This course provides an introduction to Earth Systems Science, a field of science that investigates how chemical, physical, and biological processes interact to shape and regulate Earth’s environment. To understand the science behind climate change or the extent current global environmental change is being forced by natural processes and human activities, one should understand the Earth System. Students from both science and non-science backgrounds are welcome. In addition, this is a foundation course for students interested in or wanting to pursue earth, marine or water sciences.

‘The Blue Planet’ will build your understanding of how each part of the Earth system - the atmosphere, hydrosphere, geosphere and biosphere - works and interacts over time. You will learn how energy and matter are transferred around the Earth system through the water, carbon, oxygen, nutrient, geologic and solar cycles, and you will be introduced to feedback mechanisms that can amplify or dampen change. A tour of global change through Earth's history is used to provide context for understanding the modern Earth, including the scientific evidence for global warming. Methods for predicting the future path of global warming and its detrimental effects will be examined. A field trip and practicals provide opportunities for learning via direct observation.

 

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Use systems thinking to describe the chemical, physical and biological processes that occur on Earth, and especially those processes that drive large-scale environmental change
2. Explain how the past changes in Earth's environment provide a basis for scientific understanding of human impacts on and interactions with the environment.
3. Describe how the atmosphere, the land, biology and the oceans interact and how feedback mechanisms operate within the Earth system.
4. Work constructively both independently and collaboratively.
5. Test hypotheses and perform appropriate experiments, collect key observations, analyse data and apply quantitative approaches to basic Earth Systems problems.
6. Communicate effectively about Earth Systems Science issues and ideas using language that can be understood by the public and scientists.

Research-Led Teaching

This course will introduce you to real world problems and give you the opportunity to figure out strategies for solving them. Some practical sessions will allow you to create new knowledge that you can then assess. The field trips and practicals will provide the means to apply your knowledge from class to nature.

Field Trips

There will be up a day-long field trip in the Canberra region (either Sat Mar 8 or Sun Mar 9). Registration for the field trip day will open on Wattle in O Week. Students are required to pay a contribution of approximately $30 towards the cost of the trip. The trip includes walking on rough, rocky ground that may contain thistles and is steep in some areas. There is one stile over a fence.

Payment may be made online at ScienceShop: http://scienceshop.anu.edu.au/

Please see the College of Science - Field activities page for more information.

Additional Course Costs

Field trip contribution of approximately $30.

Examination Material or equipment

• Candidates whose first language is not English are permitted to use dictionaries during the examination.
• No electronic dictionaries are allowed. 
• Dictionaries must not be annotated in any way [the candidate's name in the front is permissible]. 

Required Resources

Covered shoes for labs and appropriate walking shoes for field trip.

Recommended Resources

Recommended student system requirements 

ANU courses commonly use a number of online resources and activities including:

• video material, similar to YouTube, for lectures and other instruction
• two-way video conferencing for interactive learning
• email and other messaging tools for communication
• interactive web apps for formative and collaborative activities
• print and photo/scan for handwritten work
• home-based assessment.

To fully participate in ANU learning, students need:

• A computer or laptop. Mobile devices may work well but in some situations a computer/laptop may be more appropriate.
• Webcam
• Speakers and a microphone (e.g. headset)
• Reliable, stable internet connection. Broadband recommended. If using a mobile network or wi-fi then check performance is adequate.
• Suitable location with minimal interruptions and adequate privacy for classes and assessments.
• Printing, and photo/scanning equipment

For more information please see https://www.anu.edu.au/students/systems/recommended-student-system-requirements

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• Practicals will be marked and returned within a week of submission.
• Informal verbal feedback will be given in the workshop and practical sessions.
• Feedback on the field trip report will be handed back before the mid-term break. This will include a mark and comments on the quality of observations and presentation with suggestions for improvement in future.
• Practice quizzes will be available throughout the semester to provide instant feedback on comprehension.

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). Feedback can also be provided to Course Conveners and teachers via the Student Experience of Learning & Teaching (SELT) feedback program. SELT surveys are confidential and also provide the Colleges and ANU Executive with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Introduction to Earth systems. * Practical: Understanding systems & uncertainty.
2	Earth's atmosphere & solar radiation. * Practial: Radiation budgets, weather & climate.
3	Atmospheric circulation - moisture & heat. * Practical: Properties of water & its heat transfer through the water cycle.	Practicals 1-2 due: Mon 5pmField trip either Sat Mar 8 or Sun March 9
4	Ocean circulation & currents. * Practical: Residence time & the ocean.	Field Trip Assignment due: Fri 11:59 pm
5	Sea level, ice sheet dynamics, ice cores & time. * Practical: Density driven flow & melting ice.	Practicals 3-4 due: Mon 5pm
6	Earth dynamics * Practical: Isostacy & sedimentation.
7	Earth's surface & time. * Practical: None, Easter Friday.	Practicals 5-6 due: Mon 5pmMake-up lecture for public holidays (Assignment guidelines)
8	Geochemical cycles. * Practical: None, Anzac Day.
9	Cycles & climate models. * Practical: Climate proxies.
10	Cycles, evolution & extinctions. * Practical: Megafauna extinction.	Practical 9 due: Mon 5pmMajor Assignment peer review - submitted online & to other groups (not graded, only response is graded) due: Mon 5pm
11	Cycles & climate. * Practical: Climate modelling toolboxes.	Major Assignment & response to peer review due: Fri midnight
12	Future Climate. * Practical: Major Assignment Presentation.	Practicals 10-11 due: Mon 5pmMajor Assignment Presentation: Fri in Practical
13	Exam Block	Final Exam - timetabled centrally, date and time TBC

Tutorial Registration

Required Laboratory Practicals on Fridays - registration for a session (1-3pm or 3-5pm) will open on MyTimetable.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Learning Outcomes
Practicals	32 %	*	1,2,3,4,5,6
Field Trip Report	10 %	14/03/2025	2,3,4,5,6
Major Assignment	28 %	*	1,2,3,4,5,6
Final Theory Exam	30 %	*	1,2,3,5,6

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines , which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Integrity Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Extenuating Circumstances Application
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
• Code of practice for teaching and learning

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using 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. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Skills website. In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Wattle’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

Students are expected to attend all workshop and laboratory sessions and contribute to discussions. Group work is expected in some of the Practicals and for the Major Assignment where contributions to the group will be assessed using the CATME tool (https://info.catme.org/student/). Students are expected to attend all lectures or listen to the audio recording(s). 

Examination(s)

The exam will include both multiple choice and short answer questions on the entire course (lectures, workshops and practicals). Drawings and dot points are encouraged for the short answer questions. The exam will be held during the semester exam period. Please check the course Wattle site and the ANU final Examination Timetable http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/assessments-exams/examination-timetable to confirm the date, time and location of the exam.

Assessment Task 1

Practicals

The practicals will include short answer questions and tasks. Submission is online as per the instructions given in each practical. 8/9 practicals will count towards the student's final mark.

Practicals will be submitted for grading throughout the semester: Weeks 1-2 (Mon 5pm Week 3); Weeks 3-4 (Mon 5pm Week 5); Weeks 5-6 (Mon 5pm Week 7), Week 9 (Mon 5pm Week 10); Weeks 10-11 (Mon 5pm Week 12).

Assessment Task 2

Field Trip Report

Students will be required to report on their observations and interpretations made on the Canberra region field trip taking place one day over a weekend (either Sat Mar 8 or Sun Mar 9). The format and style of the report/questions to be answered will be covered explicitly before and during the field trip. The report will be submitted online by Fri 11:59 pm, Week 4. Students who are unable to attend the field trip must contact the course convenor (preferably before the end of the week prior to the field trip) to arrange for an alternative assignment.

Assessment Task 3

Major Assignment

This is a group assignment that requires group participation (evaluated via the CATME tool: https://info.catme.org/student/) and peer review (review and response). The output is a presentation and response to peer review (submitted online) that covers the possible Earth System pathways to achieve a Net Zero Plan by 2050. The presentation (e.g., slides, video or poster) and response to peer review will be submitted online in Week 11. It will be presented in the Week 12 Practical session where the group will be asked questions.

Assessment Task 4

Final Theory Exam

The exam will include both multiple choice and short answer questions on the entire course (lectures, workshops and practicals). Drawings and dot points are encouraged for the short answer questions. The exam will be held during the semester exam period. Please check the course Wattle site and the ANU final Examination Timetable http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/assessments-exams/examination-timetable to confirm the date, time and location of the exam.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. The University’s students are an integral part of that community. The academic integrity principle commits all students to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support, academic integrity, and to uphold this commitment by behaving honestly, responsibly and ethically, and with respect and fairness, in scholarly practice.

The University expects all staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle, the Academic Integrity Rule 2021, the Policy: Student Academic Integrity and Procedure: Student Academic Integrity, and to uphold high standards of academic integrity to ensure the quality and value of our qualifications.

The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 is a legal document that the University uses to promote academic integrity, and manage breaches of the academic integrity principle. The Policy and Procedure support the Rule by outlining overarching principles, responsibilities and processes. The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 commences on 1 December 2021 and applies to courses commencing on or after that date, as well as to research conduct occurring on or after that date. Prior to this, the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 applies.

 

The University commits to assisting all students to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. All coursework students must complete the online Academic Integrity Module (Epigeum), and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are required to complete research integrity training. The Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as understanding and upholding academic integrity.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

No submission of assessment tasks without a formal extension request after the due date are permitted. If an assessment task is not submitted by the due date, a mark of 0 will be awarded.

Referencing Requirements

The Academic Skills website has information to assist you with your writing and assessments. The website includes information about Academic Integrity including referencing requirements for different disciplines. There is also information on Plagiarism and different ways to use source material. Any use of artificial intelligence must be properly referenced. Failure to properly cite use of Generative AI will be considered a breach of academic integrity.

Returning Assignments

Practicals, Field Trip Assignment and Major Assignment assessment will be returned online with feedback (electronic).

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Accessibility for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents all ANU students