Students

GEOS126 – Marine Geoscience

2016 – S2 Day

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor
Chris Firth
Contact via 9850 7763
AHH 2.657
Email and make an appointment
Nicole Mcgowan
Mark Lackie
Christopher Firth
Credit points Credit points
3
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
This unit introduces students to the marine environment through study of the oceans, past and present. From the perspective of a marine scientist this unit considers: aspects of the geological history and dynamics of the oceans; recent techniques for probing the ocean's depths; physical oceanographic processes; ocean circulation patterns; depositional environments; marine environments supporting life; long term global climate change; and human interactions with the marine environment. The unit includes practical exercises including a boat trip to investigate sediment in a local estuary.

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:

  • Understand the science behind a number of marine geoscience issues including those related to shallow water sedimentation, plate tectonics in ocean basins, and climate change over geological timescales.
  • Understand how ocean basins have changed their configuration through time due to the operation of plate tectonics.
  • Describe the source of ocean sediment, both organic and inorganic, and the processes that control where this sediment is deposited over time.
  • Describe the tools used to determine what is under the oceans and how ocean basins are constructed including deep-sea drilling, geophysical methods and remote sensing.
  • Describe the deep and shallow circulation patterns of the ocean and what influences their configuration now and in the past.
  • Comprehend that ocean waters have not always had exactly the same composition as at present and understand some of the processes that change this composition.
  • Describe the causes of long-term sea level change and evaluate the major factors that may have induced “ice ages” or major glaciation events throughout Earth’s history.
  • Understand scientific methodology.
  • Be competent in accessing, evaluating and synthesising appropriate information, using this to solve geoscience problems, and present ideas in a clear, concise report with supporting evidence.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Due
Research Project 1 12% Week 5
Research Project 2 12% Week 9
Research Project 3 12% Week 13
Quizzes 9% Weekly
Tutor's Mark 5% Weekly
Final Exam 50% Final exam period

Research Project 1

Due: Week 5
Weighting: 12%

You will be investigating data collected from the Port Hacking field trip (second Saturday in Semester 2). With this data you will: identify the features and rates of coastal erosion; examine siliciclastic deposition in oceans, describe the geophysical tools used for imaging and logging the sediments; appreciate that distribution of marine fossils is influenced by environmental factors.  This helps us interpret past environments.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Understand the science behind a number of marine geoscience issues including those related to shallow water sedimentation, plate tectonics in ocean basins, and climate change over geological timescales.
  • Describe the source of ocean sediment, both organic and inorganic, and the processes that control where this sediment is deposited over time.
  • Describe the tools used to determine what is under the oceans and how ocean basins are constructed including deep-sea drilling, geophysical methods and remote sensing.
  • Understand scientific methodology.
  • Be competent in accessing, evaluating and synthesising appropriate information, using this to solve geoscience problems, and present ideas in a clear, concise report with supporting evidence.

Research Project 2

Due: Week 9
Weighting: 12%

In this research project, you will learn to: distinguish the factors that determine ocean floor bathymetry and relief; understand how ocean basins have changed their configurations through time due to the operation of plate tectonics; recognise that present ocean basins have not always existed, and that the evidence for the youth of present oceans lies in the ocean floor basement and the sediments; appreciate the role of plate tectonics in the birth and demise of oceans.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Understand the science behind a number of marine geoscience issues including those related to shallow water sedimentation, plate tectonics in ocean basins, and climate change over geological timescales.
  • Understand how ocean basins have changed their configuration through time due to the operation of plate tectonics.
  • Describe the source of ocean sediment, both organic and inorganic, and the processes that control where this sediment is deposited over time.
  • Describe the tools used to determine what is under the oceans and how ocean basins are constructed including deep-sea drilling, geophysical methods and remote sensing.
  • Describe the deep and shallow circulation patterns of the ocean and what influences their configuration now and in the past.
  • Understand scientific methodology.
  • Be competent in accessing, evaluating and synthesising appropriate information, using this to solve geoscience problems, and present ideas in a clear, concise report with supporting evidence.

Research Project 3

Due: Week 13
Weighting: 12%

In this Research Project, you will find that: ocean waters have not always had exactly the same composition as at present; establish that deep and shallow circulation patterns of the ocean are influenced by the shape and configuration of the ocean basins; understand the link between changes in the ocean basins brought about by plate tectonics and resultant changes in sea level, ocean circulation etc.; e.g. periods of fast and slow spreading; appreciate that periods of glaciation and growth of ice caps, as well as other factors have caused changes in ocean circulation, and composition; find that marine environments have always been an important part of the biosphere and have played a significant part in the evolution of life on earth.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Understand the science behind a number of marine geoscience issues including those related to shallow water sedimentation, plate tectonics in ocean basins, and climate change over geological timescales.
  • Understand how ocean basins have changed their configuration through time due to the operation of plate tectonics.
  • Describe the source of ocean sediment, both organic and inorganic, and the processes that control where this sediment is deposited over time.
  • Describe the tools used to determine what is under the oceans and how ocean basins are constructed including deep-sea drilling, geophysical methods and remote sensing.
  • Describe the deep and shallow circulation patterns of the ocean and what influences their configuration now and in the past.
  • Comprehend that ocean waters have not always had exactly the same composition as at present and understand some of the processes that change this composition.
  • Describe the causes of long-term sea level change and evaluate the major factors that may have induced “ice ages” or major glaciation events throughout Earth’s history.
  • Understand scientific methodology.
  • Be competent in accessing, evaluating and synthesising appropriate information, using this to solve geoscience problems, and present ideas in a clear, concise report with supporting evidence.

Quizzes

Due: Weekly
Weighting: 9%

Quizzes will be given weekly, starting Week 2 and will be based on the lecture and research project material


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Understand the science behind a number of marine geoscience issues including those related to shallow water sedimentation, plate tectonics in ocean basins, and climate change over geological timescales.
  • Understand how ocean basins have changed their configuration through time due to the operation of plate tectonics.
  • Describe the source of ocean sediment, both organic and inorganic, and the processes that control where this sediment is deposited over time.
  • Describe the tools used to determine what is under the oceans and how ocean basins are constructed including deep-sea drilling, geophysical methods and remote sensing.
  • Describe the deep and shallow circulation patterns of the ocean and what influences their configuration now and in the past.
  • Comprehend that ocean waters have not always had exactly the same composition as at present and understand some of the processes that change this composition.
  • Describe the causes of long-term sea level change and evaluate the major factors that may have induced “ice ages” or major glaciation events throughout Earth’s history.

Tutor's Mark

Due: Weekly
Weighting: 5%

Mark based on participation given to you by your tutor.  The tutor will factor in such things as attendance patterns, participation in group and class discussions, readiness for each learning activity, ability to answer questions and general enthusiasm.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Understand the science behind a number of marine geoscience issues including those related to shallow water sedimentation, plate tectonics in ocean basins, and climate change over geological timescales.
  • Understand how ocean basins have changed their configuration through time due to the operation of plate tectonics.
  • Describe the source of ocean sediment, both organic and inorganic, and the processes that control where this sediment is deposited over time.
  • Describe the tools used to determine what is under the oceans and how ocean basins are constructed including deep-sea drilling, geophysical methods and remote sensing.
  • Describe the deep and shallow circulation patterns of the ocean and what influences their configuration now and in the past.
  • Comprehend that ocean waters have not always had exactly the same composition as at present and understand some of the processes that change this composition.
  • Describe the causes of long-term sea level change and evaluate the major factors that may have induced “ice ages” or major glaciation events throughout Earth’s history.
  • Understand scientific methodology.
  • Be competent in accessing, evaluating and synthesising appropriate information, using this to solve geoscience problems, and present ideas in a clear, concise report with supporting evidence.

Final Exam

Due: Final exam period
Weighting: 50%

The Final Exam will cover material from the lectures, research projects and the practicals.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Understand the science behind a number of marine geoscience issues including those related to shallow water sedimentation, plate tectonics in ocean basins, and climate change over geological timescales.
  • Understand how ocean basins have changed their configuration through time due to the operation of plate tectonics.
  • Describe the source of ocean sediment, both organic and inorganic, and the processes that control where this sediment is deposited over time.
  • Describe the tools used to determine what is under the oceans and how ocean basins are constructed including deep-sea drilling, geophysical methods and remote sensing.
  • Describe the deep and shallow circulation patterns of the ocean and what influences their configuration now and in the past.
  • Comprehend that ocean waters have not always had exactly the same composition as at present and understand some of the processes that change this composition.
  • Describe the causes of long-term sea level change and evaluate the major factors that may have induced “ice ages” or major glaciation events throughout Earth’s history.

Delivery and Resources

The class will be delievered through iLearn, lectures and workshops. Materials for the Research Projects will be made available in class and then later on iLearn. We also enourage you to do your own research.

For each project you will hand in one part that is a combined effort from the group and an individual component. The individual component will be a one or two page written report (plus diagrams, maps and references), which will concentrate on the synthesis of the ideas and conclusions. You will be given specific details of what is expected for both the group and individual components when you begin each research project.

Unit Schedule

 

2016 Dates

Lecture Topic

Lecturer

Workshop

Due Dates

Week 1 (1/8)

Introduction – Why study marine geoscience?

Nicole McGowan

Mining the Ocean Floor

 

Week 2 (8/8)

Plate Tectonics – Birth & death of ocean basins

Chris Firth

Research Project 1

 

Fieldtrip (13/8)

 

Week 3 (15/8)

Mountains to the Sea – Erosion, transport and deposition of sediments

Nicole McGowan

Research Project 1

 

Week 4 (22/8)

Sedimentation on the continental shelf, slope and rise

Nicole McGowan

Research Project 1

 

Week 5 (29/8)

Marine Biogenic Sediments

Simon George

Marine Sedimentary Rocks

Assignment 1 Due

Week 6 (5/9)

Geophysics: Seeing through the ocean floor

Mark Lackie

Research Project 2

 

Week 7 (12/9)

Remote Sensing

Mark Lackie

Research Project 2

 

Break (19/9-5/10)

 

Week 8 (3/10)

No lecture – public holiday

 

Research Project 2

 

Week 9 (10/10)

Reconstructing past continents using marine fossils

Simon George

Sediment accumulation rates

Assignment 2 Due

Week 10 (17/10)

Oceans, climate and plate tectonics

Nicole McGowan

Research Project 3

 

Week 11 (24/10)

Palaeontology and the Australian polar wanderer curve

Simon George

Research Project 3

 

Week 12 (31/10)

Tales of ancient seas, climates and isotopes

Chris Firth

Research Project 3

 

Week 13 (7/11)

IODP and marine geoscience research

Nicole McGowan

Revision

Assignment 3 Due

Learning and Teaching Activities

Research Project 1

Based on Module 1: Shifting Sands through Time • discern that erosion of the land supplies most of the detritus that covers the continental shelf and slope • identify the features and rates of coastal erosion • examine siliciclastic deposition in oceans, with particular emphasis on coastal estuarine, shallow water shelf and deep water fan sedimentation • analyse erosion, transport and depositional processes on the continental shelf, slope and rise • describe the geophysical tools used for imaging and logging the sediments • interpret the response of recent marine organisms and ecosystems to environmental factors • appreciate that distribution of marine fossils is influenced by environmental factors during the lifetime of the organism and by sediment transport and other factors after death. This helps us interpret past environments.

Research Project 2

Based on Module 2: Birth and Death of Ocean Basins. • distinguish the factors that determine ocean floor bathymetry and relief • understand how ocean basins have changed their configurations through time due to the operation of plate tectonics • recognise that present ocean basins have not always existed, and that the evidence for the youth of present oceans lies in the ocean floor basement and the sediments • appreciate the role of plate tectonics in the birth and demise of oceans.

Research Project 3

Based on Module 3: Oceans Climates and Plate Tectonics. • comprehend that ocean waters have not always had exactly the same composition as at present • establish that deep and shallow circulation patterns of the ocean are influenced by the shape and configuration of the ocean basins • understand the link between changes in the ocean basins brought about by plate tectonics and resultant changes in sea level, ocean circulation etc.; e.g. periods of fast and slow spreading • appreciate that periods of glaciation and growth of ice caps, as well as other factors have caused changes in ocean circulation, and composition • demonstrate that changes in ancient ocean waters can be detected by observing patterns of sediment deposition; e.g. salt deposits, black shales • understand that marine environments have always been a important part of the biosphere and have played a significant part in the evolution of life on earth • examine the changes in shallow marine fauna of Australia through time • perceive that the large-scale distribution of marine fossils can be explained to a large extent by palaeogeography of the oceans and continents • show how changes in ancient ocean waters can be detected by changes in the isotopic composition of shells, ice, and so on.

Workshop week 1

First week's workshop will be on "Mining the Ocean Floor"

Workshop week 5

This week's workshop will be on "Marine Sedimentary Rocks"

Workshop week 9

This week's workshop will be on "Sediment Accumulation Rates"

Weekly quizzes

Quizzes will be given weekly starting from week 2. The quiz will examine the lecture and practical topics of the previous week as well as the research projects.

Final Exam

The final exam will cover material from the lectures, text book readings, workshops and research projects. Questions will draw on information and ideas from different modules 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 about marine geoscience.

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

New Assessment Policy in effect from Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy_2016.html. For more information visit http://students.mq.edu.au/events/2016/07/19/new_assessment_policy_in_place_from_session_2/

Assessment Policy prior to Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy.html

Grading Policy prior to Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html

Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html

Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/complaint_management/procedure.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://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources 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

  • Understand how ocean basins have changed their configuration through time due to the operation of plate tectonics.
  • Describe the deep and shallow circulation patterns of the ocean and what influences their configuration now and in the past.
  • Describe the causes of long-term sea level change and evaluate the major factors that may have induced “ice ages” or major glaciation events throughout Earth’s history.
  • Understand scientific methodology.
  • Be competent in accessing, evaluating and synthesising appropriate information, using this to solve geoscience problems, and present ideas in a clear, concise report with supporting evidence.

Assessment tasks

  • Research Project 1
  • Research Project 2
  • Research Project 3
  • Final Exam

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

  • Understand the science behind a number of marine geoscience issues including those related to shallow water sedimentation, plate tectonics in ocean basins, and climate change over geological timescales.
  • Understand how ocean basins have changed their configuration through time due to the operation of plate tectonics.
  • Describe the source of ocean sediment, both organic and inorganic, and the processes that control where this sediment is deposited over time.
  • Describe the deep and shallow circulation patterns of the ocean and what influences their configuration now and in the past.
  • Describe the causes of long-term sea level change and evaluate the major factors that may have induced “ice ages” or major glaciation events throughout Earth’s history.
  • Understand scientific methodology.
  • Be competent in accessing, evaluating and synthesising appropriate information, using this to solve geoscience problems, and present ideas in a clear, concise report with supporting evidence.

Assessment tasks

  • Quizzes
  • Tutor's Mark
  • Final Exam

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

  • Understand the science behind a number of marine geoscience issues including those related to shallow water sedimentation, plate tectonics in ocean basins, and climate change over geological timescales.
  • Be competent in accessing, evaluating and synthesising appropriate information, using this to solve geoscience problems, and present ideas in a clear, concise report with supporting evidence.

Assessment tasks

  • Research Project 1
  • Research Project 2
  • Research Project 3
  • Quizzes
  • Tutor's Mark
  • Final Exam

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

  • Understand the science behind a number of marine geoscience issues including those related to shallow water sedimentation, plate tectonics in ocean basins, and climate change over geological timescales.
  • Understand how ocean basins have changed their configuration through time due to the operation of plate tectonics.
  • Describe the source of ocean sediment, both organic and inorganic, and the processes that control where this sediment is deposited over time.
  • Describe the tools used to determine what is under the oceans and how ocean basins are constructed including deep-sea drilling, geophysical methods and remote sensing.
  • Describe the deep and shallow circulation patterns of the ocean and what influences their configuration now and in the past.
  • Comprehend that ocean waters have not always had exactly the same composition as at present and understand some of the processes that change this composition.
  • Describe the causes of long-term sea level change and evaluate the major factors that may have induced “ice ages” or major glaciation events throughout Earth’s history.

Assessment tasks

  • Research Project 1
  • Research Project 2
  • Research Project 3
  • Quizzes
  • Final Exam

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

  • Understand the science behind a number of marine geoscience issues including those related to shallow water sedimentation, plate tectonics in ocean basins, and climate change over geological timescales.
  • Understand how ocean basins have changed their configuration through time due to the operation of plate tectonics.
  • Describe the source of ocean sediment, both organic and inorganic, and the processes that control where this sediment is deposited over time.
  • Describe the tools used to determine what is under the oceans and how ocean basins are constructed including deep-sea drilling, geophysical methods and remote sensing.
  • Describe the deep and shallow circulation patterns of the ocean and what influences their configuration now and in the past.
  • Comprehend that ocean waters have not always had exactly the same composition as at present and understand some of the processes that change this composition.
  • Describe the causes of long-term sea level change and evaluate the major factors that may have induced “ice ages” or major glaciation events throughout Earth’s history.
  • Understand scientific methodology.
  • Be competent in accessing, evaluating and synthesising appropriate information, using this to solve geoscience problems, and present ideas in a clear, concise report with supporting evidence.

Assessment tasks

  • Research Project 1
  • Research Project 2
  • Research Project 3
  • Final Exam

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

  • Understand the science behind a number of marine geoscience issues including those related to shallow water sedimentation, plate tectonics in ocean basins, and climate change over geological timescales.
  • Understand how ocean basins have changed their configuration through time due to the operation of plate tectonics.
  • Describe the source of ocean sediment, both organic and inorganic, and the processes that control where this sediment is deposited over time.
  • Describe the tools used to determine what is under the oceans and how ocean basins are constructed including deep-sea drilling, geophysical methods and remote sensing.
  • Describe the deep and shallow circulation patterns of the ocean and what influences their configuration now and in the past.
  • Describe the causes of long-term sea level change and evaluate the major factors that may have induced “ice ages” or major glaciation events throughout Earth’s history.
  • Understand scientific methodology.
  • Be competent in accessing, evaluating and synthesising appropriate information, using this to solve geoscience problems, and present ideas in a clear, concise report with supporting evidence.

Assessment tasks

  • Research Project 1
  • Research Project 2
  • Research Project 3
  • Final Exam

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

  • Understand the science behind a number of marine geoscience issues including those related to shallow water sedimentation, plate tectonics in ocean basins, and climate change over geological timescales.
  • Understand how ocean basins have changed their configuration through time due to the operation of plate tectonics.
  • Describe the source of ocean sediment, both organic and inorganic, and the processes that control where this sediment is deposited over time.
  • Describe the tools used to determine what is under the oceans and how ocean basins are constructed including deep-sea drilling, geophysical methods and remote sensing.
  • Describe the deep and shallow circulation patterns of the ocean and what influences their configuration now and in the past.
  • Describe the causes of long-term sea level change and evaluate the major factors that may have induced “ice ages” or major glaciation events throughout Earth’s history.
  • Be competent in accessing, evaluating and synthesising appropriate information, using this to solve geoscience problems, and present ideas in a clear, concise report with supporting evidence.

Assessment tasks

  • Research Project 1
  • Research Project 2
  • Research Project 3
  • Tutor's Mark
  • Final Exam

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

  • Understand the science behind a number of marine geoscience issues including those related to shallow water sedimentation, plate tectonics in ocean basins, and climate change over geological timescales.
  • Understand how ocean basins have changed their configuration through time due to the operation of plate tectonics.
  • Describe the deep and shallow circulation patterns of the ocean and what influences their configuration now and in the past.
  • Comprehend that ocean waters have not always had exactly the same composition as at present and understand some of the processes that change this composition.
  • Describe the causes of long-term sea level change and evaluate the major factors that may have induced “ice ages” or major glaciation events throughout Earth’s history.

Assessment tasks

  • Research Project 1
  • Research Project 2
  • Research Project 3
  • Final Exam

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

  • Understand the science behind a number of marine geoscience issues including those related to shallow water sedimentation, plate tectonics in ocean basins, and climate change over geological timescales.
  • Understand how ocean basins have changed their configuration through time due to the operation of plate tectonics.
  • Describe the source of ocean sediment, both organic and inorganic, and the processes that control where this sediment is deposited over time.
  • Describe the tools used to determine what is under the oceans and how ocean basins are constructed including deep-sea drilling, geophysical methods and remote sensing.
  • Describe the deep and shallow circulation patterns of the ocean and what influences their configuration now and in the past.
  • Comprehend that ocean waters have not always had exactly the same composition as at present and understand some of the processes that change this composition.
  • Describe the causes of long-term sea level change and evaluate the major factors that may have induced “ice ages” or major glaciation events throughout Earth’s history.

Assessment tasks

  • Tutor's Mark
  • Final Exam

Desired Standards

Grade

Standard Required

High Distinction

Demonstrates an extensive knowledge and understanding of the concepts of the course.

Distinction

Demonstrates a thorough knowledge and understanding of the concepts of the course.

Credit

Demonstrates a sound knowledge and understanding of the concepts of the course.

Pass

Demonstrates a basic knowledge and understanding of the concepts of the course.

Fail

Demonstrates a poor knowledge and understanding of the concepts of the course.

Feedback on assessment tasks

Feedback on assessment tasks is given in this unit in the following ways:

  1. Our primary mode of assessment feedback: the assessment marker will present overall feedback to the class, at either a lecture, tutorial or practical class, on what aspects of the assessment task were done best and where improvement is needed in general.
  2. Students are strongly encouraged to seek further feedback (at the time it is given or by making an appointment with the assessment marker) if they are unsure of any aspect of the feedback or if they want further feedback.
  3. We provide you with a checklist of what is asked in the assessment task and a breakdown of the marks awarded for each component. Scoring full marks for a given component indicates that you did exceptionally well. Alternatively, scoring poorly in a component strongly suggests it required further work.
  4. In the instance of scoring very poorly overall, you will be provided with written feedback on the assessment task indicating where you could improve.

Lateness of assignments and reports

Marks will be deducted for assignments and reports that are late at the rate of 10% per day, unless accompanied by a medical certificate. In other exceptional circumstances you should contact your tutor before the due date.