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The Global Environment (EVSC10001)
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
Semester 1
Email: a.tosolini@unimelb.edu.au
Overview
Availability | Semester 1 |
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Fees | Look up fees |
This subject is an introduction to Geoscience, Geography, Climate and Environmental Science. It provides an overview of the processes controlling the formation and evolution of our global environment. We begin by exploring the layered structure of the Earth, both solid and fluid constituent properties, and the importance of the orbital characteristics in controlling changes in the global climate. The evolution of the major physical features and landscapes of the Earth, including minerals, volcanoes, rivers, oceans and coastlines, are described in terms of plate tectonics and sea-level changes. The nature of widely occurring, important processes are studied, such as weathering, erosion and the transport of sediments. Natural chemical and energy cycles are highlighted. Causes of biogeographic patterns in plants and animals are explored at several different time scales. Human impacts on and benefits from global environments are illustrated, using fire and natural resources as examples. The circulation and interactions of the atmosphere and ocean are also examined, including descriptions of the Earth’s present climate, the hydrological cycle, and past and future climate change.
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of this subject, students should be able to:
- describe the solid and fluid Earth and its processes of formation, evolution and modern physical structure
- examine the materials that comprise the solid and fluid Earth, atmosphere and biosphere
- analyse the evidence for the complex interactions and processes that control distribution of materials between the lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere and biosphere
- investigate the processes that drive evolution of life on Earth
- evaluate the Earth's climate drivers on modern and geological timescales
- develop practical skills, including the acquisition of data in the field and laboratory, that are essential to explaining Earth processes
Generic skills
The generic skills acquired in this subject include:
- Think critically: organise observations of complex systems to solve environmental problems by using a variety of alternative frameworks
- Problem-solving skills: the ability to engage with unfamiliar problems and identify relevant solution strategies
- Scientific skills: to design and test hypotheses
- Time-management skills: the ability to meet regular deadlines while balancing competing commitments
Last updated: 22 March 2024
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
Corequisites
Non-allowed subjects
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: 22 March 2024
Assessment
Description | Timing | Percentage |
---|---|---|
Ten equally weighted short tests, held during the practical sessions
| Throughout the teaching period | 20% |
Group research project as a poster presentation
| Week 5 | 20% |
Written examination
| During the examination period | 60% |
Attendance Hurdle requirement: A pass in the combined in-class tests and group assessment and in the end semester theory exam are necessary to pass the subject. | N/A |
Last updated: 22 March 2024
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Principal coordinator Anne-Marie Tosolini Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 3 x one hour lectures per week, 1 x two hour practical class per week Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 26 February 2024 to 26 May 2024 Last self-enrol date 8 March 2024 Census date 3 April 2024 Last date to withdraw without fail 3 May 2024 Assessment period ends 21 June 2024 Semester 1 contact information
Email: a.tosolini@unimelb.edu.au
Time commitment details
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.
Last updated: 22 March 2024
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
Recommended texts and other resources
Earth's Dynamic Systems, Web Edition, Hamblin and Christiansen, available online through the LMS.
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Informal specialisation Science Discipline subjects - new generation B-SCI - 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: 22 March 2024