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Earth's Surface Processes (EVSC20008)
Undergraduate level 2Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable (login required)(opens in new window)
Contact information
Overview
Availability | July |
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Fees | Look up fees |
This subject explores the dynamic processes which shape Earth’s current and ancient landscapes through an 8-day fieldtrip in south-eastern Australia. It will form a practical introduction into mapping the Earth using a range of techniques relevant to geoscience, geography and environmental science. The fieldtrip will focus on integrating remote sensing data, satellite imagery and detailed field observations to understand and map the evolution of the natural landscape. Earth surface processes and environments will be considered from geological timescales of millions of years to those operating in today’s landscape. Field exercises will explore the links between Earth history, landform evolution, soil development and the natural environment in foothills of the Great Dividing Range. Students will learn the basic methods used to gather large scale surficial and geological data including rock, fossil and mineral identification. Emphasis will be placed on the practical application of a range of disciplines including remote sensing, sedimentary processes, stratigraphy, physical volcanology, palaeontology, weathering/soil formation, geomorphology and hydrogeology. There will be a pre-trip introduction to the subject, as well as a post-trip workshop on the field report, including a remote sensing exercise.
Intended learning outcomes
At the completion of this subject, students should be able to:
- Demonstrate a range of environmental field mapping skills
- Identify a range of landforms, soils, rocks, minerals and fossils that are found at Earth's surface
- Explain how the underlying geology relates to landform evolution and environmental conditions on Earth's surface
- Determine how various rock units relate to one another in the field and be able to interpret the geological history of an area
- Document in writing the processes which have shaped the current landscape and the geological history of an area
- Interpret Earth's geology and landscape using satellite data in a field and lab context
Generic skills
On completion of this subject students should have developed the following generic skills:
- Ability to solve complex exercises within a team environment in the field;
- Capacity to discover how to approach scientific problems when there may be no clear and simple answer;
- Ability to employ scientific observations and data collections skills and gather data in a field environment;
- Ability to integrate a range of sources of information to interpret real-world data;
- Developed critical thinking skills to conceptualise complex and abstract ideas; and
- Developed skills relevant to preparing technical written reports.
Last updated: 27 April 2024
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
Admission into the MC-GEOSC Master of Geoscience
OR
12.5 credit points of Level 1 or Level 2 Geoscience, Geography, Chemistry or Biology Subjects
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.
This subject involves physical activity in the field (walking up hills etc, walking a few kilometres in a day) and an appropriate (not a high) level of physical fitness is required. Students who feel their disability may impact upon their participation are encouraged to discuss this matter with the Subject Coordinator and Student Equity and Disability Support.
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
Description | Timing | Percentage |
---|---|---|
Individual practical exercise in remote sensing
| Due 1 week after the field excursion | 20% |
Individual mapping exercises (25% map, 10% other practical exercises)
| Due 5 weeks after field excursion | 35% |
Individual field report
| Due 5 weeks after field excursion | 45% |
Last updated: 27 April 2024
Dates & times
- July
Principal coordinators Malcolm Wallace and Stephen Gallagher Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours One day introduction workshop in classroom (1 x 3 hour practical, 1 x 3 hour lectures) 8 day field trip (8 hours per day) 2 days post-field trip workshop in classroom (each day: 1 x 3 hour lectures, 1 x 3 hour practicals) Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 1 July 2024 to 19 July 2024 Last self-enrol date 4 July 2024 Census date 12 July 2024 Last date to withdraw without fail 26 July 2024 Assessment period ends 16 August 2024
Time commitment details
Estimated total time commitment of 170 hours
What do these dates mean
Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:
- Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
- And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
- Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.
Additional delivery details
This subject requires all students to actively and safely participate in field activities.
Last updated: 27 April 2024
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
There are no specifically prescribed or recommended texts for this subject.
- 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.
Previously known as 625-223 Earth Surface Processes (prior to 2010)
Previously known as 625-223 Field Geology (prior to 2009).
Special Requirements: Geological hammer, hand lens and magnet. Students should consult the Earth Sciences web site for dates, charges for excursions, accommodation and food and other information including safety requirements.
- Incidental costs
Cost of fieldwork will be confirmed prior to the end of Semester 1 preceeding the Winter semester in which the subject will run
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Course Graduate Diploma in Science - Breadth options
This subject is available as breadth in the following courses:
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Biomedicine
- Bachelor of Commerce
- Bachelor of Design
- 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 (Production)
- 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