Earth's Surface Processes (EVSC20008)

Undergraduate level 2Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

Availability
July
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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: 9 April 2025

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: 9 April 2025

Assessment

DescriptionTimingPercentage

Individual practical exercise in remote sensing

  • 500 words (equivalent)
Due 1 week after the field excursion20%

Individual mapping exercises (25% map, 10% other practical exercises)

  • 1500 words (equivalent)
Due 5 weeks after field excursion35%

Individual field report

  • 2000 words
Due 5 weeks after field excursion45%

Last updated: 9 April 2025

Dates & times

  • July
    Principal coordinatorStephen Gallagher
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Parkville)
    Contact hoursOne 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 commitment170 hours
    Teaching period14 July 2025 to 25 July 2025
    Last self-enrol date30 June 2025
    Census date25 July 2025
    Last date to withdraw without fail 8 August 2025
    Assessment period ends22 August 2025

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: 9 April 2025

Further information

Last updated: 9 April 2025