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:
On satisfying the requirements of this course, 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 fieldtrip to the South Coast. The tentative date for the 2017 fieldtrip is Monday September 4 - Friday September 8 inclusive. The cost for this fieldtrip is expected to be $350-$450.
Indicative Assessment
Assessment will be based on:- Assessed practicals (30% LO 1-2, 6-7)
- Field trip assignment (25% LO 1-4)
- Theory exam (45% LO 2-3, 5-7)
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
At least 71.5 contact hours over the semester plus a 5 day residential field tripRequisite and Incompatibility
Preliminary Reading
Understanding Earth by Frank Press and Raymond Siever
Assumed Knowledge
EMSC1006 /EMSC6107 Blue PlanFees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
If you are a domestic graduate coursework or international student you will be required to pay tuition fees. Tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 2
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are an undergraduate student and 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). You can find your student contribution amount for each course 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 |
|---|---|
| 2019 | $3840 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2019 | $5460 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9104 | 22 Jul 2019 | 29 Jul 2019 | 31 Aug 2019 | 25 Oct 2019 | In Person | View |