Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 2 2013

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

Rationale

Plate tectonics is the most important theory developed in geology during the twentieth century. It has profoundly influenced geologic thinking since its development in the 1960s. It explains most geologic observations including the importance of horizontal stresses in the development of structures, the locations of earthquakes and volcanoes, the morphology of the earth's crust, and the mechanisms for the evolution of the earth's crust and mantle. Geologists must understand the theory and its application in earth science as well as appreciate its development from a scientific hypothesis to a scientific theory. Regional geologic structures and orogenies will be put into a tectonic context. This is a third year unit that assumes you are already familiar with many geologic observations.

Aims

This unit aims to develop an in depth understanding of plate tectonic theory and its application to the magmatic, deformation, metamorphic, sedimentation record of plates and plate margins.

Objectives

After undertaking the unit you will:

1. Understand the concept of the plate tectonic paradigm.
2. Think of the Earth in terms of a unifying theory that explains nearly all geologic observations.
3. Develop the ability to apply the scientific method through critical analysis and debate.
4. Improve your ability to communicate and to critically analyse geologic literature.

Content

This unit focuses on your ability to critically analyse ideas, observations, and the literature and to communicate the results of your analyses effectively. Topics to be covered include tectonic mechanisms, initiation and geologic evolution of extensional, convergent and transform tectonic environments, Precambrian tectonics, and crustal growth and evolution.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

Lectures: 3 x 1-hour lectures per week. Practical: l x 2 hours per week.

This unit will foster critical analysis, knowledge of the literature, and written communication by examining the development of Plate Tectonic theory, the most important change in geologic thinking in the 20th century. The unit includes weekly reading of the literature, written assignments, map study, and problem solving. Teaching approaches include formal lectures, which provide an overview of tectonic fundamentals, discussion sessions which critically examine concepts presented in the lecture or readings, and practicals which apply theoretical concepts to real problems.

Assessment

Summative Assessment:
Summative assessment is distributed over a variety of different formats so as to cover both theory-based examinations and practical project-orientated work.

Formative Assessment:
Written feedback will be provided on all practial projects throughout the semester and on the rough draft of the term paper.Written feedback will be provided on all progressive projects throughout the semester.

Assessment name: Examination (Theory)
Description: Theory examinations
Relates to objectives: 1 and 2.
Weight: 50%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Mid & End Sem Exam

Assessment name: Laboratory/Practical
Description: Weekly or biweekly practical assigments
Relates to objectives: 1- 4
Weight: 25%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Weekly or Biweekly

Assessment name: Annotated Bibliography
Description: Review of the literature on an assigned topic(s)
Relates to objectives: 1-4
Weight: 25%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 12

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

References: Kearney P, Klepeis KA & Vine FJ (2009) Global Tectonics (Third Edition), Wiley Blackwell, 482p Closson D (2011) Tectonics, (http://www.intechopen.com/books/tectonics) Free download - 100.21 Mb, 355p Moores EM & Twiss RJ (1995) Tectonics Freeman Company, 415p Fowler CMR (1990) The Soild Earth, An Introduction to Global Geophysics, Cambridge University Press, 472p Winter JD (2010) Principles of Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology (Second Edition), Prentice Hall, 702p

Numerous references will be drawn from journal articles.
All are posted on CMD.

Risk assessment statement

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

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: 20-Jul-2012