Unit Guide

General Information

Unit convenor and teaching staff	Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit Convenor Kira Westaway kira.westaway@mq.edu.au Contact via 02 9850 8429 12 Wallys Walk Room 4.29 (ENVS) Anytime by email appointment Lecturer Simon George simon.george@mq.edu.au Contact via 02 9850 4424 12 Wally's Walk Room 3.29 (EPS) Anytime during module by email appointment Lecturer Craig O'Neill craig.oneill@mq.edu.au Contact via 02 9850 12 Wally's Walk 1.07 (EPS) During Module by email appointment Lecturer Stuart Browning stuart.browning@mq.edu.au Contact via 02 9850 8407 12 Wally's Walk 4.06 (ENVS) Anytime during module Lecturer Bruce Schaefer bruce.schaefer@mq.edu.au Contact via 02 9850 8370 12 Wally's Walk 2.29 (EPS) By email appt during Module
Credit points	Credit points 3
Prerequisites	Prerequisites
Corequisites	Corequisites
Co-badged status	Co-badged status
Unit description	Unit description This is a unit recommended for all environmental scientists, geologists, geographers, biologists and others seeking an integrated view of the Planet Earth. The unit deals with the Earth as a dynamic system, tracing both the origins and workings of the solid earth, the atmosphere, the oceans and the biosphere. The Earth's internal structure and tectonic processes (earthquakes, volcanism and plate movements), climate systems, climate variability and change, landforms, surface processes and the role of the biosphere are investigated. Models for the genesis of life are considered and patterns of evolution and extinction are traced through fossils and other evidence. Wherever possible, interactions (for example, between landscape and climate, atmosphere and life, plate movements and landforms) are examined to develop a unified model of the global system. Special lectures are included to illustrate the human significance of the models examined.

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 how our planet works and how its major components interact, to be in a better position to evaluate environmental issues and come to more meaningful conclusions about them
To develop an appreciation of a wide range of scientific methods and be better equipped in the use and synthesis of available information
Present ideas and the supporting evidence clearly in written and verbal form
Building on and further developing skills in literacy, numeracy and information technology
Developing independence and skills for working in a group
Demonstrate critical thinking in your reading and interpretation of the literature and restate and draw original inferences from scientific papers.
Developing a hypothesis for testing and applying prior knowledge and understanding to a scientific problem
Applying knowledge to new situations and landscapes. Developing a means of presenting and synthesizing data in a creative way

Assessment Tasks

Name	Weighting	Hurdle	Due
Assessment 1	10%	No	10 am 21/03/17
Assessment 2	20%	No	10 am 23/05/17
Assessment 3	15%	No	N/A
Assessment 4	15%	No	N/A
Assessment 5	40%	No	TBA

Assessment 1

Due: 10 am 21/03/17
Weighting: 10%

First Essay on Module 1 content

On successful completion you will be able to:

Understanding how our planet works and how its major components interact, to be in a better position to evaluate environmental issues and come to more meaningful conclusions about them
To develop an appreciation of a wide range of scientific methods and be better equipped in the use and synthesis of available information
Present ideas and the supporting evidence clearly in written and verbal form
Building on and further developing skills in literacy, numeracy and information technology
Developing independence and skills for working in a group
Demonstrate critical thinking in your reading and interpretation of the literature and restate and draw original inferences from scientific papers.
Developing a hypothesis for testing and applying prior knowledge and understanding to a scientific problem
Applying knowledge to new situations and landscapes. Developing a means of presenting and synthesizing data in a creative way

Assessment 2

Due: 10 am 23/05/17
Weighting: 20%

Second essay on Modules 2 and 3 content

On successful completion you will be able to:

Understanding how our planet works and how its major components interact, to be in a better position to evaluate environmental issues and come to more meaningful conclusions about them
To develop an appreciation of a wide range of scientific methods and be better equipped in the use and synthesis of available information
Present ideas and the supporting evidence clearly in written and verbal form
Building on and further developing skills in literacy, numeracy and information technology
Developing independence and skills for working in a group
Demonstrate critical thinking in your reading and interpretation of the literature and restate and draw original inferences from scientific papers.
Developing a hypothesis for testing and applying prior knowledge and understanding to a scientific problem
Applying knowledge to new situations and landscapes. Developing a means of presenting and synthesizing data in a creative way

Assessment 3

Due: N/A
Weighting: 15%

True/False Quizzes (15%)

There are a total of 12 true/false quizzes based on the lecture content. They are completed online at home during weeks 2-13 for all students. The quizzes are done by you alone, closed-book. Each true/false quizz comprises 20 questions, based on prior lecture material for that week. Your overall true/false quizz assessment will be based on your best 10 individual true/false quizz results. If you do not complete a true/false quizz in its scheduled week you will receive 0/20 for that individual true/false quizz.

On successful completion you will be able to:

Understanding how our planet works and how its major components interact, to be in a better position to evaluate environmental issues and come to more meaningful conclusions about them
To develop an appreciation of a wide range of scientific methods and be better equipped in the use and synthesis of available information
Present ideas and the supporting evidence clearly in written and verbal form
Building on and further developing skills in literacy, numeracy and information technology

Assessment 4

Due: N/A
Weighting: 15%

Assessed Practical Quizzes (15%)

There are a total of 13 assessed practicals and associated quizzes that must be completed every week . The content in the practicals is of equal importance to the lectures so the quizzes are of equal weighting. You will conduct your practical ensuring that you have completed all sections and then at home you will answer 6 multiple choice answers based on the practical answers. The quiz has a time limit of 10 mins so you will need your answers ready. The tests are done by you alone, but you are allowed to use your practical book.

On successful completion you will be able to:

Understanding how our planet works and how its major components interact, to be in a better position to evaluate environmental issues and come to more meaningful conclusions about them
To develop an appreciation of a wide range of scientific methods and be better equipped in the use and synthesis of available information
Present ideas and the supporting evidence clearly in written and verbal form
Building on and further developing skills in literacy, numeracy and information technology
Developing a hypothesis for testing and applying prior knowledge and understanding to a scientific problem
Applying knowledge to new situations and landscapes. Developing a means of presenting and synthesizing data in a creative way

Assessment 5

Due: TBA
Weighting: 40%

Final Examination (40%)

The University Examination period in First Half Year 2015 is from Tuesday 14th June 2016 to Friday 1st July 2016.

You are expected to present yourself for examination at the time and place designated in the University Examination Timetable. The timetable will be available in Draft form approximately eight weeks before the commencement of the examinations and in Final form approximately four weeks before the commencement of the examinations.

http://www.timetables.mq.edu.au/exam

You are advised that it is Macquarie University policy not to set early examinations for individuals or groups of students. All students are expected to ensure that they are available until the end of the teaching session, that is, the final day of the official examination period.

The examination consists of two sections. Section A comprises 10 short-answer questions. Section B consists of 4 problems, one from each module of the unit.

On successful completion you will be able to:

Understanding how our planet works and how its major components interact, to be in a better position to evaluate environmental issues and come to more meaningful conclusions about them
To develop an appreciation of a wide range of scientific methods and be better equipped in the use and synthesis of available information
Present ideas and the supporting evidence clearly in written and verbal form
Building on and further developing skills in literacy, numeracy and information technology
Applying knowledge to new situations and landscapes. Developing a means of presenting and synthesizing data in a creative way

Delivery and Resources

LECTURES

There are two 1 hour lectures each week. These are on Tuesdays from 11-12 and Thursdays 12-1 both in X5BT1. You need to attend both.
Both lectures each week will be recorded by Echo 360 for iLecture (links from iLearn). We strongly suggest that you use this as a revision aid, and not a reason to stay away from lectures. Our experience is that internal students benefit greatly from attendance at the live lectures.

PRACTICALS

There is a one 2 hour practical each week. Practicals are in E5A 250. There are 15 possible practical classes. The timetable for the classes can be found on the University web site at: http://www.timetables.mq.edu.au/
Students are expected to attend all practicals; read practical notes prior to weekly practical; attend all practicals and participate.
Practicals and lectures start in Week 1 (28 Feb-3 March), please come along, it is important to start straight away! Note that this first week of study is also termed O-week.
You may not change practical classes once session 1 begins unless you have email permission from the unit convenor.
It is an assessment requirement of this unit that all students attend practical classes. The practicals are assessed by an at home multiple choice quiz every week. If you have a valid reason for missing a practical (medical or personal with some documentation) then you will need to attend another practical later in the week or attend the missed practical in the on-campus session.

READING

Read from the textbook and other sources listed in this unit guide and also research your own sources using the library databases. If you do not know how to do this please attend the library tour or training classes

ASSESSMENTS

Two assessments are required (see Assessment tasks) the workload for these is likely to vary from week to week, with some weeks being more than the average of the overall workload for these and some being less - overall 48 hrs. The method of submission also varies for some of these assessments - make sure you read the submission instructions carefully in: Assessments: submission and grading

QUIZZES AND TESTS

Weekly True/False quizzes and 13 assessed practical quizzes (one for each practical) to be completed at home (online) - requires at least 1 hour a week

EXAM

Private study for the final exam will vary from week to week, with some weeks being more than the average of the overall workload for these and some being less - overall 7 hrs

TECHNOLOGIES USED AND REQUIRED

GEOS112: ILEARN and ILECTURE (ECHO 360)

Public page: http://www.eps.mq.edu.au/GEOS112.htm/

The iLearn web page for this unit can be accessed from here: http://ilearn.mq.edu.au

A link in here leads you to the iLecture content for geos112.

Accessing the Web Site: Usernames and passwords

Usernames

Your iLearn username will be your standard Macquarie Student OneID Number (an 8-digit number found on your Campus Card).

Open University Australia students will find your Student OneID Number in the Confirmation of Enrolment letter included with your Macquarie study package.

Passwords

You will use your OneID password for your iLearn online units.

When you have finished using the web site you must log out, or exit or quit your browser. To log out of iLearn, click the 'logout' link near the top right of the screen. If you don't log out, or exit or quit your browser, other people can continue to use your account which means they can use your mail, discussions and other course tools.

iLearn Communication Tools

The unit iLearn page includes three messaging tools, the Announcements tool, the Discussions forum and the Dialogue tool. In the Announcements Forum, the teaching staff will make unit-wide announcements. These will mostly concern administrative matters (Please note: Students cannot post in this forum). All participants are subscribed to this forum and will automatically receive email notification of these important announcements. The Discussions forum is used for messages that either everyone enrolled or selected groups in an online unit can read. Students and lecturers can post and reply to these messages. The Dialogue tool is used for private messages between you, your lecturer and students in a unit. It is suggested that you check for new discussion and mail messages at least once a week.

Required and recommended texts and/or materials

· The prescribed textbook for the unit is:

GEOS112: The Planet Earth - compiled by Dr Kira Westaway - Pearson

This textbook has been specially compiled by Pearson publishers for this unit and may be purchased from them as either an ebook or as a hard copy. The Co-op Bookshop will stock the hard copy, together with the GEOS112 Practical Manual. It is essential that you purchase these before or during the first week of session.

It is also essential that you spend some time becoming familiar with the textbook - the index, glossary and layout, at the beginning of the unit. It covers most of the aspects we shall be studying, some in greater detail than is required. Thus, you should read the sections which are related to the lecture and practical material covered each week. You need to use your own initiative to pick out the appropriate parts, and hopefully you will find it of interest to read "around" these parts as well.

· The prescribed unit material is the:

GEOS112 Practical Manual.

It may be purchased from the Co-op Bookshop. It is essential that you purchase this before or during the first week of session.

· You should find the following recommended textbooks helpful for reference. They should provide useful supportive material to the lectures and practicals, and supplement the prescribed textbook. Most or all of them should be available in the "Reserve" section of the Library.

Christopherson R. W. 2005. Geosystems: An Introduction to Physical Geography (5th edition). Pearson Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River.

Cowen R. 2005. History of Life (4th edition). Blackwell Scientific Publications, Boston.

Cox C. B. & Moore P. D. 2005. Biogeography: An Ecological and Evolutionary Approach (7th edition). Blackwell Science, Malden, Ma.

Grotzinger J. P. & Press F. 2007. Understanding Earth (5th edition). W. H. Freeman, New York.

Hamblin W. K. & Christiansen E. H. 2004. Earth's Dynamic Systems (10th edition). Prentice Hall, Pearson Education, Upper Saddle River.

Monroe J. S. & Wicander R. 2005. Physical Geology: Exploring the Earth (5th edition). Brooks/Cole-Thomson Learning, Pacific Grove.

Montgomery C.W. 1993. Physical Geology (3rd edition). Wm. C. Brown, Dubuque.

Open University. 1989. Ocean Chemistry and Deep-Sea Sediments. Pergamon Press, Oxford.

Parry M., Canziani O., Palutikof J., van der Linden P. & Hanson C. eds. 2007. Climate Change 2007: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability. Contribution of Working Group II to the Fourth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.

Prothero D. R. 2004. Bringing Fossils to Life. An Introduction to Paleobiology (2nd edition). McGraw-Hill, Boston.

Skinner B.J., Porter S.C., Botkin D.B., 1999.The Blue Planet: an introduction to earth system science. J. Wiley, New York

Skinner B. J., Porter S. C. & Park J. 2004. Dynamic Earth: An Introduction to Physical Geology (5th edition). Wiley, Hoboken.

Solomon S., Qin D., Manning M., Marquis M., Averyt K., Tignor M. M. B., Miller Jr H. L. & Chen Z. eds. 2007. Climate Change 2007: The Physical Science Basis. Contribution of Working Group I to the Fourth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.

Sturman A. P. & Tapper N. J. 2006. The Weather and Climate of Australia and New Zealand (2nd edition). Oxford University Press, Melbourne.

Tarbuck E. J. & Lutgens F. K. 2005. Earth: An Introduction to Physical Geology (8th edition). Pearson/Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River.

Taylor P. D. ed. 2004. Extinctions in the History of Life. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, U.K.; New York.

The Library

Because of the large number of students enrolled in this unit, the facilities and materials of the Library will be fully extended. For your own sake and for others please do not leave your use of these facilities until the last minute. The Library is open for very liberal hours (day, evening and weekends) so there should be plenty of opportunity to find materials. When borrowing books, please return them quickly so that others also have access to them. It is extremely important that you become an efficient library user. Find out quickly how it works and organise your time properly. Do not assume you know how to use the Library and do not be embarrassed about asking. Library tours and Library staff are freely available for your consultation.

Unit Schedule

Week

Lecture Dates

Lecturer*

Lecture Topics

Practical Topic

28 Feb

2 March

CO'N

Welcome; success in GEOS112

Module 1: The Solid Earth

Earth and its neighbours

Module 1

1. Introduction; unit guide; unit web page; Garden Rocks

7 March

9 March

CO'N

1.2 The Deep Earth (earthquakes and structure)

1.3 The Earth's crust (magnetism and gravity)

2. Where things are and how fast they move

14 March

16 March

CO'N

1.4 Moving continents (oceans the key)

1.5 Plate tectonic model

3. Palaeomagnetism and wandering continents

21 March

23 March

CO'N

1.6 Origin of the atmosphere and oceans – online lecture only

Assignment 1 due by 10 am 21^th March

Module 2: The Climate System

2.1 Introduction to the Earth’s Climate System

4. Plate tectonics

28 March

30 March

2.2 Energy and the Climate System

2.3 Global atmosphere and ocean circulation

Module 2

5. Field observation skills

First On-Campus Session for external students, 1-2 April 2017

4 April

6 April

2.4 Short term atmospheric variability

2.5 Long term climate change

6. Atmospheric moisture

11 April

13 April

2.6 Climate change & the greenhouse effect

Module 3: Surface Processes

3.1 Global geomorphic provinces

7. Synoptic weather and global climates

2 week recess

2 May

4 May

3.2 Epimorphism

3.3 Catchments – Erosion and lateral redistribution of products of epimorphism

Module 3

8. Geomorphic provinces

9 May

11 May

3.4 Landscape evolution – The Timeless Land?

3.5 After Gondwana: climate change

9. Surface processes - continental

Second On-Campus Session for external students, 13-14 May 2017

16 May

18 May

3.6 The dark recesses of the oceans

Module 4: The Biosphere

4.1 Radioactivity and the age of the Earth

10. Sub-oceanic processes

23 May

25 May

Assignment 2 due by 10 am 23rd May

4.2 Life: the beginnings

4.3 Evolution: the fossil record

Module 4

11. (a) How to date rocks

(b) The origin and development of life on Earth.

30 May

1 June

4.4 Mass extinctions

4.5 Biogeography

12. Evolution, extinction and palaeogeography

6 June

8 June

4.6 Natural Hazards and their Impacts

4.7 Global cycles – wrap up, exam and beyond

13. Biogeography, exam preparation and TEDS

Learning and Teaching Activities

Lectures

Two hours of lectures a week - overall 25 hrs.

Practicals

Two hours of practical classes a week - overall 26 hrs.

Reading

At least 1 hour of private reading a week - overall 15 hrs

Asssessments

Two essay-based assessments are required (see Assessment tasks)- overall 48 hrs

Quizzes

Weekly True/False quizzes and 13 assessed practical quizzes both conducted at home- 1 hour a week - overall 13 hrs

Exam

A test of knowledge and understanding of the lecture content and practical skills overall 7 hrs

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_2016.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 (in effect until Dec 4th, 2017): http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html

Special Consideration Policy (in effect from Dec 4th, 2017): https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policies/special-consideration

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.

Special Consideration

The only exception to not sitting an examination at the designated time is because of documented illness or unavoidable disruption. In these circumstances you may wish to consider applying for Special Consideration. The following is a link to the University’s Special Consideration Policy. You are required to read this policy at the start of this session:

http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/special_consideration/policy.html

If a Supplementary Examination is granted as a result of the Special Consideration process the examination will be scheduled after the conclusion of the official examination period.

There is a procedure for appealing against final unit grades and a mechanism for solving problems like illness during the unit. We refer you to the University Handbook of Undergraduate Studies for details and suggest that you discuss these sorts of problems with the Unit Convenor in the first instance.

Academic Honesty and Plagiarism

The University defines plagiarism in its rules: "Using the work or ideas of another person and presenting this as your own without clear acknowledgement of the source of the work or ideas." Plagiarism is a serious breach of the University's rules and carries significant penalties. The policy explains what plagiarism is, how to avoid it, the procedures that will be taken in cases of suspected plagiarism, and the penalties if you are found guilty. Penalties may include a deduction of marks, failure in the unit, and/or referral to the University Discipline Committee. GEOS112 uses turnitin to help monitor plagiarism (see section on assignments).

University policy on grading

Academic Senate has a set of guidelines on the distribution of grades across the range from fail to high distinction. Your final result will include one of these grades plus a standardised numerical grade (SNG).

On occasion your raw mark for a unit (i.e., the total of your marks for each assessment item) may not be the same as the SNG which you receive. Under the Senate guidelines, results may be scaled to ensure that there is a degree of comparability across the university, so that units with the same past performances of their students should achieve similar results.

It is important that you realise that the policy does not require that a minimum number of students are to be failed in any unit. In fact it does something like the opposite, in requiring examiners to explain their actions if more than 20% of students fail in a unit.

The process of scaling does not change the order of marks among students. A student who receives a higher raw mark than another will also receive a higher final scaled mark. Grades will not be awarded by reference to the achievement of other students nor allocated to fit a predetermined distribution.

For an explanation of the policy see:

http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html

Effect of excessive paid work and other activities on student progress and success

· Several studies on student progress have demonstrated that excessive hours of paid work and/or other activities, especially regular commitments, can have a detrimental effect on successful completion of studies. As stated in the Handbook of Undergraduate Studies (Glossary of Terms, “credit point”) the number of credit points for each unit reflects the amount of work required, and each credit point has an expectation of 3 hours of work (this includes both in class and out of class study).

· If you are undertaking an average full-time program of study, i.e. 12 credit points in a session, then you should expect to undertake 36 hours of work. Care should be taken with additional regular commitments to ensure that you are not overloading yourself. Options might include cutting back on outside commitments during the session or reducing the number of units you undertake.

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 Support Services

Advice for students with disabilities/health conditions

The Disability Support Unit (DSU) provides support and assistance to students with a disability/health condition in aiming to ensure that they do not experience disadvantage in reaching their academic potential. Service provision is determined on a case-by-case basis following an assessment of a student’s needs and the provision of supporting documentation. Service provision is also dependent on the availability of resources.

To register with ESU, download a Disability Service Registration form from: http://students.mq.edu.au/campus_life/wellbeing/disability_support_unit/how_to_register/

This form must be completed annually, irrespective of whether a disability/health condition is temporary, long-term or permanent. Students wishing to request support services from the DSU should make an appointment to see a Disability Advisor immediately after enrolling at Macquarie University.

Telephone: 02 9850 6494

TTY: 02 9850 6493

Email: disability@mq.edu.au

In person: Level 2, Lincoln Building (C8A), Macquarie University

Website: http://students.mq.edu.au/campus_life/wellbeing/disability_support_unit/

Information on student requests is available on the Faculty of Science web site.

http://web.science.mq.edu.au/intranet/lt/admin/acad_advice.htm

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

To develop an appreciation of a wide range of scientific methods and be better equipped in the use and synthesis of available information
Developing a hypothesis for testing and applying prior knowledge and understanding to a scientific problem
Applying knowledge to new situations and landscapes. Developing a means of presenting and synthesizing data in a creative way

Assessment tasks

Assessment 1
Assessment 2
Assessment 5

Learning and teaching activities

Two hours of practical classes a week - overall 26 hrs.
Two essay-based assessments are required (see Assessment tasks)- overall 48 hrs
A test of knowledge and understanding of the lecture content and practical skills overall 7 hrs

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

Developing independence and skills for working in a group
Demonstrate critical thinking in your reading and interpretation of the literature and restate and draw original inferences from scientific papers.
Developing a hypothesis for testing and applying prior knowledge and understanding to a scientific problem
Applying knowledge to new situations and landscapes. Developing a means of presenting and synthesizing data in a creative way

Assessment tasks

Assessment 1
Assessment 2

Learning and teaching activities

Two hours of practical classes a week - overall 26 hrs.
At least 1 hour of private reading a week - overall 15 hrs
Two essay-based assessments are required (see Assessment tasks)- overall 48 hrs

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 how our planet works and how its major components interact, to be in a better position to evaluate environmental issues and come to more meaningful conclusions about them
To develop an appreciation of a wide range of scientific methods and be better equipped in the use and synthesis of available information
Present ideas and the supporting evidence clearly in written and verbal form
Building on and further developing skills in literacy, numeracy and information technology
Developing independence and skills for working in a group
Demonstrate critical thinking in your reading and interpretation of the literature and restate and draw original inferences from scientific papers.
Developing a hypothesis for testing and applying prior knowledge and understanding to a scientific problem
Applying knowledge to new situations and landscapes. Developing a means of presenting and synthesizing data in a creative way

Assessment tasks

Assessment 1
Assessment 2
Assessment 3
Assessment 4
Assessment 5

Learning and teaching activities

Two hours of lectures a week - overall 25 hrs.
Two hours of practical classes a week - overall 26 hrs.
At least 1 hour of private reading a week - overall 15 hrs
Two essay-based assessments are required (see Assessment tasks)- overall 48 hrs
Weekly True/False quizzes and 13 assessed practical quizzes both conducted at home- 1 hour a week - overall 13 hrs
A test of knowledge and understanding of the lecture content and practical skills overall 7 hrs

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 how our planet works and how its major components interact, to be in a better position to evaluate environmental issues and come to more meaningful conclusions about them
To develop an appreciation of a wide range of scientific methods and be better equipped in the use and synthesis of available information
Applying knowledge to new situations and landscapes. Developing a means of presenting and synthesizing data in a creative way

Assessment tasks

Assessment 1
Assessment 2
Assessment 3
Assessment 4
Assessment 5

Learning and teaching activities

Two hours of lectures a week - overall 25 hrs.
Two hours of practical classes a week - overall 26 hrs.
At least 1 hour of private reading a week - overall 15 hrs
Two essay-based assessments are required (see Assessment tasks)- overall 48 hrs
Weekly True/False quizzes and 13 assessed practical quizzes both conducted at home- 1 hour a week - overall 13 hrs
A test of knowledge and understanding of the lecture content and practical skills overall 7 hrs

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 how our planet works and how its major components interact, to be in a better position to evaluate environmental issues and come to more meaningful conclusions about them
Demonstrate critical thinking in your reading and interpretation of the literature and restate and draw original inferences from scientific papers.
Applying knowledge to new situations and landscapes. Developing a means of presenting and synthesizing data in a creative way

Assessment tasks

Assessment 1
Assessment 2
Assessment 5

Learning and teaching activities

Two hours of lectures a week - overall 25 hrs.
Two hours of practical classes a week - overall 26 hrs.
At least 1 hour of private reading a week - overall 15 hrs
Two essay-based assessments are required (see Assessment tasks)- overall 48 hrs
A test of knowledge and understanding of the lecture content and practical skills overall 7 hrs

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 how our planet works and how its major components interact, to be in a better position to evaluate environmental issues and come to more meaningful conclusions about them
Developing a hypothesis for testing and applying prior knowledge and understanding to a scientific problem

Assessment tasks

Assessment 1
Assessment 2
Assessment 4
Assessment 5

Learning and teaching activities

Two hours of practical classes a week - overall 26 hrs.
Two essay-based assessments are required (see Assessment tasks)- overall 48 hrs
A test of knowledge and understanding of the lecture content and practical skills overall 7 hrs

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

Present ideas and the supporting evidence clearly in written and verbal form
Building on and further developing skills in literacy, numeracy and information technology
Developing independence and skills for working in a group
Demonstrate critical thinking in your reading and interpretation of the literature and restate and draw original inferences from scientific papers.
Developing a hypothesis for testing and applying prior knowledge and understanding to a scientific problem
Applying knowledge to new situations and landscapes. Developing a means of presenting and synthesizing data in a creative way

Assessment tasks

Assessment 1
Assessment 2
Assessment 3
Assessment 5

Learning and teaching activities

Two hours of lectures a week - overall 25 hrs.
Two hours of practical classes a week - overall 26 hrs.
At least 1 hour of private reading a week - overall 15 hrs
Two essay-based assessments are required (see Assessment tasks)- overall 48 hrs
Weekly True/False quizzes and 13 assessed practical quizzes both conducted at home- 1 hour a week - overall 13 hrs
A test of knowledge and understanding of the lecture content and practical skills overall 7 hrs

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 how our planet works and how its major components interact, to be in a better position to evaluate environmental issues and come to more meaningful conclusions about them
Building on and further developing skills in literacy, numeracy and information technology
Developing independence and skills for working in a group

Assessment task

Assessment 5

Learning and teaching activity

Two hours of lectures a week - overall 25 hrs.
Two hours of practical classes a week - overall 26 hrs.
At least 1 hour of private reading a week - overall 15 hrs
Two essay-based assessments are required (see Assessment tasks)- overall 48 hrs
A test of knowledge and understanding of the lecture content and practical skills overall 7 hrs

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 how our planet works and how its major components interact, to be in a better position to evaluate environmental issues and come to more meaningful conclusions about them

Assessment tasks

Assessment 2
Assessment 5

Learning and teaching activities

Two hours of lectures a week - overall 25 hrs.
Two hours of practical classes a week - overall 26 hrs.
At least 1 hour of private reading a week - overall 15 hrs
Two essay-based assessments are required (see Assessment tasks)- overall 48 hrs

Assessments: submission and grading

ASSESSMENTS

The titles and details of the 2 assessments can be found on a hand-out given in the first lecture and in ilearn. It is important that you meet the deadlines for submission. There will be a penalty of 5% of the total mark per day (or per weekend) late, unless there is a case of misadventure. This needs to be documented, and in the case of illness, supported by medical certificates. All requests for extensions must be made to the unit convenor, Dr Kira Westaway - if not available, then Dr O'Neil (assignments 1 only) may also be consulted regarding extensions. Requests for extensions must be made prior to due dates if at all possible.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA FOR ESSAYS

The main criteria against which essays will be assessed include:

The structure of the essay, including an easily identifiable introduction, discussion, and conclusion.
Demonstration of a clear understanding of the question.
A logical, clear, and concise description and discussion of the topic.
The use of, and quality of, figures and tables.
The quality of references used, and the accuracy of within text references and the Reference list.
The accuracy of spelling and grammar.
Adherence to the presentation guidelines in the Unit Guide (particularly point 4(ii)).

SUBMISSION OF ASSESSMENTS

Both assessments must be submitted via Turnitin (via the Turnitin link in ilearn). There will be be no hard copy assignments accepted. As the submissions are entirely online there is no need for a cover sheet

(1) Turnitin: all three assessments are to be submitted using Grademark via Turnitin. Macquarie University promotes student awareness of information management and information ethics. As well as training and the provision of general information, the University tackles the issue of plagiarism through use of an online plagiarism detection tool (Turnitin). This software is used in conjunction with a set of procedures to ensure its use is equitable. The text of all three assessments for GEOS112 will be submitted to Turnitin via the Internet as part of the submission process for your assignment.

Turnitin automatically compares your work to the work of your classmates, previous students from Macquarie and other universities, with material available on the Internet, both freely available and subscription-based electronic journals. The results will be sent only to your lecturer, who will analyse these in reference to the University's standard Policy on Plagiarism. See notes on plagiarism found at the back of your practical booklet.

Turnitin Procedure

1. Go to the GEOS112 ilearn page and either find the Turnitin Assessment 1-2 links in Modules 1 and 3 or use the Turnitin Assignments link in the Activities block on the top right hand side of the site.

2. Click on the correct Assessment and then click on Submit paper - you will be allowed a single file upload in pdf. format.

3. There will be tips on file submission when you upload your file

4. Scroll through the drop down menu to find your name, enter a submission title (Assessment 1-2 plus your own title if desired) choose the appropriate file from your computer (please double check you have the correct file) and press Add submission. The file will automatically be uploaded to the Turnitin software (Assessments 1-2) and Grademark for online marking.

(2) Grademark: The two assessments will be submitted via Turnitin to be marked in Grademark - this can be found as a link in Modules 1 and 3 of ilearn. Grademark is a paperless grading system whereby your assignments will be submitted online and marked by staff and/or tutors online, and feedback will be given online via electronic comments, custom marks and even by voice comments. The staff/tutors marking will be provided with the exact time and date of submission, an overlay of the assignment, and access to the originality checker (via the Turnitin software). Your resulting grades and feedback can be found at the same link in ilearn after the post date.

Background to the unit

MACQUARIE UNIVERSITY

FACULTY OF SCIENCE

Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences

Department of Environmental Sciences

GEOS112

This unit is run jointly by the Department of Planetary Sciences and the Department of Environment and Geography.

The Planet Earth is a broad-ranging unit that is intended to give you an overview of the character of our planet. To do this we integrate elements of environmental science, geography, geology, and geophysics; yet the unit assumes no prior specific scientific background. For those pursuing environmental or earth science, this unit provides a firm foundation for future studies. Students interested in other sciences will find The Planet Earth both relevant and interesting. For those more interested in the humanities, the unit will provide a vivid picture of our physical environment. Whatever your interests, you should find this a stimulating unit.

A Pass grade or better in The Planet Earth can be used as a prerequisite for several 200-level units in the Department of Environment and Geography and the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences. These are: The Atmospheric Environment (ENVS216); Introduction to Field Geology (GEOS226); Earth Surface Processes (ENVS266); Introduction to Geophysics (GEOS205); and others.

Changes made to previous offerings of the unit

Compared to 2015, the first two assignments have been collapsed into one, both assignments are now online submission only and account for 30% of your overall score. The True/False quizzes (online at home = 15%), and 13 practical quizzes (=15%) now account for a further 30% of your score. The percentage of the exam has been decreased to 40% (down from 45%) to accommodate the increase in percentage of the quizzes.

GEOS112 Paton Prize

An annual Paton Prize ($300) is awarded to the student that performs at the highest level for the unit