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Geomicrobiology and Biogeochemistry (GEOL30007)
Undergraduate level 3Points: 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: jmoreau@unimelb.edu.au
Overview
| Availability | Semester 1 |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
Geomicrobiology and biogeochemistry involve the study of interactions across interfaces of minerals, water, and microbes, and how such interactions impact environmental conditions and reflect evolution. This subject will survey the fundamental principles of geomicrobiology and biogeochemistry, explain how modern biological processes constrain many geochemical reactions, and show how palaeoenvironmental conditions impacted the evolution and preservation of prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms across geologic time. This subject will demonstrate how geomicrobiological and biogeochemical knowledge can be applied to problems in academic and government research, and in the petroleum, mineral or environmental industries. We will also look at contemporary “cross-over” applications of geomicrobiology/biogeochemistry to medical microbiology (e.g., coevolution of metals and antibiotic resistance), the microbiology and biogeochemistry of urban/built environments and astrobiological investigation of life’s potential to exist elsewhere in the known universe
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of this subject, students will gain insights into links among microbial diversity and metabolic activity, biogeochemical cycles, the evolution of life on Earth and possibly elsewhere in the universe, and the significance of Earth’s fossil record for interpreting past and modern environments, climate and oceanography. Students will also become familiar with how microorganisms and fossils can be used for resolving practical problems in the petroleum, mining and environmental industries
Generic skills
The generic skills acquired in this subject include:
- learning how to approach scientific problems when there may be no clear and simple answer;
- tackling complex exercises within a team environment in the field and laboratory; and
- conducting experiments and observations in the laboratory environment.
Last updated: 11 April 2024
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
Completion of
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| ERTH10002 | Understanding Planet Earth | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Or any tertiary level biology or microbiology subject
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
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: 11 April 2024
Assessment
Additional details
Practical component (60% total) including:
o four short reading quizzes, approximately 250 words each due weeks 2, 4, 7 and 9(20%) and
o two lab reports totalling approximately 1000 words due weeks 5 and 11 (40%)
2-hour written examination will be given in the examination period (40%).
Topics selected from assigned readings will be assessed in the reading quizzes and final examination.
Last updated: 11 April 2024
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Principal coordinator John Moreau Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours A total of 20 hours of lectures; 10 x three hour practicals; 2 x one day field trips 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: jmoreau@unimelb.edu.au
Time commitment details
Estimated total time commitment of 170 hours
Last updated: 11 April 2024
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
To be advised.
- Subject notes
This subject is available for science credit to students enrolled in the BSc (both pre-2008 and new degrees), BASc or a combined BSc course.
Please note that there is a $100 course fee for this subject (lab materials and field trip costs)
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Course Master of Environmental Science Course Master of Geoscience Informal specialisation Geology Major Geology Major Geology Informal specialisation Geology Informal specialisation Science-credited subjects - new generation B-SCI and B-ENG. Informal specialisation Selective subjects for B-BMED Major Environmental Science - 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: 11 April 2024