Students
GEOS125 – Earth Dynamics
2015 – S2 Day
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Unit Convenor
Juan Carlos Afonso
Contact via juan.afonso@mq.edu.au
Hearing Hub 2.637
Send email to book time
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| Credit points |
Credit points
3
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| Unit description |
Unit description
Discover how the solid Earth works – investigate the dynamic link between plate tectonics and Earth evolution. This introductory unit is suitable for all students including those wanting to try a natural science. It explores the composition and structure of our planet and the dynamic processes that change our environment. Students become skilled at geoscience techniques that permit detailed study of the Earth, and explore via case studies volcanoes and volcanic hazards, as well as economic geology. The unit provides a strong background in geoscience for further studies in geology, geophysics, geography, museum studies, geomorphology, astronomy and environmental science; and insights into Earth materials and their relationship to the environment for students of economics, physics, archaeology, chemistry, biology, marine science and education. This unit involves eye-opening field trips in tutorial classes around campus and a day trip across the Blue Mountains.
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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 the geosciences; these are organised in three modules: o Tools of the geoscientist o Hot rocks o Rocks under stress
- Competence in applying geo-scientific principles to understanding the world around you
- Capacity to employ appropriate geo-scientific tools to solve problems and to interpret the results
- Understanding scientific methodology
- 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
| Name | Weighting | Due |
|---|---|---|
| Weekly quiz | 10% | Weekly |
| Case studies | 45% | TBA |
| Final examination | 45% | University Examination Period |
Weekly quiz
Due: Weekly
Weighting: 10%
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Understanding of the tools and methods that are used in the geosciences; these are organised in three modules: o Tools of the geoscientist o Hot rocks o Rocks under stress
- Competence in applying geo-scientific principles to understanding the world around you
- Capacity to employ appropriate geo-scientific tools to solve problems and to interpret the results
- Understanding scientific methodology
- 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
Case studies
Due: TBA
Weighting: 45%
Case studies (includes Hartley quiz + field notes 5%; Mt. Todd, 15%; Volcanoes, 10%, Hartley 15%)
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Understanding of the tools and methods that are used in the geosciences; these are organised in three modules: o Tools of the geoscientist o Hot rocks o Rocks under stress
- Competence in applying geo-scientific principles to understanding the world around you
- Capacity to employ appropriate geo-scientific tools to solve problems and to interpret the results
- Understanding scientific methodology
- 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
Final examination
Due: University Examination Period
Weighting: 45%
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Understanding of the tools and methods that are used in the geosciences; these are organised in three modules: o Tools of the geoscientist o Hot rocks o Rocks under stress
- Competence in applying geo-scientific principles to understanding the world around you
- Capacity to employ appropriate geo-scientific tools to solve problems and to interpret the results
- Understanding scientific methodology
- 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
Delivery and Resources
Classes
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR EXTERNAL STUDENTS
Field trip and on-campus sessions
- The Hartley field trip for external students is on Saturday 11th October. There will be a bus leaving from MQ campus.
- The first on-campus session is on Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th September.
- The second on-campus session is on Sunday 12th October.
Required and Recommended Texts and/or Materials
TEXTS AND REFERENCES
Unit booklet
This contains diagrams that will be referred to in lectures and the laboratory exercises. It is available through the University Co-Operative Bookshop. The completed worksheets are invaluable as an aid during revision for the examination. The booklet is essential for the laboratory exercises, but it is not intended to serve as a formal guide to the lectures. You will have to take your own explanatory notes and complement them with extra reading.
Textbook (available in the Bookshop)
The recommended text is:
Tarbuck, E. J., Lutgens, F. K. and Tasa, D. (2010). Earth: An introduction to Physical Geology (10th ed.). Pearson - Prentice Hall, New Jersey.
This gives more background information, often written from a different perspective from the lectures. It also contains photographs and diagrams for use in the lectures and laboratory exercises. In the library you may find several other basic textbooks on Physical Geology that will be of use to you.
Reading List
You may find the following books helpful for reference. They should provide useful supportive material to the lectures, case studies and laboratory exercises, and supplement the prescribed textbook and the Unit of Study booklet.
Earth Dynamics, Materials and the Environment is a subject relying heavily on observation, so it will be of great help to look at a variety of illustrations of the features that are covered in the unit of study. The books listed below are generally well illustrated, with striking colour photographs and diagrams.
** indicates a book in Special Reserve in the Library; * indicates a book on 3-day loan.
**Branagan, D.F. and Packham, G.H., 2000. Field geology of NSW. NSW Dept of Mineral Resources. Sydney. QE45.B7
*Busch, R.M., Tarbuck, E.J. and Lutgens, F.K, 1993. A study guide to accompany "The earth — an introduction to physical geology". Merrill. QE28.2.T37
*Cattermole, P., 2000. Building Planet Earth. Cambridge University Press. QE26.2.C384
*Hamblin, W.K. 1998. Earth's Dynamic Systems. Macmillan (8th Ed.) QE28.2.H35
*Hamblin, W.K. and Howard, J.D. 1995. Exercises in Physical Geology. QE28.2.H36
**Herbert, C. and Helby, R., 1980. A Guide to the Sydney Basin. Geological Survey of NSW Bulletin 26. QE341.N4
**Kimberley, M.M and Kimberley, S.J. 1995. Study guide to Skinner/Porter's The Dynamic Earth: an introduction to physical geology. Third Edition. Wiley (3rd Ed) QE28.2K56
*Merritts, D.J., De Wet, A., and Menking, K., 1998. Environmental Geology: an earth system science approach. Freeman, New York. QE38.M47
*Monroe, J.S. and Wicander, R. 1992 Physical Geology — exploring the earth. Harper Educational Publ.; West Publ. Co St. Paul. QE28.2.M655
*Montgomery, C.W., 1993. Physical Geology. Wm C. Brown (3rd Ed.) QE28.2.M66
*Morrison, R., 1988. Voyage of the Great Southern Ark. Ure Smith Press. QE340.M67
*Morton, R.D., 1995. Student’s Companion to Skinner and Porter’s The Dynamic Earth; an introduction to Physical Geology, Third Edition. Wiley QE28.2.S552
*Murck, B.W., Skinner, B.J. and Porter, S.C., 1996. Environmental Geology. Wiley and Sons, New York. QE38.M87/1996
*Plummer, C.C. and McGeary, D., 1999. Physical Geology. Wm C. Brown Publ., Iowa (8th Ed.). QE28.2.P58
*Press, F. and Siever, R. 1998. Understanding Earth. Freeman, New York (2nd Ed.) (replaces Earth, 4th Ed.). QE28.P9
**Scheibner, E., 1999. The geological evolution of New South Wales. Dept of Mineral Resources. QE341.S296
**Skinner, B.J. and Porter, S.C., 2000. The Dynamic Earth: an introduction to physical geology. Wiley , 4th Ed. QE28.2.S55
**Skinner, B.J., Porter, S.C. and Botkin, D.B., 1999. The Blue Planet. Wiley , 2nd Ed. QB631.S57
*Smith, D.G., 1981. The Cambridge Encyclopedia of Earth Sciences Cambridge Univ. Press, Cambridge. QE26.2.C35
*Stanley, S.M., 1989. Earth and life through time. W.H. Freeman and Company, N.Y. QE28.3.S73
*Tarbuck, E.J. and Lutgens, F.K., 1999. The earth — an introduction to physical geology. Merrill (6th Ed.). QE28.2.T37
**Van Andel, T.H., 1994. New views of an old planet: continental drift and the history of the earth. Cambridge Univ. Press, Cambridge (2nd Ed.). QE26.2.V36
*Veevers, J.J., 2000. Billion-year earth history of Australia and neighbours in Gondwanaland. GEMOC Press, Sydney. QE340.B55
CD-ROMS
**Dunning, J and Onesti, L.J., 1998. Earth Matters. Freeman and Co., New York. QE38.D8
**Tasa, D., 1999. Illustrated dictionary of earth science. Tasa Graphic Arts. QE5.I45
Library Loans
The Library at Macquarie will have provided you with information on library loans. The procedures differ for metropolitan and country students. Please familiarise yourself with the procedures appropriate in your case. If you have any enquiries contact the Library on (02) 9850-7500.
Technology Used and Required
Described in the Unit page at http://ilearn.mq.edu.au
Learning and Teaching Activities
Lectures
Practicals
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
- Understanding of the tools and methods that are used in the geosciences; these are organised in three modules: o Tools of the geoscientist o Hot rocks o Rocks under stress
- Competence in applying geo-scientific principles to understanding the world around you
- Capacity to employ appropriate geo-scientific tools to solve problems and to interpret the results
Assessment task
- Case studies
Learning and teaching activity
- Review of fundamental concepts associated with specific topics. Conceptual background for practicals.
- Hands-on activities associated with important and practical concepts/tools used in different Earth Science disciplines
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
- Understanding of the tools and methods that are used in the geosciences; these are organised in three modules: o Tools of the geoscientist o Hot rocks o Rocks under stress
- Competence in applying geo-scientific principles to understanding the world around you
- Capacity to employ appropriate geo-scientific tools to solve problems and to interpret the results
- Application of knowledge to solving problems and evaluating ideas and information
- Capacity to present ideas clearly with supporting evidence
Assessment tasks
- Case studies
- Final examination
Learning and teaching activities
- Hands-on activities associated with important and practical concepts/tools used in different Earth Science disciplines
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 of the tools and methods that are used in the geosciences; these are organised in three modules: o Tools of the geoscientist o Hot rocks o Rocks under stress
- Capacity to employ appropriate geo-scientific tools to solve problems and to interpret the results
- Competence in accessing, using and synthesising appropriate information
Assessment task
- Weekly quiz
Learning and teaching activity
- Review of fundamental concepts associated with specific topics. Conceptual background for practicals.
- Hands-on activities associated with important and practical concepts/tools used in different Earth Science disciplines
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 the geosciences; these are organised in three modules: o Tools of the geoscientist o Hot rocks o Rocks under stress
- Competence in applying geo-scientific principles to understanding the world around you
- Capacity to employ appropriate geo-scientific tools to solve problems and to interpret the results
- Understanding scientific methodology
- 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
- Case studies
- Final examination
Learning and teaching activities
- Review of fundamental concepts associated with specific topics. Conceptual background for practicals.
- Hands-on activities associated with important and practical concepts/tools used in different Earth Science disciplines
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
- Understanding of the tools and methods that are used in the geosciences; these are organised in three modules: o Tools of the geoscientist o Hot rocks o Rocks under stress
- Competence in applying geo-scientific principles to understanding the world around you
- Capacity to employ appropriate geo-scientific tools to solve 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
- Case studies
- Final examination
Learning and teaching activities
- Hands-on activities associated with important and practical concepts/tools used in different Earth Science disciplines
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
- Understanding of the tools and methods that are used in the geosciences; these are organised in three modules: o Tools of the geoscientist o Hot rocks o Rocks under stress
- Competence in applying geo-scientific principles to understanding the world around you
- Capacity to employ appropriate geo-scientific tools to solve problems and to interpret the results
- Understanding scientific methodology
- Competence in accessing, using and synthesising appropriate information
- Application of knowledge to solving problems and evaluating ideas and information
Assessment tasks
- Case studies
- Final examination
Learning and teaching activities
- Hands-on activities associated with important and practical concepts/tools used in different Earth Science disciplines
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 outcomes
- Understanding of the tools and methods that are used in the geosciences; these are organised in three modules: o Tools of the geoscientist o Hot rocks o Rocks under stress
- Understanding scientific methodology
- Application of knowledge to solving problems and evaluating ideas and information
- Capacity to present ideas clearly with supporting evidence
Assessment tasks
- Case studies
- Final examination
Learning and teaching activities
- Hands-on activities associated with important and practical concepts/tools used in different Earth Science disciplines
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
- Understanding of the tools and methods that are used in the geosciences; these are organised in three modules: o Tools of the geoscientist o Hot rocks o Rocks under stress
- Competence in applying geo-scientific principles to understanding the world around you
- Understanding scientific methodology
- Application of knowledge to solving problems and evaluating ideas and information
- Capacity to present ideas clearly with supporting evidence
Assessment task
- Case studies
Learning and teaching activity
- Review of fundamental concepts associated with specific topics. Conceptual background for practicals.
- Hands-on activities associated with important and practical concepts/tools used in different Earth Science disciplines
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 outcomes
- Understanding of the tools and methods that are used in the geosciences; these are organised in three modules: o Tools of the geoscientist o Hot rocks o Rocks under stress
- Understanding scientific methodology
Assessment task
- Case studies
Learning and teaching activity
- Review of fundamental concepts associated with specific topics. Conceptual background for practicals.