EAE1011 - The Earth system: From the core to the atmosphere

Overview

This unit is a core unit for further studies in geology, atmospheric science, climate studies, earth science, environmental earth science and geographical science. The Earth is a constantly changing complex system involving many physical, chemical, and biological processes both at the surface and below our feet. In this unit, you … For more content click the Read More button below. We will learn about how fieldwork, practical exercises, simple models, and spatial data help us understand our planet's history and predict its future. We will also study the processes that drive change within our planet and its environmental systems: from the formation of the Earth's core to its crust; to the systems driving and sustaining the planet's living surface; to the forces and processes involved in the formation of mountains and oceans; and our changing atmosphere and climate. At the completion of this unit, you will have a clear understanding of the structure and nature of the Earth, the interaction between the different spheres of the Earth and how the Earth has changed over time

This unit is a core unit for further studies in geology, atmospheric science, climate studies, earth science, environmental earth science and geographical science.

The Earth is a constantly changing complex system involving many physical, chemical, and biological processes both at the surface and below our feet. In this unit, you will be introduced to the science used to understand the Earth system, how it changes over time, and how the Earth system may evolve into the future. We look at the formation and structure of the Earth and its changing environment.

We will learn about how fieldwork, practical exercises, simple models, and spatial data help us understand our planet's history and predict its future. We will also study the processes that drive change within our planet and its environmental systems: from the formation of the Earth's core to its crust; to the systems driving and sustaining the planet's living surface; to the forces and processes involved in the formation of mountains and oceans; and our changing atmosphere and climate.

At the completion of this unit, you will have a clear understanding of the structure and nature of the Earth, the interaction between the different spheres of the Earth and how the Earth has changed over time

Offerings

S1-01-CLAYTON-ON-CAMPUS

Rules

Enrolment Rule

Contacts

Chief Examiner(s)

Dr Sophia Tsang

Unit Coordinator(s)

Dr Sophia Tsang

Learning outcomes

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

Define the structure and materials of the whole Earth, including the core, mantle, lithosphere, land surface, oceans and atmosphere and describe how our understanding of these has changed over time.

Summarise how the energy, water, biogeochemical, rock, and plate tectonic cycles work, and explain how they act to change the Earth system over time.

Synthesise and explain the physical, chemical, and biological processes that have shaped and continue to change the solid Earth, land surface, oceans, and atmosphere.

Demonstrate how scientists collect, record, visualise, map, and analyse data in space and time to observe, model and predict deep Earth, climate, and surface processes.

Teaching approach

Field trips

Peer assisted learning

Case-based teaching

Enquiry-based learning

Problem-based learning

Active learning

Assessment

1 - Practical assessments

2 - Short writing assignments

3 - Field trip assessment

4 - Science communication projects

Scheduled and non-scheduled teaching activities

Practical activities

Workshops

Workload requirements

Workload

Off campus attendance requirements

Learning resources

Technology resources

Other unit costs

Costs are indicative and subject to change.
Field trip estimated cost is $40.

A limited number of field trip scholarships are available via application to the Unit Coordinator. Alternative assessment is available for students with special consideration. Adequate clothing and protective footwear (closed) appropriate for field work and working outdoors MUST be worn and are at your own cost.

Availability in areas of study

Climate and atmospheric science
Earth science