Earth's Biogeochemical Cycles (GEOL90021)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
Overview
| Availability | Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
The chemical composition of the atmosphere, ocean and crust is bound up with the evolution of life. Changes in this composition also underlie many environmental issues such as climate change. This course introduces students to the distribution of carbon, oxygen, sulphur, nitrogen, and other elements within the solid earth, ocean and atmosphere and the processes that control their fluxes. Topics include the cycling of key elements between the various reservoirs, the role of biological and physical processes and the perturbation of these cycles. The concepts of mass balance and dynamic equilibrium will underpin these separate areas.
Intended learning outcomes
- Conceptual understanding of the evolution of various chemical constituents in Earth's system and the major features of their behaviour
- Knowledge of the major controls on the composition of the ocean and atmosphere
- Techniques to evaluate the impact of perturbations in these systems
- Improved theoretical understanding in system dynamics and the behaviour of box modelling approaches to complex systems
Generic skills
- Developing quantitative skills in simple dynamical systems
- Rigorous and independent thinking
- Adopting a problem-solving approach to new or unfamiliar tasks
- Skills in using mathematical modelling software
- Oral and written communication and presentation skills
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
One of the following (or equivalent):
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAST10005 | Calculus 1 |
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
| CHEM10003 | Chemistry 1 |
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Recommended background knowledge
Simple calculus, simple chemistry, basic knowledge of geological history
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Assessment
Additional details
- Computer-based assignment (50 hours) due mid-semester 30%
- Analytic essay (2000 words) due end of semester 30%
- Final examination (3 hours) 40%
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Dates & times
- Semester 2
Principal coordinator Peter Rayner Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 3 contact hours per week (these will be a mixture of practicals and lectures that will vary from week to week) Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 24 July 2017 to 22 October 2017 Last self-enrol date 4 August 2017 Census date 31 August 2017 Last date to withdraw without fail 22 September 2017 Assessment period ends 17 November 2017 Semester 2 contact information
Time commitment details
170 hours
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Further information
- Texts
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Course Master of Science (Earth Sciences) Course Master of Geoscience Informal specialisation Earth Sciences Major Honours Program - Earth Sciences
Last updated: 3 November 2022