Geophysics is crucial in our understanding of Earth's history, structure and physical conditions. This course will provide a practical introduction to Global Geophysics with an emphasis on Earth's internal and surface processes. Global Geophysics will bring together the structure and dynamics of the Earth in terms of processes varying on scales from the microscopic to the whole planet. Topics will include; plate tectonic theory, earthquakes, seismic waves, heat transport, mantle convection, magnetic and gravity fields, deep Earth structure, geophysical data analysis, and deformation of the solid Earth.
Honours Pathway Option (HPO):
Students who undertake the HPO will be required to demonstrate extended knowledge and greater depth of technical analysis and evaluation within written assessments.
- Students taking the extension-type HPO will be offered extra material on Wattle to support completion of one additional question with greater complexity within the Wattle Quizzes and one additional written question with greater complexity within each report. This will make up 5% of the written assessment.
- The HPO is open to all students. To opt-in, students must attempt all additional questions and can opt-out at any point, e.g., through subsequent non-attempts of the additional questions.
- Students undertaking the HPO will engage with LO3, LO4, and LO6 in greater depth.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Describe the broad-scale structure of the whole Earth.
- Explain a range of geophysical processes that act from the Earth’s deep interior to surface.
- Discuss how seismic waves travel through the Earth and compare how they are transmitted, reflected and refracted.
- Appraise the theory of plate tectonics and explain its foundation in geophysical observations.
- Explain the basic configurations of plate tectonic boundaries and their development through time.
- Analyse geophysical data to reconstruct large-scale geological processes.
- Communicate the ideas underlying geophysical processes in an effective and accessible way.
Indicative Assessment
- Plate tectonics module assessments (two at 12.5 % each) (25) [LO 2,4,5,6,7]
- Earth structure module assessments (two at 12.5 % each) (25) [LO 1,2,3,4,5,6,7]
- Geohazard module assessments (two: 12.5% and 5%) - 17.5% in total (17) [LO 2,6,7]
- Poster Project - 32.5% total (33) [LO 2,7]
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 2 x 1 hour lectures plus 1 x 3 hour practical per week.
- 1/2 day student conference
- Approximately 60 hours of self-directed study which will include preparation for lectures, practicals and other assessment tasks.
Inherent Requirements
No specific inherent requirements have been identified for this course.
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
None
Preliminary Reading
Understanding Earth by Grotzinger and JordanThe Solid Earth: An Introduction to Global Geophysics by Fowler
Fundamentals of Geophysics by Lowrie
Earthquakes: Science and Society by Brumbaugh
Assumed Knowledge
Knowledge of first year tertiary level Physics is recommended
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.
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2804 | 19 Feb 2024 | 26 Feb 2024 | 05 Apr 2024 | 24 May 2024 | In Person | View |
