ERB111 Earth and Planetary Evolution
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: | ERB111 |
|---|---|
| Equivalent(s): | NQB102, ERB102 |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
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| 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: | ERB111 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Equivalent: | ERB102 |
| Coordinator: | Luke Nothdurft | l.nothdurft@qut.edu.au |
Overview
In ERB111 Earth & Planetary Evolution, you will focus on key events in the history of our planet and the solar system – the formation of our planet, the concept of geologic time, the origin of the oceans and atmosphere, and the evolution of life. You will learn about the connections between the evolution of life and physical planetary processes and events, to appreciate the complexity of life that exists on Earth today. This provides a fundamental introduction to astrobiology and geological time and prepares you for a more in-depth exploration of Earth system connectivity, biodiversity, natural hazards, environmental management, and climate change.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Explain and apply the key concepts of long term and short term planetary change.
- Assess the contributing factors that drove the evolution of life on Earth through the use of critical thinking and reflective evaluation.
- Use analysis of fossil records and planetary surface processes to interpret and deduce the characteristics of past environments.
- Create effective communication media for both technical and non-technical audiences through the use of creative synthesis and effective presentation techniques.
Content
Time is what sets Earth and Climate sciences apart from the other fields of science and an appreciation of the capacity for environments to change over the immensity of geological time. This is fundamental to an understanding of both the physical and biological history and future of our planet and beyond. Thus this unit you will:
- An appreciation of the basis of the geologic time scale
- The processes that led to the formation of our planet and the origin of life
- The study of fossils as a record of the evolution of life on Earth.
- Examining the geologic record to interpret past climatic changes.
Learning Approaches
This unit includes online and face-to-face classes. Workshops and tutorials provide a scientific rationale for the practical classes, which are complemented by online content including documentaries.
Active learning (applying theory to practice) is encouraged through discussion and hands-on practical activities to develop experimental and observation skills. Digital worksheets will be completed online during class. Weekly activities linked to assessment, combined with reporting, research, writing, and oral tasks will develop your professional skills of research and inquiry, and communication with scientific and non-scientific audiences.
Opportunity for peer review will give additional support to develop scientific writing, communication, and review skills. Short in-semester online quizzes are undertaken individually to examine your understanding of fundamental concepts of planetary processes and the fossil record.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
You will have multiple opportunities for different kinds of feedback throughout the semester including:
- Opportunity for peer review on written assessments with written feedback from teachers on your final submissions
- Immediate feedback on lab practicals during and at the conclusion of each practical class.
- Oral feedback from peers and teachers throughout laboratory activities
Assessment
Overview
In this unit, you will experience a range of assessment approaches including hands-on practicals, writing tasks, and an end-of-semester exam.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Portfolio
The Portfolio consists of individual lab tasks prepared from group practical activities; mini papers developed to investigate and report key events in earth history, paleontological concepts, and examples of fossils for each studied time period.
This is an assignment for the purpose of an extension
Assessment: Report
Report on a contemporary scientific topic related to this unit. The report will be designed to explore how science professionals need to communicate to different audiences. The same student-researched information or message will be presented for a specialist technical audience, and also communicated to a general audience.
Assessment: Examination (written)
Multiple choice and short answer questions will assess the practical samples and theoretical discussions, evaluations and critiques across the range of topics covered in the subject.
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
Costs
There are no out of the ordinary costs associated with the study of this unit.
Resources
All learning materials to support your learning will be made available on your unit Canvas site.
Risk Assessment Statement
You will be made aware of evacuation procedures and assembly areas in the first practical class. 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 are required to complete an online health and safety quiz prior to entry to the laboratory. You are referred to the university's health and safety web site for further information. You should be conscious of your health and safety at all times whilst on campus or in the field. Practical classes are subject to current COVID-19 social distancing protocols as updated weekly or as needed.
Students should make the unit co-ordinator aware if they have allergies to seafood.
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, Portfolio, Examination (written) - Recognise First Nations Peoples of Australia as the nation’s first scientists, whose knowledge and contributions are valued.
Relates to: ULO2, Portfolio, Examination (written) - Use higher order thinking skills to design, plan, and conduct investigations and evaluate data to address scientific questions and challenges.
Relates to: ULO3, Portfolio, Report, Examination (written) - Develop and demonstrate key competencies in scientific practices and relevant technologies.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO4, Portfolio, Examination (written) - Communicate scientific findings, concepts and evidence-based reasoning to diverse audiences using a variety of methods.
Relates to: ULO4, Report - Work autonomously and collaboratively with others in an inclusive and professional manner and use critical reflection for personal and professional growth.
Relates to: ULO2, Portfolio, Examination (written)
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, Portfolio, Examination (written) - Recognise First Nations Peoples of Australia as the nation’s first scientists, whose knowledge and contributions are valued.
Relates to: ULO2, Portfolio, Examination (written) - Use higher order thinking skills to design, plan, and conduct investigations and evaluate data to address scientific questions and challenges.
Relates to: ULO3, ULO4, Portfolio, Report, Examination (written) - Develop and demonstrate key competencies in scientific practices and relevant technologies.
Relates to: ULO1, Portfolio, Examination (written) - Communicate scientific findings, concepts and evidence-based reasoning to diverse audiences using a variety of methods.
Relates to: ULO4, Report - Work autonomously and collaboratively with others in an inclusive and professional manner and use critical reflection for personal and professional growth.
Relates to: ULO2, Portfolio, Examination (written)