Handbook home
Environmental Geosciences (ERTH20002)
Undergraduate level 2Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
For information about the University’s phased return to campus and in-person activity in Winter and Semester 2, please refer to the on-campus subjects page.
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable(opens in new window)
Contact information
Semester 2
Please refer to the LMS for up-to-date subject information, including assessment and participation requirements, for subjects being offered in 2020.
Overview
Availability | Semester 2 |
---|---|
Fees | Look up fees |
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: 27 April 2024
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: 27 April 2024
Assessment
Due to the impact of COVID-19, assessment may differ from that published in the Handbook. Students are reminded to check the subject assessment requirements published in the subject outline on the LMS
Description | Timing | Percentage |
---|---|---|
3 written tests as part of practical classes due in weeks 3, 7, and 11
| From Week 3 to Week 11 | 25% |
A written assignment/two weeks to complete
| Week 9 | 25% |
A written theory exam
| 50% |
Last updated: 27 April 2024
Dates & times
- Semester 2
Principal coordinator Ralf Haese Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 2 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 commitment 170 hours Teaching period 3 August 2020 to 1 November 2020 Last self-enrol date 14 August 2020 Census date 21 September 2020 Last date to withdraw without fail 16 October 2020 Assessment period ends 27 November 2020 Semester 2 contact information
Time commitment details
Estimated Total Time Commitment - 170 hours
Last updated: 27 April 2024
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
A course specific reader will be available.
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Informal specialisation Science-credited subjects - new generation B-SCI Informal specialisation Environments Discipline subjects - Breadth options
This subject is available as breadth in the following courses:
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Commerce
- Bachelor of Design
- Bachelor of Environments
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Acting)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Animation)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Dance)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Film and Television)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Music Theatre)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Screenwriting)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Theatre)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Visual Art)
- Bachelor of Music
- 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