Environmental Geosciences (ERTH20002)

Undergraduate level 2Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

Availability
Semester 2
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This subject examines man-made perturbations in a range of environmental systems by determining changes to physical-chemical processes at the Earth’s surface. Case studies are presented discussing issues such as groundwater drawdown from mining, ocean acidification from rising CO2 in the atmosphere, acid mine drainage and the risks and benefits of geological CO2 storage and of unconventional gas production. The underlying processes are illustrated and the impacts are both qualitatively and quantitatively assessed, for example, by using a mass balance approach, reconstructing the groundwater flow field or by deriving imposed changes to chemical reactions and reaction rates at the Earth surface. Time scales of current perturbations are examined in the context of environmental changes in the geological past.

Intended learning outcomes

The students will acquire broad knowledge about man-made perturbations to physical-chemical processes at the Earth surface related to the utilisation of geo-resources. The practical classes will foster a rigorous, critical and logical approach to problem-solving. Students will learn the fundamentals of environmental physical conditions (e.g. hydrostatic gradient, sedimentation on the continental shelf, hydrodynamics and geomorphology of estuaries) and will be taught the basics of chemical/mineralogical/microbial driven reactions and mass transfer (fluid-rock equilibrium, global carbon cycle, regional nutrient and water budgets). Students learn the methodology to assess some of the impacts of human changes to environmental processes.

Generic skills

Students will have the opportunity to gain/practice the following generic skills:

  • critical thinking
  • teamwork
  • data analysis using Excel and interpretation
  • problem solving
  • assignment writting

Last updated: 20 March 2025

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites

None

Corequisites

None

Non-allowed subjects

None

Recommended background knowledge

Knowledge of basic algebra and chemistry fundamentals will be assumed in this subject.

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: 20 March 2025

Assessment

Additional details

  • 3 written tests as part of practical classes (45 mins each) due in weeks 3, 7, and 11 (25%)
  • 1500 words written assignment/two weeks to complete due week 9 (25%)
  • 2 hour written theory exam (50%)

Last updated: 20 March 2025

Dates & times

  • Semester 2
    Principal coordinatorRalf Haese
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Parkville)
    Contact hours2 hours of lectures per week over 12 teaching weeks, 2 hours of practical class per week over 12 teaching weeks, 1 full day (8 hours/day) field exercises during non-teaching week (following week 9)
    Total time commitment170 hours
    Teaching period29 July 2019 to 27 October 2019
    Last self-enrol date 9 August 2019
    Census date31 August 2019
    Last date to withdraw without fail27 September 2019
    Assessment period ends22 November 2019

    Semester 2 contact information

    ralf.haese@unimelb.edu.au

Time commitment details

Estimated Total Time Commitment - 170 hours

Last updated: 20 March 2025

Further information

  • Texts

    Prescribed texts

    A course specific reader will be available.

  • Related Handbook entries

    This subject contributes to the following:

    TypeName
    Informal specialisationScience-credited subjects - new generation B-SCI
    Informal specialisationEnvironments Discipline subjects
  • 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.

    Please note Single Subject Studies via Community Access Program is not available to student visa holders or applicants

    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: 20 March 2025