Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Unit Convenor
Kira Westaway
Contact via kira.westaway@mq.edu.au
E7A632
Office hours - send an email to book
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Credit points |
Credit points
3
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Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
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Corequisites |
Corequisites
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Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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Unit description |
Unit description
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.
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Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
Name | Weighting | Due |
---|---|---|
Assessment 1 | 5% | 10 am 17/03/14 |
Assessment 2 | 10% | 10 am 07/04/14 |
Assessment 3 | 20% | 10 am 26/05/14 |
Assessment 4 | 12% | N/A |
Assessment 5 | 8% | N/A |
Assessment 6 | 45% | TBA |
Due: 10 am 17/03/14
Weighting: 5%
Evaluate the importance of processes according to evidence for heat transfer
Due: 10 am 07/04/14
Weighting: 10%
First Essay on the Plate Tectonic Model
Due: 10 am 26/05/14
Weighting: 20%
Second essay on lateral transport processes and climate change in Australia
Due: N/A
Weighting: 12%
True/False Quizzes (12%)
There are a total of 12 true/false quizzes. 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.
Due: N/A
Weighting: 8%
To test your mastery of the practical skills for each module - conducted during the on-campus sessions
Due: TBA
Weighting: 45%
The University Examination period in First Half Year 2013 is from Monday 16th June 2014 to Friday 4th July 2014.
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.
LECTURES
There are two 1 hour lectures each week overall 25hrs. These are on Mondays and Fridays and the Echo 360 recordings for ilecture will be available for download soon after. You need to download both weekly. Students are expected to revise lecture material weekly and ahead of each on-campus session. Both lectures each week will be recorded by Echo 360 for iLecture (links from iLearn). Make sure that you keep up with the content weekly otherwise you will struggle in the on-campus sessions.
ON-CAMPUS SESSIONS
The practical component of the unit is covered by two weekend sessions - overall 26hrs. Students are expected to read practical notes prior to each session and participate. Practicals are in E5A 250 - see section 'on-campus sessions' It is an assessment requirement of this unit that all students attend both sessions.
READING
Read from the textbook and other sources listed in this unit guide and also research your own sources.
ASSESSMENTS
Three 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 submission method varies for the first three assessments so make sure you read the instructions carefully in: Assessment: submission and grading
QUIZZES AND PRACTICAL TESTS
Weekly True/False quizzes to be completed at home (online) and four practical quizzes (one for each module) to be completed during the on-campus sessions - overall 13 hrs
EXAM
A test of knowledge and understanding of the lecture content and skills developed during the practical classes. 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
GEOS112 ILEARN AND ILECTURE
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.
· The prescribed textbook for the unit is:
Merali, Z. and Skinner, B. J. 2009. Visualizing Earth Science (1st Edition). Wiley, National Geographic
This textbook may be purchased from the Co-op Bookshop, 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 (e.g. the ["closer look", "guest essay"] categories in the book).
· The prescribed unit material is the:
GEOS112 Practical Manual.
It will be sent to you via the Centre for Open Education (COE). It is essential that you receive 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.
Week |
Lecture Dates |
Lecturer* |
Lecture Topics |
Practical Topic |
1 |
3 March 7 March |
DF DF |
Module 1: The Solid Earth 1.1 Welcome; Earth and its neighbours 1.2 The Deep Earth (earthquakes and structure) |
Module 1
1. Introduction; unit guide; unit web page; Garden Rocks |
2 |
10 March
14 March |
DF
DF |
1.3 The Earth's crust (magnetism and gravity) 1.4 Moving continents (oceans the key) |
2. Where things are and how fast they move |
3 |
17 March
21 March |
DF
DF |
Assignment 1 due by 10 am 17th March 1.5 Plate tectonic model Module 2: The Climate System 2.1 Origin of the atmosphere and oceans |
3. Palaeomagnetism and wandering continents |
4 |
24 March 28 March |
SB SB
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2.2 Planetary climates 2.3 Solar/terrestrial heat: vertical energy balance |
4. Plate tectonics |
First On-Campus Session for external students, 29-30 March 2014 | ||||
5 |
31 March 4 April |
SB SB |
2.4 Wind and water (horizontal energy flux) 2.5 Global climates |
Module 2
5. Energy balance models of climate |
6 |
7 April 11 April |
SB SB |
Assignment 2 due by 10 am 7th April
2.6 Long term climate change 2.7 Climate change & the greenhouse effect |
6. Water in the Earth system
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2 week recess |
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7 |
28 April
2 May |
KW
KW |
Module 3: Surface Processes
3.1 Global geomorphic provinces 3.2 Epimorphism (weathering-leaching-clays) |
7. Global climates |
8 |
5 May
9 May |
KW
KW |
3.3 Catchments – Erosion and lateral redistribution of products of epimorphism 3.4 Landscape evolution – The Timeless Land? |
Module 3 8. Geomorphic provinces |
9 |
12 May
16 May |
KW
KW |
3.5 After Gondwana: climate change
3.6 The dark recesses of the oceans |
9. Surface processes - continental |
Second On-Campus Session for external students, 17-18 May 2014 |
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10 |
19 May
23 May |
DF
SG |
Module 4: The Biosphere 4.1 Radioactivity and the age of the Earth 4.2 Life: the beginnings |
10. Sub-oceanic processes |
11 |
26 May
30 May |
SG
SG
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Assignment 3 due by 10 am 26th May 4.3 Evolution: the fossil record
4.4 Mass extinctions |
Module 4
11. (a) How to date rocks (b) The origin and development of life on Earth. |
12 |
2 June
6 June |
SG
SG |
4.5 Biogeography
4.6 Natural Hazards and their Impacts |
12. Evolution, extinction and palaeogeography |
13 |
9 June
13 June |
DF |
Public Holiday – no lecture
4.7 Global cycles |
13. Biogeography and exam preparation |
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html
Assessment Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy.html
Grading Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html
Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html
Grievance Management Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grievance_management/policy.html
Disruption to Studies Policy http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html The Disruption to Studies Policy is effective from March 3 2014 and replaces the Special Consideration Policy.
In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/
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.
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
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
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://informatics.mq.edu.au/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
The titles and details of the three assessments can be found 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 Flood (assignments 1 and 2) may also be consulted regarding extensions). Requests for extensions must be made prior to due dates if at all possible. There also will be deductions of 10% if you fail to supply a turnitin number or tutor name on the cover sheets, or use the wrong or no cover sheet. Please read the instructions carefully!
ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
The main criteria against which essays will be assessed include:
SUBMISSION OF ASSESSMENTS
Assessments are no longer submitted via COE, instead all three assessments must be submitted via Grademark (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 1-3 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 1-3 plus your own title if desired) choose the appropriate file from your computer and press Add submission. The file will automatically be uploaded to the Turnitin software (Assessments 1-3) and Grademark for Assessment 3
(2) Grademark: All three assessments will be submitted via Turnitin to be marked in Grademark - this can be found as a link in Modules 1-3 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.
MACQUARIE UNIVERSITY
FACULTY OF SCIENCE
Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences
Department of Environment and Geography
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 (ENVE216); Introduction to Field Geology (GEOS226); Earth Surface Processes (ENVE266); Introduction to Geophysics (GEOS205); and others.
Compared to 2013, all 3 assignments are now online submission only but the percentages have not been changed. The quizzes have been split into True/False quizzes (online at home), and 4 practical quizzes in class.
An annual Paton Prize ($300) is awarded to the student that performs at the highest level for the unit
These are the only times we meet face-to-face, so you have to be fully prepared to obtain the maximum benefit. To do this you will:
1. In the weeks prior to the first session (29-30th March 2014), listen to all the iLectures (and lecture graphics) for Module 1 and lectures of Module 2 that have been given (2.1-2.3), and do all the necessary background reading for Modules 1 and 2. Make sure that you have completed your True/False quizzes for the weeks ending 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th March.
2. At the same time attempt the practicals for Module 1 in so far as you can. Tackling certain problems will only be possible with the materials and equipment available at the on-campus session - just omit these at this time.
3. In the weeks between the first session and the second on-campus session (17-18th May 2014), listen to the iLectures (and lecture graphics) for the remaining lectures for Module 2 and lectures 3.1-3.6 of Module 3, and do all the necessary background reading for Modules 3 and 4. In addition, make sure that you have completed the True/False quizzes for the weeks ending 4th April, 11th April, 2nd May, 9th May, 16th May
4. Attempt practicals for Modules 3 and 4 (similar to point 2 above).
5. Revise any difficulties you had in practicals carried out at the first on-campus session to ensure you have overcome these.
6. After the second on-campus session don’t forget to complete the True/False quizzes for the weeks ending 23rd May, 30th May, 6th June, 13th June
In order to complete the requirements for this unit it is compulsory to attend all the on-campus sessions. Absence means exclusion from the unit.
At the on-campus sessions, a day will be devoted to each of the modules and you will work through each of the practicals and discuss the problems with your tutor. Simple true/false quizzes will be given on each of the modules in the last 10 mins of each day. These quizzes, and the online lecture quizzes you will do at home, will not only provide the tutors with some idea of how you are progressing, but will be a guide to you as to your understanding of the readings and the lectures. It should be obvious from this that if you try to start the unit (without reading and listening to the relevant iLectures beforehand) on 29 March 2014, you will be at a distinct disadvantage! The unit starts on 3 March 2014 (or earlier if you have the material) and as it is a 3 credit point unit, you should spend about 9 hours each week on this unit (including on-campus session contact hours).
It also needs to be emphasised that the unit does not finish with the second on-campus session. There are another 4 weeks of term time which will give you enough time to revise everything. The first week could be used for going over everything from the second on-campus session, using the results of the true/false quizzes to locate your weaknesses. In the last three weeks you can then go through each of the modules again.
For the on-Campus sessions, food can be obtained at the Macquarie Centre, but to save a walk and time during the 40 min allocated break, we suggest that you bring your own lunch. Tea, coffee and biscuits will be provided.
First On-Campus Session, 29-30th March 2014
Saturday 29 March 2014
8.30-8:50 Sign Attendance Register (COE Front Office X5B Level 1).
Then proceed to E5A 250.
Module 1
9:00-10:30 Practical 1: Introduction; unit guide; unit web page; Garden Rocks
20 min break
10:50-12:40 Practical 2: Where things are and how fast they move.
12:40-1:20 LUNCH
1:20-3:10 Practical 3: Palaeomagnetism and wandering continents.
20 min break
3:30-5:20 Practical 4: Plate tectonics.
Sunday 30th March 2014: Proceed directly to E5A 250.
Module 2
9:00-10:30 Practical 5: Energy balance models of climate.
20 min break
10:50-12:30 Practical 6: Water in the Earth system.
12:30-1:10 LUNCH
1.10-2:50 Practical 7: Global climates.
2:50-3:30 Assignments and other matters.
Second On-Campus Session, 17-18th May 2014
Saturday 17 May 2014
8.30-8:50 Sign Attendance Register (COE Front Office X5B Level 1).
Then proceed to E5A 250.
Module 3
9:00-10.50 Practical 8: Geomorphic provinces.
20 min break
11:10-1:00 Practical 9: Surface processes - continental.
1:00-1:40 LUNCH
1.40-3:30 Practical 10: Sub-oceanic processes.
Sunday 18th May 2014: Proceed directly to E5A 250.
Module 4
9:00-10:50 Practical 11: (a) How to date rocks.
(b) The origin and development of life on Earth.
20 min break
11:10-1:00 Practical 12: Evolution, extinction and palaeogeography
1:00-1:40 LUNCH
1.40-3:30 Practical 13: Biogeography.
3:30-4:00 Exam and other matters.