EAE1022 - Earth, atmosphere and environment 2

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Overview

This unit is a core unit for further studies in Geology, Atmospheric science, Climate studies, Earth science, Environmental Earth science and Geographical science. We live on a constantly changing planet. This unit looks at the physical, chemical and biological processes that have shaped, and continue to shape, the planet over … For more content click the Read More button below. The scientific and modelling techniques we use to understand and predict how the Earth’s natural resources are established and maintained will be explored. Further, as we move forward in a world with increasing human influence, we examine the role of sustainable management of these resources. At the completion of this unit, you will have a clear understanding of natural and human influence on the biosphere, hydrosphere, cryosphere, pedosphere, lithosphere and atmosphere.

This unit is a core unit for further studies in Geology, Atmospheric science, Climate studies, Earth science, Environmental Earth science and Geographical science.

We live on a constantly changing planet. This unit looks at the physical, chemical and biological processes that have shaped, and continue to shape, the planet over timescales important to ecosystems and society. The unit will examine the respective roles of natural processes and human influences on these processes.

The scientific and modelling techniques we use to understand and predict how the Earth’s natural resources are established and maintained will be explored. Further, as we move forward in a world with increasing human influence, we examine the role of sustainable management of these resources. At the completion of this unit, you will have a clear understanding of natural and human influence on the biosphere, hydrosphere, cryosphere, pedosphere, lithosphere and atmosphere.

Offerings

S2-01-CLAYTON-ON-CAMPUS

Rules

Enrolment Rule

Contacts

Chief Examiner(s)

Ms Marion Anderson

Unit Coordinator(s)

Ms Marion Anderson

Notes

IMPORTANT NOTICE:
Scheduled teaching activities and/or workload information are subject to change in response to COVID-19, please check your Unit timetable and Unit Moodle site for more details.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you should be able to:

Synthesise and explain how the fundamental physical, chemical, and biological processes change the earth's surface over time, including how they affect and shape landforms, ecosystems, weather and climate.

Identify, evaluate and describe the relative contributions of natural and human processes to changes in the Earth's lithosphere, pedosphere, biosphere, cryosphere, atmosphere, and hydrosphere and describe the implications for ecosystem productivity.

Analyse the natural resources required to support ecosystems, the human impact on these natural resources and ecosystems, and their sustainable management.

Collect and use observations to examine, visualise and map how the processes regulating the Earth System operate in the real world.

Describe the role of modelling for understanding how natural and human processes influence the Earth System and evaluate the utility of modelling for prediction for a variety of applications.

Understand the science involved in modelling future environments, based on our past and present understanding of Earth's surface processes.

Teaching approach

Active learning

A combination of face to face learning and on line learning with an active learning approach. As a result of the hands-on nature of this discipline, all weekly practical classes will be assessed, and attendance at them, whether in person or on line, should be considered compulsory. As we realise that people learn at different paces, and that many aspects of earth, atmospher and environment are not taught at most schools, this unit is taught at an introductory level.

Online learning

Field trips

Assessment

1 - Weekly lab classes

2 - Weekly quiz

3 - Portfolio assignment: Infographic

4 - Portfolio assignment: Group poster project

5 - Staged learning quizzes or self-run field trip

6 - Field report

Scheduled and non-scheduled teaching activities

Lectures

Practical activities

Seminars

Workload requirements

Workload

Learning resources

Technology resources

Other unit costs

Costs are indicative and subject to change.
The field trip has anapproximate cost of $200 (this unit is currently being redeveloped for $2020). A limited number of fieldtrip scholarships are available via application to the Unit Coordinator. Alternative assessment is available for students with special consideration.

Availability in areas of study

Atmospheric science
Earth science
Environmental science
Geographical science