Students
GEOS375 – Environmental Geology
2015 – S2 External
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Unit Convenor
Stefan Loehr
arrange via email
Additional Teaching Staff
Nathan Daczko
arrange via email
Lecturer
Craig O'Neill
arrange via email
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|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
3
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
ENVE266 or GEOS206
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
GEOS207 and 3cp from GEOS units at 300 level
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| Unit description |
Unit description
This unit deals with the interaction of people and the geological environment, including issues arising from people's occupation and exploitation of the Earth. The unit covers both urban and resource geology, and geological hazards. Students work on three projects based on realistic workplace scenarios including preparing tenders, data analysis and report writing using industry standard styles. One project involves the collection of data at a field site. The lecture program includes invited speakers from industry.
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Important Academic Dates
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- Understanding of the tools and methods that are used in environmental geology
- Competence in applying geoscientific principles to understanding the world around you
- Capacity to employ appropriate geoscientific tools to solve environmental problems and to interpret the results
- Understanding of the legal framework and industry-standard guidelines used by environmental scientists
- Understanding the scientific method
- Competence in accessing, using and synthesising appropriate information
- Application of knowledge to solving problems and evaluating ideas and information
- Capacity to present ideas clearly with supporting evidence
General Assessment Information
All submissions must have a Faculty of Science and Engineering assignment coversheet that can be downloaded from the unit web site. The sequence and the deadlines for receipt of the assignments in the Science Centre (MUSE C7A Level 1) for internal students (or to COE for external students) are:
Project 1 Tender document: 9.00 am: 11th Aug 2015 (Externals 18th Aug)
Project 1 Individual Report: 9.00 am: 1st Sept 2015
Project 2 Group Presentation: 9.00 am: 8th Sept 2015
Project 2 Individual Report: 9.00 am: 13th Oct 2015
Project 3 Individual Report: 9.00 am: 10th Nov 2015
One of the submission dates for external students is later than for the internals to correspond with on-campus sessions and the presentation of material.
Students must keep a photocopy of their reports.
5% will be deducted for each day or part of a day that assignments are received after the deadline. Extensions for late assignments will be granted only if misadventure (including incapacitating sickness) can be demonstrated.
If you need to apply for an extension, you must EMAIL THE UNIT CONVENOR BEFORE THE DUE DATE of the assignment and state the reason you are seeking an extension. This will not be granted automatically, but will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Projects:
Students will work in small "company" groups of 4-5 people. Each of the projects will involve an individual and a group component. Data analysis and discussion of results will be completed in groups but each student will submit individual project reports. The project reports will include the purpose and the results of the studies (including diagrams, maps and references) and will conform to industry standards for the specific investigation. You will be given specific details of what is expected for both the group and individual components when you begin each project.
Presentation and discussion:
Each group will present and lead a discussion/debate for Project 2. This will consist of a 15 minute (max.) presentation and subsequent class discussion relevant to your groups focus. You will be expected to produce a one-page handout summary of the discussion for the class within one week. A computer with MS Powerpoint will be available. Seminars will be held during the practical sessions. Each seminar grade is based on the assessment of the issues, the clarity of your presentation and discussion, and the usefulness of the handout.
Final examination:
The final exam will cover material from the lectures, practicals, and project reports. Questions will draw on information and ideas from different areas to give an integrated view of the unit. The exam will include questions that ask you to apply your knowledge to interpret and solve problems.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Due |
|---|---|---|
| Tenders/excercises | 10% | multiple, see below |
| Project reports | 55% | multiple, see below |
| Presentation and discussion | 5% | see below |
| Final examination | 30% | University examination period |
Tenders/excercises
Due: multiple, see below
Weighting: 10%
Tender documents and exercises
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Understanding of the tools and methods that are used in environmental geology
- Competence in applying geoscientific principles to understanding the world around you
- Capacity to employ appropriate geoscientific tools to solve environmental problems and to interpret the results
- Understanding of the legal framework and industry-standard guidelines used by environmental scientists
- Understanding the scientific method
- Competence in accessing, using and synthesising appropriate information
- Application of knowledge to solving problems and evaluating ideas and information
- Capacity to present ideas clearly with supporting evidence
Project reports
Due: multiple, see below
Weighting: 55%
Project reports
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Understanding of the tools and methods that are used in environmental geology
- Competence in applying geoscientific principles to understanding the world around you
- Capacity to employ appropriate geoscientific tools to solve environmental problems and to interpret the results
- Understanding of the legal framework and industry-standard guidelines used by environmental scientists
- Understanding the scientific method
- Competence in accessing, using and synthesising appropriate information
- Application of knowledge to solving problems and evaluating ideas and information
- Capacity to present ideas clearly with supporting evidence
Presentation and discussion
Due: see below
Weighting: 5%
Presentation and discussion
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Understanding of the tools and methods that are used in environmental geology
- Competence in applying geoscientific principles to understanding the world around you
- Competence in accessing, using and synthesising appropriate information
- Capacity to present ideas clearly with supporting evidence
Final examination
Due: University examination period
Weighting: 30%
Final examination
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Understanding of the tools and methods that are used in environmental geology
- Competence in applying geoscientific principles to understanding the world around you
- Capacity to employ appropriate geoscientific tools to solve environmental problems and to interpret the results
- Understanding the scientific method
- Competence in accessing, using and synthesising appropriate information
Delivery and Resources
1 hr lecture and 3 hour practical class each week of semester.
Lecture: Tuesdays 11 am - 12 pm, E8A 386
Practical: Thursdays 9 am - 12 pm, E5A 210
Lecture slides and related material are provided on the iLearn unit website.
On campus sessions for external students:
Sat 8th August: 9am-5pm at MQ (E5A 230)
Sat 17th Oct: 9am-5pm at MQ (E5A 230)
Texts
There is no prescribed text for this unit. If you are interested in buying a reference book, I suggest:
Bell, F.G. 1998. Environmental Geology: principles and practice. Blackwell Science, London.
Reference books: References held in the Library Reserve, are:
Bell, F.G. 1998. Environmental Geology: principles and practice. Blackwell Science, London.
Keller, E.A., 2000. Environmental Geology. Prentice Hall, 562 pp.
There are a large number of books in the library that deal with aspects of environmental geology. Some of the following areas will be of interest (given as library call number):
GB1005 - hydrogeology
QE38 - environmental geology
QE515 - geochemistry
KUC155 - environmental law
S593 - soil testing
TA703 - geotechnical engineering
TA705/6 - engineering geology
TD153 - environmental modelling
TD193 - environmental chemistry
TD195 - environmental impact statements
TD426/427 - contaminated groundwater
TD878 - contaminated land guidelines
Web Access
Further information on this unit can be accessed through the web address below.
http://ilearn.mq.edu.au
Unit Schedule
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Date |
Wk |
Lecture (E8A 386) |
Practical (E5A 210) |
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28th July |
1 |
Introduction to Environmental Geology [SL] |
Lecture: Pasminco smelter site [TM]. Project 1: Formation of Groups, initial plans; preparation of tenders. [SL] |
Project 1: Analysis of an old industrial and contaminated site - the Pasminco smelter site and surrounds, Lake Macquarie, NSW |
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4th Aug |
2 |
Contaminated Site Assessment [WG] |
Exercise: Analysis of a site history using aerial photos. Project 1: Discussion of guidelines, production of site plans (samples sent to lab) [SL] |
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8th Aug |
Externals: On Campus session 9am-5pm (E5A 230). [SL] |
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11th Aug |
3 |
Guidelines and legal framework for contaminated site assessment [NJ] |
Exercise: Core logging exercise. Exercise: Dealing with chemical databases. Project 1: Continuation of project work. [ND] |
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18rd Aug |
4 |
Case study: Homebush bay, NSW [JH] |
Project 1: Discussion of chemical data received from lab; display and interpretation of data. [ND] |
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25th Aug |
5 |
Recorded lecture only: Radioactive land contamin. [HH] |
No prac. Use this time to finish Project 1. |
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1st Sept |
6 |
Resource Geology: Coal seam gas [SL] |
Project 2: Discussion: Environ. Impact Assess. for petroleum activities; Introduction to project. Allocation of roles [SL] |
Project 2: Resource Extraction Planning, Coal Seam Gas: Environmental Impact Statement
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8th Sept |
7 |
EIS petroleum and mining legal [SL] |
Project 2: Coal Seam Gas Presentation & Debate (online forum for externals) [SL] |
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Mid semester break (14th – 27th September) |
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29th Sept |
8 |
Acid mine drainage [WG] |
Exercise: Lake and river contamination from industrial waste [SL] |
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6th Oct |
9 |
Hydrogeology and mining [TBA] |
Exercise: Groundwater and surface water contamination from resource extraction [SL] |
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13th Oct |
10 |
Geol. Hazards: Geological features important in slope stability [CO’N] |
Exercise: Quantitative analysis of slope stability [CO’N] |
Project 3: Analysing slope stability
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17th Oct |
Externals: On Campus session 9am-5pm (E5A 230). [CO’N] |
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20th Oct |
11 |
Analysing a slope stability problem [CO’N] |
Exercise: GIS and slope stability [CO’N] |
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27th Oct |
12 |
Analysing rock failure [CO’N] |
Exercise: Visualising slope stability [CO’N] |
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3rd Nov |
13 |
Careers talk [TBA] |
Revision [SL] |
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SL: Stefan Loehr; TM: Tony Morrison; ND: Nathan Daczko; WG: Wijnand Germs, Environmental Resources Management (ERM); NJ: Niall Johnston, Environment Protection Authority (EPA); JH: John Hunt, Thiess Services; CO’N: Craig O’Neill; TBA: Guest speaker, to be confirmed.
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html
Assessment Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy.html
Grading Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html
Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html
Grievance Management Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grievance_management/policy.html
Disruption to Studies Policy http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html The Disruption to Studies Policy is effective from March 3 2014 and replaces the Special Consideration Policy.
In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/
Results
Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Learning Skills
Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.
Student Services and Support
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
Student Enquiries
For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au
IT Help
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://informatics.mq.edu.au/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
Graduate Capabilities
Creative and Innovative
Our graduates will also be capable of creative thinking and of creating knowledge. They will be imaginative and open to experience and capable of innovation at work and in the community. We want them to be engaged in applying their critical, creative thinking.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Competence in applying geoscientific principles to understanding the world around you
- Application of knowledge to solving problems and evaluating ideas and information
Assessment tasks
- Tenders/excercises
- Project reports
Capable of Professional and Personal Judgement and Initiative
We want our graduates to have emotional intelligence and sound interpersonal skills and to demonstrate discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgement. They will exercise initiative as needed. They will be capable of risk assessment, and be able to handle ambiguity and complexity, enabling them to be adaptable in diverse and changing environments.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Competence in accessing, using and synthesising appropriate information
- Application of knowledge to solving problems and evaluating ideas and information
- Capacity to present ideas clearly with supporting evidence
Assessment tasks
- Tenders/excercises
- Project reports
Commitment to Continuous Learning
Our graduates will have enquiring minds and a literate curiosity which will lead them to pursue knowledge for its own sake. They will continue to pursue learning in their careers and as they participate in the world. They will be capable of reflecting on their experiences and relationships with others and the environment, learning from them, and growing - personally, professionally and socially.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Understanding the scientific method
- Competence in accessing, using and synthesising appropriate information
- Application of knowledge to solving problems and evaluating ideas and information
Assessment tasks
- Tenders/excercises
- Project reports
Discipline Specific Knowledge and Skills
Our graduates will take with them the intellectual development, depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content in their chosen fields to make them competent and confident in their subject or profession. They will be able to demonstrate, where relevant, professional technical competence and meet professional standards. They will be able to articulate the structure of knowledge of their discipline, be able to adapt discipline-specific knowledge to novel situations, and be able to contribute from their discipline to inter-disciplinary solutions to problems.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Understanding of the tools and methods that are used in environmental geology
- Capacity to employ appropriate geoscientific tools to solve environmental problems and to interpret the results
- Understanding of the legal framework and industry-standard guidelines used by environmental scientists
- Understanding the scientific method
Assessment tasks
- Tenders/excercises
- Project reports
- Presentation and discussion
- Final examination
Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking
We want our graduates to be capable of reasoning, questioning and analysing, and to integrate and synthesise learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments; to be able to critique constraints, assumptions and limitations; to be able to think independently and systemically in relation to scholarly activity, in the workplace, and in the world. We want them to have a level of scientific and information technology literacy.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Competence in applying geoscientific principles to understanding the world around you
- Capacity to employ appropriate geoscientific tools to solve environmental problems and to interpret the results
- Competence in accessing, using and synthesising appropriate information
- Application of knowledge to solving problems and evaluating ideas and information
Assessment tasks
- Tenders/excercises
- Project reports
- Presentation and discussion
- Final examination
Problem Solving and Research Capability
Our graduates should be capable of researching; of analysing, and interpreting and assessing data and information in various forms; of drawing connections across fields of knowledge; and they should be able to relate their knowledge to complex situations at work or in the world, in order to diagnose and solve problems. We want them to have the confidence to take the initiative in doing so, within an awareness of their own limitations.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Competence in applying geoscientific principles to understanding the world around you
- Capacity to employ appropriate geoscientific tools to solve environmental problems and to interpret the results
- Understanding the scientific method
- Competence in accessing, using and synthesising appropriate information
- Application of knowledge to solving problems and evaluating ideas and information
Assessment tasks
- Tenders/excercises
- Project reports
- Presentation and discussion
- Final examination
Effective Communication
We want to develop in our students the ability to communicate and convey their views in forms effective with different audiences. We want our graduates to take with them the capability to read, listen, question, gather and evaluate information resources in a variety of formats, assess, write clearly, speak effectively, and to use visual communication and communication technologies as appropriate.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcome
- Capacity to present ideas clearly with supporting evidence
Assessment tasks
- Tenders/excercises
- Project reports
- Presentation and discussion
- Final examination
Engaged and Ethical Local and Global citizens
As local citizens our graduates will be aware of indigenous perspectives and of the nation's historical context. They will be engaged with the challenges of contemporary society and with knowledge and ideas. We want our graduates to have respect for diversity, to be open-minded, sensitive to others and inclusive, and to be open to other cultures and perspectives: they should have a level of cultural literacy. Our graduates should be aware of disadvantage and social justice, and be willing to participate to help create a wiser and better society.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Competence in applying geoscientific principles to understanding the world around you
- Understanding of the legal framework and industry-standard guidelines used by environmental scientists
- Capacity to present ideas clearly with supporting evidence
Assessment tasks
- Tenders/excercises
- Project reports
- Presentation and discussion
Socially and Environmentally Active and Responsible
We want our graduates to be aware of and have respect for self and others; to be able to work with others as a leader and a team player; to have a sense of connectedness with others and country; and to have a sense of mutual obligation. Our graduates should be informed and active participants in moving society towards sustainability.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcome
- Understanding of the legal framework and industry-standard guidelines used by environmental scientists
Assessment tasks
- Tenders/excercises
- Project reports
- Presentation and discussion