This course provides an introduction to the chemistry, physics and climate of the Earth. The course comprises four equally-weighted modules:
- Geochemistry: magmas, volcanoes, igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary processes.
- Geophysics: plate tectonics, seismology, heat transfer, and Earth's magnetic field.
- Palaeoclimate: factors affecting Earth's climate in the past, present and future.
- Field Geology: interpreting changes in tectonics and climate from the rock record.
Mineral and rock identification, field techniques (mapping, cross sections, stratigraphy), data analysis, and numerical modelling will be taught in this course.
NOTE: Graduate students will attend joint classes with undergraduates, but will be assessed under a different scheme, which will require a greater level of conceptual understanding.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Examine minerals and rocks and understand the mechanisms by which they formed.
- Develop a geological history (e.g. climate, tectonics) of a region from multiple lines of evidence provided by the rock record.
- Develop a conceptual understand relating the history of the Earth to processes that shape our planet today.
- Synthesise field observations with theory learned in lectures.
- Analyze the role of geological processes in natural hazards.
- Explain how different geophysical techniques constrain the structure of the Earth.
- Compare changes in past environments from different environmental archives and examine these changes in the context of potential impacts of future climate change.
Other Information
There will be a 5-day field trip to the South Coast of New South Wales. The field trip is usually run during the first week of the mid-semester break. The cost for this field trip is expected to be $350-$450, of which a $50 is due prior to the trip and the remaining balance due by the end of the semester.
Payments are to be made via Scienceshop
Indicative Assessment
- Assessed practicals (30) [LO 1,2,6,7]
- Field trip assignment (25) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Theory exam (45) [LO 2,3,5,6,7]
- Graduate students will be assessed at a higher level than undergraduates and will be expected to demonstrate greater conceptual insight and more advanced scientific understanding. (null) [LO null]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
The expected workload will consist of approximately 130 hours throughout the semester including:
- Face-to face component which may consist of 3 x 1 hour lectures plus 1 x 3 hour practical per week
- A 5-day field trip (pelase see other information section)
- Approximately 25 hours of self-study which will include preparation for lectures and other assessment tasks.
Inherent Requirements
In this course, students must typically participate in an approximately 5 day field trip. In order to participate, students must be able to:
- Travel to the field location and stay in field accommodations such as basic shared cabins or dorm rooms
- Safely traverse 2-4 km at a moderate pace and short distances (10-500m) over uneven ground
- Manage an intense workload during the trip, which includes full days working in the field followed by 2-3 hours each evening completing tasks related to the day’s activities
Students who are unable to meet these requirements may be able to negotiate alternative assessment and participation requirements with the course convenor. Please refer to the trip information page for more information.
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
None
Preliminary Reading
Understanding Earth by Frank Press and Raymond SieverAssumed Knowledge
EMSC6107 Blue Planet
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 2
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2024 | $4440 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2024 | $6360 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
Second Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7809 | 22 Jul 2024 | 29 Jul 2024 | 31 Aug 2024 | 25 Oct 2024 | In Person | N/A |
