Monash University Handbook 2011 Postgraduate - Unit

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Notes

Synopsis

This unit will deal with human global change and the impacts, interactions and feedbacks within the Earth's different subsystems - the atmosphere, soils, water, and biota. The unit will examine the dynamics of the earth by identifying the major driving processes and responses of the biosphere to energy, water, carbon, nitrogen and other biogeochemical cycles. We will view the earth system across local to global spatial scales. Processes and cycles will be viewed across geological and historical time scales. Humans as agents of change will be addressed.

Objectives

The unit aims to provide specific knowledge and understanding of climate, biology and geology and their role in current global process and the feedbacks and interactions that exist between them. This will engage students by providing them with relevant information that can be applied to global environmental problems. The unit also aims to provide contemporary and innovative ideas and research in the context of global change. The unit aims to develop synthetic capabilities in students through enquiry and integrative research as well as engaging teaching methods. The unit also aims to promote oral and other communications skills. Finally, students should develop teamwork skills through group based research projects.

Assessment

Oral seminar or debate presentation: 25%
Examination (2 hours): 40%
Research study report (2500 words): 35%
Students will be expected to demonstrate greater capacity for critical analysis in the research study report.

Chief examiner(s)

Associate Professor Jason Beringer

Contact hours

Three hours per week (2 one-hour lectures per week (weeks 1-10), 3 hours seminars per week (weeks 11-12), 5 fortnightly research based activities (2 hours each)).

Prerequisites

Second year physical geography, earth science, atmospheric science, biology or by permission

Prohibitions

ATS3558 and ATM3261