6 points, SCA Band 2, 0.125 EFTSL
Undergraduate - Unit
Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.
Faculty
Organisational Unit
School of Earth, Atmosphere and Environment
Coordinator(s)
Unit guides
Synopsis
This unit is a core unit for further studies in Geology, Atmospheric Science, Climate Studies, Earth Science, Environmental Earth Science and Geographical Science.
The Earth is a constantly changing complex system involving many physical, chemical, and biological processes. This unit is an introduction to the science used to understand the Earth system, how it changes over time, and its future. We will look at the Earth's place in the Universe and Solar System, the formation and structure of the Earth, and its changing environment. Fieldwork, practical exercises, simple models, and state of the art satellite data will be used to read the planet's history, and model and predict its future. We will also study the processes that drive change within our planet and its environmental systems: from the formation of the Earth's core to its crust; to the systems driving and sustaining the planet's living surface; to the forces and processes involved in the formation of mountains and oceans; and our changing atmosphere and climate.
Outcomes
On completion of this unit, students should be able to:
- Describe the formation and history of the Earth System and the Universe as we currently understand it, as well as how our understanding of these has changed over time.
- Describe the physical, chemical and biological processes involved in the formation and evolution of a planet, and the formation of, and changes to, the Earth's crust, oceans and atmosphere over time.
- Understand and outline the energy, water and biogeochemical cycles that drive movement, feedback, and environmental change in the Earth - from its atmosphere to its core.
- Describe how scientists collect and record data, and model future trends in the Earth's climate and surface processes.
Assessment
Continuous assessment (prac quizzes/reports and field trip): 50% + Examination: 50%
Workload requirements
Three 1-hour lectures and one 2-hour practical per week
See also Unit timetable information
Chief examiner(s)
This unit applies to the following area(s) of study
Geosciences
Prohibitions
ENV1011, ESC1011