Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 2 2012

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

Earth Science impacts every aspect of modern life and is a cornerstone of broader Earth Systems Science. Hence, the concepts of Earth Science are fundamental not only to the field of Geology, but also to Environmental Science, natural resource management, ecology and society at large. Planet Earth provides an introduction to Earth Science, including earth materials, geologic history, geological process at the Earth's surface, and the complex interplay between the lithosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere and biosphere through geologic time. Additionally, the unit provides readily accessible examples of the use of scientific reasoning for understanding complex natural systems. Hence, Planet Earth is a foundation unit for further studies in Geology and Environmental Science and Ecology, but more importantly, serves as a broad introduction to the very world we live on and to the ways of science in general. Such a background is highly desirable for any informed citizenry for understanding complex issues of resource, environment, and societal development.

Aims

The primary aim of the unit is to provide you with a fundamental working knowledge of geological processes as they have shaped, and continue to shape, the Earth.

Objectives

Successful completion of the unit will promote your ability to:

1. Observe and interpret geological materials and processes, both in the laboratory and in the field.
2. Understand and apply the theoretical principles of Earth Science in problem solving.
3. Comprehend the nature and scale of processes that operate on the Earth's surface.
4. Identify and better understand the relationships between Earth resources, environment, and society.
5. Adapt to the ever-changing skill- and knowledge-base that reflects modern geoscience and environmental sciences (i.e., to become a life-long learner).

Content

The unit covers the following topics in both theoretical and applied terms:

• Fundamental concepts of scientific method.


• Fundamental concepts of Geology


• Identification, classification, and genesis of Earth materials.


• Identifying minerals and rock in labratory and field based activities


• Interpretation of geological history and geological and topographic maps.


• Plate tectonics and the Earth's interior.


• Relationship between geology, climate, Earth resources, and society.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

The unit combines lectures, practical exercises and projects, and a field trip so as to integrate theoretical and applied knowledge and concepts.

Lectures: 2 hours per week for 13 weeks.
Lectures will consist of a mixture of: 1) traditional lecturing wherein fundamental principles are outlined and specific case histories and examples are demonstrated; and 2) class discussion of particular issues.

Practical: 2 hours per week for 12 weeks.
Project-based practical classes will provide a variety of hands-on experiences to: 1) familiarize you with Earth materials, 2) provide basic map interpretation skills, and 3) help you solve geological problems by integrating your new skills in identifying, analysing, and interpreting Earth materials and data. One practical project will require testing of hypotheses on the basis of data recovered on the field excursion.

Field excursion: one full Saturday or sunday excursion will provide the opportunity to observe and interpret some of the critical geological data that have been used by professional geoscientists to reconstruct the geological history of southeast Queensland.

Assessment

Summative Assessment:
Summative assessment is distributed over a variety of different formats so as to cover both knowledge-based examinations and practical project-oriented work.Formative assessment:
Written feedback will be provided on all assignments and practical projects throughout the semester. Practical tests through out the semester will provide you with a benchmark of your progress in the practical aspects of the class while the semester is still young.

Assessment name: Quiz/Test
Description: Your practical work will will be assessed by a series of short tests throughout the semester (total 10%). Practical tests will be based on: (1) identifying, interpreting, and classifying Earth materials; (2) interpreting geological maps and analysing geological data; and (3) analysing and interpreting geological history.
Relates to objectives: 1 2, 4, 5
Weight: 20%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 6 & 13

Assessment name: Report
Description: The field project will provide you with experience in recognising, identifying and interpreting Earth materials and geological features in the field and will be combined with practical work in laboratory to integrate your knowledge as you test real hypotheses using real data. Your conclusions will be expressed in terms of a written report.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3
Weight: 20%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 10

Assessment name: Report
Description: Critical review of a movie or documentary with a geological theme. This writing task is designed to help students develop literature research and scientific writing skills as well as encourage critical thinking about the way geological processes are presented in the world of entertainment and how that can influence our knowledge base.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Weight: 20%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 12

Assessment name: Examination (written)
Description: Theory final examination
Relates to objectives: 3, 4
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: End of Semester

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

Required Text:
1. Tarbuck, E. J., Lutgens, F. K., Tasa, D., 2008. Earth: An Introduction to Physical Geology, 9/E. Prentice Hall, 720 pp.

Risk assessment statement

There are no extraordinary risks associated with the unit, but a field excursion will require your particular attention to university safety guidelines. Complete safety information will be provided.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 06-Jun-2012