Introduction
Planet Earth has been shaped over 4.5 billion years by ever-changing dynamic processes. These processes can help us to understand how the Earth formed, has evolved, and will continue to change, from its deep internal structure to its more familiar outer surface. In this unit, we will scale the highest mountains and plunge into the deepest oceans in our quest to better understand the driving forces that shape the world we know today. In the practicals, you will learn to read the messages encoded in rocks and minerals that provide clues to the evolution of Earth environments over millions and billions of years – and their implications for the future of our planet. You will learn to see the landscape with new eyes and be challenged to apply your skills in field-based activities. KEA101 is a required unit in the Earth Sciences major and prerequisite for the study of Earth Science units at second year level. This unit is suitable for general science and arts students with an interest in the workings of Planet Earth. An understanding of earth processes is vital for making decisions about clean water and climate change underpinning the health of society It also underpins the transition to a low carbon economy through critical and strategic mineral production.
Summary
| Unit name | Planet Earth |
| Unit code | KEA101 |
| Credit points | 12.5 |
| College/School | Sciences and Engineering School of Natural Sciences |
| Discipline | Earth Sciences |
| Coordinator | Professor Sebastien Meffre |
| Available as an elective? | Yes |
| Delivered By | University of Tasmania |
| Level | Introductory |
Sustainable Development Goals
The Unit Coordinator has identified that this unit aligns with the following UN Sustainable Development Goals. We welcome your thoughts and feedback on the alignment of the unit with these goals.
Availability
Specific information on 2027 unit availability will be available in August
Learning Outcomes
- Describe scientific theories relevant to the workings of the Earth and other planets.
- Identify which processes have shaped the Earth and how they act in the world around us.
- Collect, analyse, and interpret geological data using a variety of field and lab-based techniques to explain the evolution of Earth environments.
- Integrate geological information/data sets to explain the evolution of Earth environments.
Fee Information
2027 fee information will be available in August.
Teaching
| Teaching Pattern | On campus students: 2 hrs lectures weekly (asynchronous, prerecorded, 12 weeks), 1 x 1-hr tutorial weekly (12 weeks), 3-hr lab weekly (12 weeks), fieldwork – one 3 hr and one 6 hr field excursion in Hobart Off campus students: 2 hrs lectures weekly (asynchronous, prerecorded, 12 weeks); 1 x 1-hr online tutorial (12 weeks), 3-hr online lab weekly (12 weeks), fieldwork – one 3 hr and one 6 hr virtual field excursion (with optional in-person attendance available in Hobart) All activities can be completed asynchronously if students are not able to attend the timetabled activities (tutorials and practicals are recorded for self-directed learning). |
|---|---|
| Assessment | Excursion (15%)|Lecture quizzes (20%)|Practical tests (30%)|Practicals (35%) |
| Timetable | View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable |
Textbooks
| Required |
Marshak, Stephen. EARTH, Portrait of a Planet. 6th Edition. Wiley Press. Laboratory Manual for KEA101 |
|---|---|
| Recommended | Grotzinger JP & Jordan TH., 2014, Understanding Earth, 7th Edition Monroe J.S and Wicander R., 2013, The Changing Earth – Exploring Geology and Evolution (earlier editions) Lisle, R, J., Brabham, P., and Barnes J., 2011 Basic Geological Mapping (5th ed): John Wiley & Sons, 217 p |
The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.