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The Global Environment (EVSC10001)
Undergraduate level 1Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable(opens in new window)
Contact information
Semester 1
Email: a.tosolini@unimelb.edu.au
Overview
Availability | Semester 1 |
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Fees | Look up fees |
This subject is an introduction to Geology, Geography, Climate and Environmental Science. It provides an overview of the processes controlling the formation and evolution of our global environment. We begin by exploring the origin of the Earth as a planet within the solar system, its layered structure and (solid and fluid) constituent properties, and the importance of the orbital characteristics in controlling changes in the global climate. The evolution of the major physical features and landscapes of the Earth, including the mountain belts, continents, rivers, coastlines and ocean basins, are described in terms of plate tectonics and its constituent processes of continental drift, seafloor spreading and sea-level changes. The nature of volcanoes and earthquakes are discussed, as are surface processes, such as weathering, erosion and the transport of sediments. Natural chemical and energy cycles are highlighted and causes of biogeographic patterns are explored, all at a number of different time scales. The circulation and interactions of the atmosphere, ocean and land are also examined. The Earth’s present climate, the hydrological cycle and past and future climate change are studied, including glacial/interglacial cycles and their relationship to landscapes, biogeography and anthropogenic impacts.
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of this subject, students should have gained a holistic view of the global environment, encompassing the solid and fluid Earth and its formation, evolution, and modern structure. Students will be familiar with: the materials that comprise the Earth and atmosphere and their impact on biota; the complex interplays between these four spheres; the modes of formation and the underlying processes that drive the evolution of the solid Earth and landscape and life; and changes in the Earth’s climate on modern and geological timescales. This subject provides the foundation for further study in Geology; Climate and Weather, Environmental Science and/or Geography.
Generic skills
The generic skills acquired in this subject include:
- learning how to approach problems when there may be no right answer;
- applying discipline knowledge to issues of public debate (e.g. climate change);
- tackling complex exercises within a team environment in the laboratory; and
- observing in the laboratory the basic materials of the global environment.
Last updated: 27 April 2024
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
ENVS10001 | Natural Environments | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
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: 27 April 2024
Assessment
Additional details
- Ten equally weighted short tests totalling approximately 800 words, held during the practical sessions (20%);
- Group research project as a poster presentation (equivalent of 1000 words) due week 12 (20%);
- 2-hour written examination in the examination period (60%).
Hurdle requirement: A pass in both the practical work and the end semester theory exam are necessary to pass the subject.
Last updated: 27 April 2024
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Principal coordinator Anne-Marie Tosolini Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 3 x one hour lectures per week, 1 x two hour practical class per week Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 26 February 2018 to 27 May 2018 Last self-enrol date 9 March 2018 Census date 31 March 2018 Last date to withdraw without fail 4 May 2018 Assessment period ends 22 June 2018 Semester 1 contact information
Email: a.tosolini@unimelb.edu.au
Time commitment details
170 hours
Last updated: 27 April 2024
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
To be advised
Recommended texts and other resources
Earth's Dynamic Systems, Web Edition, Hamblin and Christiansen, available online through the LMS.
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Informal specialisation Science-credited subjects - new generation B-SCI and B-ENG. - Breadth options
This subject is available as breadth in the following courses:
- Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
This subject is available to students studying at the University from eligible overseas institutions on exchange and study abroad. Students are required to satisfy any listed requirements, such as pre- and co-requisites, for enrolment in the subject.
Last updated: 27 April 2024