ERB110 Earth's Dynamic Systems
To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.
| Unit code: | ERB110 |
|---|---|
| Equivalent(s): | NQB201, ERB101 |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
|
| CSP student contribution | $1,118 |
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $4,680 |
| International unit fee | $5,244 |
Unit Outline: Semester 2 2024, Gardens Point, Internal
| Unit code: | ERB110 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Equivalent: | ERB101 |
| Coordinator: | Jessica Trofimovs | jessica.trofimovs@qut.edu.au |
Overview
Earth Science impacts every aspect of modern life. The concepts of Earth Science are fundamental not only to the field of geology, but also to climate science, environmental science, natural resource management, water security, civil and geotechnical engineering and society at large. This introduction to Earth Science and its applications, includes earth cycles and materials (minerals and rocks), geospatial mapping, geological history, physical geography and landforms. Additionally, the unit provides accessible examples of the use of scientific reasoning for understanding complex natural systems.
Earth's Dynamic Systems is a foundation unit for further studies in Earth Science, but more importantly, serves as a broad introduction to the very world we live on and to science in general. Such a background is highly desirable for any informed citizen for understanding complex issues around resources, climate, environment, and societal development.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Collect and record observations systematically using industry standard protocols, tools and techniques.
- Explain and apply the theoretical principles of Earth Science to solve real world problems.
- Discuss the relationship between Earth resources, environment and society.
- Work independently or collaboratively as a member of a diverse team to solve problems.
- Interpret geomorphological and geological materials and processes in the laboratory and in the field.
Content
An introduction to Earth Science is provided focusing on the large-scale, three-dimensional processes that shape the Earth. This knowledge is then used to assess the geological formation of the landscape and how humans utilise natural resources. The content includes:
- Identifying and concept mapping the key factors that contribute to the major natural cycles that shape our planet: including the rock cycle, physical geography and landscape evolution.
- The structure of the Earth including the formation, distribution and preservation of the three main rock types (Igneous, Metamorphic and Sedimentary)
- Geological approaches to conceptualise and visualise complex three-dimensional earth systems
- Grand scientific challenges such as mitigation of natural hazards and sustainable resources for a greener future
- Hands on practical activities within the laboratory and field
Learning Approaches
Approaches to teaching and learning include active lectures and a series of inquiry-based investigations through interactive laboratory-based practicals and complemented by a field trip. Lectures provide the scientific rationale for the problem-solving practicals, which together provide the background for the required field trip and assessment.
Laboratory and field exercises will be used to develop practical skills in data collection, recording, synthesis and communication, as well as providing the opportunity to observe Earth Science in action. State-of-the-art collaborative teaching spaces will be utilised for research and presentation of scientific ideas, as this will facilitate integrative group discussion and problem-based learning strategies. Time will be dedicated in practicals for acquiring and processing the data to a professional standard. You will also develop your capability to synthesise your knowledge and communicate your learning to various scientific and non-scientific audiences by producing an informative project.
Problems addressed in laboratories will be drawn from the exploration of issues relating to interpretation of depositional environments and emplacement mechanisms from the geological record, natural hazards and the sustainable use of finite resources.
As a first year unit your learning in this unit will be carefully scaffolded to support you to develop a solid understanding of the fundamental concepts relating to Earth's Dynamic Systems. You can expect to spend between 10 - 15 hours per week on average involved in preparing for and attending all scheduled classes, completing assessment tasks, and undertaking your own independent study to consolidate your learning.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
Formative and summative written and oral feedback will be provided throughout the semester.
Assessment
Overview
Assessment will include regular practical exercises for formative and summative feedback. These hands-on activities will prepare you for the field trip and geological database assessment and the final applied mapping project.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Portfolio of Practicals
A series of practical exercise to introduce then build upon geological and geomorphological products, processes and environments.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Geological Database
In this assessment, you will identify rocks and geomorphology in the field and interpret geological outcrop to determine geological process and products.
Individually you will record geological data and prepare geo-referenced scientific annotations. Your annotations will be uploaded into a class geospatial database to create a geological field guide.
For those not attending the field trip an alternative site based around Brisbane CBD will be used for an analogous activity.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Applied Mapping Project
Synthetic mapping exercise, including rock and mineral identification and 3D reconstruction of the geology.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Academic Integrity
Students are expected to engage in learning and assessment at QUT with honesty, transparency and fairness. Maintaining academic integrity means upholding these principles and demonstrating valuable professional capabilities based on ethical foundations.
Failure to maintain academic integrity can take many forms. It includes cheating in examinations, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, and submitting an assessment item completed by another person (e.g. contract cheating). It can also include providing your assessment to another entity, such as to a person or website.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Further details of QUT’s approach to academic integrity are outlined in the Academic integrity policy and the Student Code of Conduct. Breaching QUT’s Academic integrity policy is regarded as student misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Requirements to Study
Requirements
Nil.
Costs
The cost of the field trip is included int he unit fees.
Resources
All learning materials to support your learning in this unit will be provided in your Canvas unit site.
Risk Assessment Statement
There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit. You will be made aware of evacuation procedures and assembly areas in the first few lectures. In the event of a fire alarm sounding, or on a lecturer's instruction, you should leave the room and assemble in the designated area which will be indicated to you.
You should be conscious of your health and safety at all times whilst on campus or in the field. During the field trip, there will be walking uneven terrain and exposure to sun and weather.
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.ST01 Bachelor of Science
- Develop a broad, multidisciplinary understanding of science and a specialised, in-depth knowledge of at least one discipline.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO5, Portfolio of Practicals, Geological Database, Applied Mapping Project - Use higher order thinking skills to design, plan, and conduct investigations and evaluate data to address scientific questions and challenges.
Relates to: ULO2, ULO5, Portfolio of Practicals, Geological Database, Applied Mapping Project - Develop and demonstrate key competencies in scientific practices and relevant technologies.
Relates to: ULO1, Portfolio of Practicals, Geological Database, Applied Mapping Project - Practice science in a safe, culturally appropriate, ethical, sustainable, and socially conscious way with a knowledge of relevant concepts, regulatory frameworks and protocols.
Relates to: ULO3, Portfolio of Practicals - Communicate scientific findings, concepts and evidence-based reasoning to diverse audiences using a variety of methods.
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, Portfolio of Practicals, Geological Database, Applied Mapping Project - Work autonomously and collaboratively with others in an inclusive and professional manner and use critical reflection for personal and professional growth.
Relates to: ULO4, Portfolio of Practicals, Geological Database, Applied Mapping Project
SV02 Bachelor of Science
- Develop a broad, multidisciplinary understanding of science and a specialised, in-depth knowledge of at least one discipline.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO5, Portfolio of Practicals, Geological Database, Applied Mapping Project - Use higher order thinking skills to design, plan, and conduct investigations and evaluate data to address scientific questions and challenges.
Relates to: ULO2, ULO5, Portfolio of Practicals, Geological Database, Applied Mapping Project - Develop and demonstrate key competencies in scientific practices and relevant technologies.
Relates to: ULO1, Portfolio of Practicals, Geological Database, Applied Mapping Project - Practice science in a safe, culturally appropriate, ethical, sustainable, and socially conscious way with a knowledge of relevant concepts, regulatory frameworks and protocols.
Relates to: ULO3, Portfolio of Practicals - Communicate scientific findings, concepts and evidence-based reasoning to diverse audiences using a variety of methods.
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, Portfolio of Practicals, Geological Database, Applied Mapping Project - Work autonomously and collaboratively with others in an inclusive and professional manner and use critical reflection for personal and professional growth.
Relates to: ULO4, Portfolio of Practicals, Geological Database, Applied Mapping Project