Students
GEOS309 – Marine Sediments and Energy Resources
2018 – S2 Day
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Convenor
Stefan Löhr
Contact via Email
12WW 3.34
By Appointment
Lecturer
Simon George
Lecturer
Martin Kennedy
Lecturer
April Abbott
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| Credit points |
Credit points
3
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
GEOS206 and GEOS226
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| Unit description |
Unit description
This unit focuses on developing an advanced level of understanding of sedimentary rocks, oil and gas. The latter are major components of Australia's energy supply, but have significant negative impacts on our environment. To understand the balance between fossil fuel exploitation and negative environmental impacts, it is important to learn about how oil and gas are formed, how they are discovered and recovered, and how they can be utilised in less environmentally harmful ways. This unit combines geological and geochemical approaches to investigate the basinal formation of sediments, and exploration and production methods for crude oil, natural gas, coal bed methane and shale gas. The key components of conventional and unconventional petroleum systems are considered, from source rock formation through generation, expulsion, migration, accumulation and alteration in reservoirs, as are mechanisms for oil and gas production from conventional and unconventional reservoirs. Geothermal energy is also assessed. Similar technologies are also utilised for the geosequestration of CO2, and the opportunities for this in Australia are assessed. This unit prepares students for careers in the energy and geosequestration industries.
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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:
- Advanced skills in identification, petrographic characterisation and interpretation of sedimentary rocks
- Ability to apply stratigraphic principles to the correlation of sedimentary sequences
- Understand the links and feedbacks between the geo-, bio-, hydro- and atmosphere and how these have evolved through time
- Ability to critically appraise palaeoenvironmental proxy records, and an understanding of theoretical and empirical basis of proxies
- Understanding of the major biogeochemical cycles and their link to the climate system
- Understanding of the controls on diagenesis, and it's impacts on biogeochemical cycling, rock properties and the proxy record
- Ability to integrate and interpret real-world physical, biological and chemical/isotopic records
- Application of discipline-specific knowledge to solving problems and evaluating ideas and information
- Understand scientific methodology
- Capacity to present ideas clearly with supporting evidence
General Assessment Information
All assessment tasks must be submitted electronically via the iLearn site. The exact submission deadline for each task will be published on the unit iLearn site.
Report & late penalties: 10% of your mark will be deducted for the first day that the assignment is received after the deadline, and 5% for each further day. Extensions for late assignments will be granted only if misadventure (including incapacitating sickness) can be demonstrated. If you need to apply for an extension, you must EMAIL THE UNIT CONVENOR BEFORE THE DUE DATE of the assignment and state the reason you are seeking an extension. This will not be granted automatically, but will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Weekly quizzes: These will cover material from the lectures, practicals and weekly readings. Please note that these are designed to encourage you to keep up with the lecture material and set reading. Individual quiz questions are not time limited, if you are unsure about an answer you can take the time to go back to your textbook or lecture notes.
Lecture & practical participation: GEOS309 is taught as a four hour mixed lecture practical session each week, Tuesdays from 9 AM to 1 PM in E5A 210 (11WW 210). Please note that while practicals do not receive a mark, participation is compulsory and students must satisfactorily participate in a minimum of 8 (eight) of the 12 (twelve) weekly practicals. Also be aware that E5A210 is not set up for Echo 360 recordings so that recordings of the lectures will not be provided. Please contact the unit convenor as soon as possible if you have difficulty attending and participating in any classes.
Exams: If you receive special consideration for the final exam, a supplementary exam will be scheduled in the interval between the regular exam period and the start of the next session. By making a special consideration application for the final exam you are declaring yourself available for a resit during the supplementary examination period and will not be eligible for a second special consideration approval based on pre-existing commitments. Please ensure you are familiar with the policy prior to submitting an application. You can check the supplementary exam information page on FSE101 in iLearn (bit.ly/FSESupp) for dates, and approved applicants will receive an individual notification one week prior to the exam with the exact date and time of their supplementary examination.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| iLearn Quizzes | 10% | No | Weekly |
| Research report | 20% | No | Week 6 |
| Practical Test | 10% | No | Week 7 |
| Mid Semester Test | 10% | No | Week 8 |
| Research presentation | 20% | No | Weeks 12 & 13 |
| Final Exam | 30% | No | Exam Period |
| Practical participation | 0% | Yes | NA |
iLearn Quizzes
Due: Weekly
Weighting: 10%
Weekly online quizzes on iLearn testing lecture and reading content
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Advanced skills in identification, petrographic characterisation and interpretation of sedimentary rocks
- Understand the links and feedbacks between the geo-, bio-, hydro- and atmosphere and how these have evolved through time
- Understanding of the major biogeochemical cycles and their link to the climate system
- Understanding of the controls on diagenesis, and it's impacts on biogeochemical cycling, rock properties and the proxy record
- Application of discipline-specific knowledge to solving problems and evaluating ideas and information
Research report
Due: Week 6
Weighting: 20%
Research report, due in Week 6. More details will be released in Week 1
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Understand the links and feedbacks between the geo-, bio-, hydro- and atmosphere and how these have evolved through time
- Ability to critically appraise palaeoenvironmental proxy records, and an understanding of theoretical and empirical basis of proxies
- Application of discipline-specific knowledge to solving problems and evaluating ideas and information
- Understand scientific methodology
- Capacity to present ideas clearly with supporting evidence
Practical Test
Due: Week 7
Weighting: 10%
Practical test, completed during the practical class in Week 7
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Advanced skills in identification, petrographic characterisation and interpretation of sedimentary rocks
- Ability to apply stratigraphic principles to the correlation of sedimentary sequences
- Understand the links and feedbacks between the geo-, bio-, hydro- and atmosphere and how these have evolved through time
- Ability to critically appraise palaeoenvironmental proxy records, and an understanding of theoretical and empirical basis of proxies
- Application of discipline-specific knowledge to solving problems and evaluating ideas and information
Mid Semester Test
Due: Week 8
Weighting: 10%
In-class test, focussing on lecture and reading material content
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Understand the links and feedbacks between the geo-, bio-, hydro- and atmosphere and how these have evolved through time
- Understanding of the major biogeochemical cycles and their link to the climate system
- Application of discipline-specific knowledge to solving problems and evaluating ideas and information
Research presentation
Due: Weeks 12 & 13
Weighting: 20%
Poster or oral presentations on range of predetermined topics
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Understand the links and feedbacks between the geo-, bio-, hydro- and atmosphere and how these have evolved through time
- Ability to critically appraise palaeoenvironmental proxy records, and an understanding of theoretical and empirical basis of proxies
- Understanding of the controls on diagenesis, and it's impacts on biogeochemical cycling, rock properties and the proxy record
- Ability to integrate and interpret real-world physical, biological and chemical/isotopic records
- Application of discipline-specific knowledge to solving problems and evaluating ideas and information
- Understand scientific methodology
- Capacity to present ideas clearly with supporting evidence
Final Exam
Due: Exam Period
Weighting: 30%
Final exam testing material covered in lectures, readings, assignments and pracs
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Ability to apply stratigraphic principles to the correlation of sedimentary sequences
- Understand the links and feedbacks between the geo-, bio-, hydro- and atmosphere and how these have evolved through time
- Ability to critically appraise palaeoenvironmental proxy records, and an understanding of theoretical and empirical basis of proxies
- Understanding of the major biogeochemical cycles and their link to the climate system
- Understanding of the controls on diagenesis, and it's impacts on biogeochemical cycling, rock properties and the proxy record
- Application of discipline-specific knowledge to solving problems and evaluating ideas and information
Practical participation
Due: NA
Weighting: 0%
This is a hurdle assessment task (see assessment policy for more information on hurdle assessment tasks)
Practical attendance is compulsory and students must satisfactorily participate in at least eight (8) out of twelve (12) classes to pass the unit.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Advanced skills in identification, petrographic characterisation and interpretation of sedimentary rocks
- Ability to apply stratigraphic principles to the correlation of sedimentary sequences
- Understand the links and feedbacks between the geo-, bio-, hydro- and atmosphere and how these have evolved through time
- Ability to critically appraise palaeoenvironmental proxy records, and an understanding of theoretical and empirical basis of proxies
- Understanding of the major biogeochemical cycles and their link to the climate system
- Understanding of the controls on diagenesis, and it's impacts on biogeochemical cycling, rock properties and the proxy record
- Ability to integrate and interpret real-world physical, biological and chemical/isotopic records
Delivery and Resources
Updated course description GEOS309 has undergone major changes for 2018, with a new focus on the evolution of the Earth as a system. The thin layer of sediments and sedimentary rocks at the Earth’s surface contains a unique record of the planet’s long history. This record reveals the gradual and at times spectacular (co)evolution of the geological, ocean, atmosphere and biological components which make the planet the complex system that it is today. An understanding of this system is critical for predicting the consequences of future climate and environmental change, the origin and distribution of the resources that are critical to society, and allows us to place modern rates of extinction into a geological context. Lectures and case studies will highlight the fascinating ways in which conditions at the Earth’s surface have changed over time. Examples will include the causes and consequences of the rise in atmospheric oxygen, the invasion of land by plants and animals, the fall of the dinosaurs, periods of increased volcanism, as well as episodes of global warming and cooling. Hands-on practicals will give you the skills to read and interpret the physical, chemical and biological clues to the Earth’s past, and allow you to critically assess the ongoing scientific controversies in this area.
Delivery GEOS309 is taught as a four hour mixed lecture practical session each week, Tuesdays from 9 AM to 1 PM in E5A 210 (11WW 210). In addition to completing compulsory weekly reading and a range of assessment tasks, you are required to attend each lecture/practical session starting in Week 1. E5A210 is not set up for Echo 360 recordings so that recordings of the lectures will not be provided. A pdf copy of the lecture slides, prac handouts and related material will be provided on the iLearn unit website.
Textbook There is no set textbook for GEOS309, although we do recommend Stanley and Luczaj's "Earth System History" as well as Kump, Kasting and Crane's "The Earth System". Journal articles and digital copies of relevant chapters from various textbooks will be posted each week on iLearn.
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
- Academic Appeals Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progression Policy
- Assessment Policy
- Fitness to Practice Procedure
- Grade Appeal Policy
- Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
- Special Consideration Policy (Note: The Special Consideration Policy is effective from 4 December 2017 and replaces the Disruption to Studies Policy.)
Undergraduate students seeking more policy resources can visit the Student Policy Gateway (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/student-policy-gateway). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.
If you would like to see all the policies relevant to Learning and Teaching visit Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/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/study/getting-started/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 the links and feedbacks between the geo-, bio-, hydro- and atmosphere and how these have evolved through time
- Application of discipline-specific knowledge to solving problems and evaluating ideas and information
- Capacity to present ideas clearly with supporting evidence
Assessment tasks
- Research report
- Research presentation
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
- Ability to critically appraise palaeoenvironmental proxy records, and an understanding of theoretical and empirical basis of proxies
- Ability to integrate and interpret real-world physical, biological and chemical/isotopic records
- Application of discipline-specific knowledge to solving problems and evaluating ideas and information
- Understand scientific methodology
- Capacity to present ideas clearly with supporting evidence
Assessment tasks
- Research report
- Practical Test
- 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 outcome
- Capacity to present ideas clearly with supporting evidence
Assessment task
- Practical participation
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
- Advanced skills in identification, petrographic characterisation and interpretation of sedimentary rocks
- Ability to apply stratigraphic principles to the correlation of sedimentary sequences
- Understand the links and feedbacks between the geo-, bio-, hydro- and atmosphere and how these have evolved through time
- Ability to critically appraise palaeoenvironmental proxy records, and an understanding of theoretical and empirical basis of proxies
- Understanding of the major biogeochemical cycles and their link to the climate system
- Understanding of the controls on diagenesis, and it's impacts on biogeochemical cycling, rock properties and the proxy record
- Ability to integrate and interpret real-world physical, biological and chemical/isotopic records
- Application of discipline-specific knowledge to solving problems and evaluating ideas and information
- Understand scientific methodology
- Capacity to present ideas clearly with supporting evidence
Assessment tasks
- iLearn Quizzes
- Research report
- Practical Test
- Mid Semester Test
- Research presentation
- 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
- Ability to apply stratigraphic principles to the correlation of sedimentary sequences
- Understand the links and feedbacks between the geo-, bio-, hydro- and atmosphere and how these have evolved through time
- Ability to critically appraise palaeoenvironmental proxy records, and an understanding of theoretical and empirical basis of proxies
- Understanding of the controls on diagenesis, and it's impacts on biogeochemical cycling, rock properties and the proxy record
- Ability to integrate and interpret real-world physical, biological and chemical/isotopic records
- Application of discipline-specific knowledge to solving problems and evaluating ideas and information
- Understand scientific methodology
- Capacity to present ideas clearly with supporting evidence
Assessment tasks
- iLearn Quizzes
- Research report
- Practical Test
- Research presentation
- 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
- Advanced skills in identification, petrographic characterisation and interpretation of sedimentary rocks
- Ability to apply stratigraphic principles to the correlation of sedimentary sequences
- Understand the links and feedbacks between the geo-, bio-, hydro- and atmosphere and how these have evolved through time
- Ability to critically appraise palaeoenvironmental proxy records, and an understanding of theoretical and empirical basis of proxies
- Understanding of the controls on diagenesis, and it's impacts on biogeochemical cycling, rock properties and the proxy record
- Ability to integrate and interpret real-world physical, biological and chemical/isotopic records
- Application of discipline-specific knowledge to solving problems and evaluating ideas and information
- Capacity to present ideas clearly with supporting evidence
Assessment tasks
- Research report
- Practical Test
- Mid Semester Test
- Research presentation
Effective Communication
We want to develop in our students the ability to communicate and convey their views in forms effective with different audiences. We want our graduates to take with them the capability to read, listen, question, gather and evaluate information resources in a variety of formats, assess, write clearly, speak effectively, and to use visual communication and communication technologies as appropriate.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcome
- Capacity to present ideas clearly with supporting evidence
Assessment tasks
- Research report
- Practical Test
- Research presentation
- Final Exam
Changes from Previous Offering
GEOS309 has undergone major changes for 2018, with a new focus on the evolution of the Earth as a system. The petroleum geoscience contents that was formerly taught in GEOS309 is now partly taught in GEOS251.