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
The Earth has undergone many fundamental changes since its formation. This unit examines a number of geologically-significant events, including: the formation of the crust, mantle, and core; evolution of the atmosphere and biosphere; supercontinent formation; Snowball Earth; changes to global weathering; and eruption of Large Igneous Provinces. Evidence for these events in the rock record and their impacts on the biosphere and atmosphere will be assessed. The unit will also highlight uncertainties and competing theories that relate to these geological episodes.
Outcomes
On completion of this unit students will be able to:
- Understand several of the major events in the geological record;
- Integrate a wide variety of geological data to reconstruct past earth environments;
- Understand the link between solid earth processes and the earth's surface environments;
- Critically review the literature to assess different models to explain geological observations;
- Summarise and present geological data derived from a variety of sources in the form of reports, oral presentations, and/or posters;
- Improve their ability to carry out independent and group study.
Assessment
Examination (2 hours): 40% (Hurdle)
Online quizzes: 10%
Group projects: 25%
Individual projects: 25%
Hurdle requirement: Students must pass the theory examination to achieve an overall pass grade. Students who do not pass the theory examination will receive a mark of 45%, unless their aggregate mark is lower in which case that mark will be recorded.
Workload requirements
Three hours of lectures per week and three 3-hour tutorials per semester
See also Unit timetable information
Chief examiner(s)
This unit applies to the following area(s) of study
Geosciences
Prerequisites
ESC2111, ESC2122