologic time in relative and absolute terms; identify and describe minerals and rocks, including some of their properties; discuss some of the processes involved in sedimentation, volvanic and igneous activity and metamorphism; and describe theories on the origin and evolution of life, the atmosphere and oceans on earth.

Assessment: Examination (2 hours): 50% + Laboratory work, quizzes, assignment and a field excursion: 50%

Contact Hours: Three 1-hour lectures and one 3-hour practical per week

Prohibitions: ENV1011