EAE1022 - The Earth system: Changing environments and climates

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. In this unit, you will analyse the physical, chemical and biological processes that have shaped, and continue to shape, the … 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 influences, we consider 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. In this unit, you will analyse the physical, chemical and biological processes that have shaped, and continue to shape, the surface of our planet over timescales important to ecosystems and society. This includes examining the respective roles of natural 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 influences, we consider 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)

Dr Sophia Tsang

Unit Coordinator(s)

Dr Sophia Tsang

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.

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

Teaching approach

Case-based teaching

Enquiry-based learning

Field trips

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, atmosphere and environment are not taught at most schools, this unit is taught at an introductory level.

Problem-based learning

Peer assisted 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

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
Environmental science
Geographical science