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Geoscience: Evolution of The Earth (ERTH10002)
Undergraduate level 1Points: 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 | Semester 2 |
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Fees | Look up fees |
Geoscience is the scientific study of the Earth and the complex processes that have shaped our planet. Interactions between the rocks, water, climate and life are recorded in the rock record over the Earth’s 4.6 billion year history. Geoscience is a key part of our everyday life, not only because it solves real world problems, but because our rocky environment forms many wonders of the world we live in. This subject will allow students to gain a deeper understanding of the processes controlling the geological and environmental evolution of Planet Earth. Experience a three-day field trip that provides hands-on and employment-focused investigations of Victoria’s geology and physical environment.
We will explore the origin of Earth as a planet within the Solar System. We will study the formation of Earth’s layers and the dynamic processes that cause earthquakes and volcanoes and their impacts. The evolution of Earth’s continents, oceans and mountain belts and their changes through geological time will be revealed. Fossils will be studied that provide evidence for the origin and evolution of life, including radiations and mass extinctions. By studying Earth surface processes, we will delve into past landscapes, ecosystems and climate variability. The study of Earth’s past climate is key to better predict future climate change. We aim to understand the geological mechanisms that regulate the long-term climate system.
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of this subject, students should be able to:
- describe the rocky planets of the Solar System, the Earth and its modern physical environment.
- describe the minerals and rocks that comprise the Earth, the processes of rock formation, rock structures and deformation processes.
- describe fossils and explain past evolution of life, environments and climates.
- apply and integrate different types of data, samples and observations to interpret Earth processes.
- develop practical skills in the acquisition of data in the field and laboratory, essential to explaining Earth processes.
- develop skills in the field and explain the evolution of the Melbourne, Victorian and Australian geological history and environment.
Generic skills
On completion of this subject students should have obtained the following generic skills:
- Time-Management skills: the ability to meet regular deadlines while balancing competing commitments
- Critical Thinking: organise observations of complex systems occurring in the Earth and analyse within different frameworks
- Problem-solving skills: the ability to engage with unfamiliar problems and identify relevant solution strategies
- Scientific skills: to design and test hypotheses
Last updated: 11 April 2024
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
None
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 requires all students to actively and safely participate in laboratory and field activities. 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: 11 April 2024
Assessment
Description | Timing | Percentage |
---|---|---|
Three in-class practical exercises
| From Week 4 to Week 8 | 15% |
3-day field trip (1,000 word written assignment) due at the conclusion of the trip, to be held during the mid-semester break
| Mid semester | 20% |
A practical examination
| Week 12 | 20% |
A written examination
| During the examination period | 45% |
Attendance Hurdle requirement: It is a hurdle requirement that students attend a minimum of 10 (80% ) of laboratory practicals, attend the field trip, and pass both the practical and theory examinations to be eligible to pass the subject. | N/A |
Last updated: 11 April 2024
Dates & times
- Semester 2
Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 2 x one hour lectures per week for eleven weeks; 1 x three hour practical class per week for twelve weeks; 3 days of field excursion during the mid-semester recess Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 22 July 2024 to 20 October 2024 Last self-enrol date 2 August 2024 Census date 2 September 2024 Last date to withdraw without fail 20 September 2024 Assessment period ends 15 November 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 includes a 3-day field trip. Students should consult the School of Geography, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences web site for field trip dates, charges for excursions, accommodation and food, and other information including safety and behaviour requirements: https://sgeas.unimelb.edu.au/study/field-trips
Last updated: 11 April 2024
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
Recommended texts and other resources
"Earth's Dynamic Systems", Web Edition, Hamblin and Christiansen (available online)
"Understanding Earth", 6th Edition, Grotzinger and Jordan
- Subject notes
This subject is available for science credit to students enrolled in the BSc.
- Incidental costs
3-day field trip
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Course Bachelor of Environments Major Geology Informal specialisation Science Discipline subjects - new generation B-SCI Breadth Track Earth's Structure Breadth Track Geology in the field - 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 (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: 11 April 2024