Monash University Handbook 2011 Undergraduate - Unit

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

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 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

Examinations (2 hours): 40%
Oral seminar or debate presentation: 25%
Research study report (2500 words): 35%

Chief examiner(s)

Associate Professor Jason Beringer

Contact hours

Three 1-hour lectures, three hours of seminars and two hours research based activities per fortnight

Prerequisites

One or more of GES2190, GES2130, GES2210, GES2170, ATM2211, ATM2022, ESC2042, ESC2022, BIO2051 or BIO2082.

Prohibitions

GES3890, GES4890