ERB304 Dynamic Earth: Plate Tectonics

Unit Outline: Semester 2 2024, Gardens Point, Internal

Overview

How we think about Earth processes and evolution has been revolutionised by the recognition that rigid plates forming the outer layer of the Earth move relative to one another and interact at their boundaries. This notion is a cornerstone of the unifying theory of Plate Tectonics. In this unit, you will be introduced to the driving mechanisms of motion and deformation within of the Earth and how they relate to the driving forces of Plate Tectonics. You will become familiar with the igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary responses associated with specific tectonic environments, and how they have evolved through Earth's evolution. This is a synthesis course integrating all knowledge that you have gained from your Earth Science Major units.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:

1. Outline the most important physical laws governing Geodynamics.
2. Demonstrate sound knowledge of the structure of Earth and how it has been determined.
3. Recall and discuss evidence for the Theory of Plate Tectonics in the context of its historical development.
4. Recognise, analyse, and interpret a range of tectonic processes and settings.
5. Recall and illustrate how the geodynamic behaviour of Earth evolved from the Archean to the present and how this has been recorded in Earth's crust.
6. Select, critically analyse, and summarise relevant scientific literature.
7. Work independently and collaboratively as a member of a diverse team.

Content

Learning Approaches

Lectures: 2 x 2-hour lectures per week (weeks 1-10).
Practical: l x 2 hours per week (weeks 1-10).
Field Trip: 1 Day field trip
Teaching and learning strategies include formal real-time lectures, recorded lectures, recorded practical background videos, real-time practical sessions, and fieldwork. Interactive lectures provide the scientific background on the topics being investigated, and rationale for problem-solving practical sessions. Practical sessions include map study, and problem-solving exercises and critical discussion of scientific literature. The field trip will give you the opportunity to put theory to practice and will be used to reinforce concepts introduced in lectures.

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

In this unit, multiple opportunities for feedback are provided in the collaborative and practical/field activities and related assessments, including oral and written feedback on practical and field-based exercises, and the Literature Review.

Assessment

Overview

Assessment will include a Portfolio of practical problem-solving tasks undertaken in practical and computer lab sessions, a critical Literature Review assignment, and a final summative Exam. If campus access is restricted at the time of the central examination period/due date, an alternative, which may be a timed online assessment, will be offered. Individual students whose circumstances prevent their attendance on campus will be provided with an alternative assessment approach.

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Portfolio

A compilation of work completed over the semester based on problem solving tasks derived from practical and field exercises.

This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.

Assessment: Literature Review

An examination of a controversial topic related to Plate Tectonics and Geodynamics. You will be asked to prepare a short review of the current literature relating to the topic. A component of your presentation will identify the broader societal impact of understanding the topic.

This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.

Assessment: Examination (written)

An examination of your knowledge of the material and your ability to communicate complex information to a broader audience.

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.

Resources

Risk Assessment Statement

Practical classes and fieldwork are subject to current COVID-19 social distancing protocols as updated weekly by QUT. Practical sessions are scheduled to start from Week 1. For on-campus activities, 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. A risk assessment is undertaken for the field excursion.