Earth's Surface unit (KEA208)

Hobart

Introduction

This unit explores dynamic processes shaping the Earth’s outer layer, focusing on rocks, sediments, and groundwater systems. Through lectures and hands-on field excursions across eastern Tasmania, you'll investigate processes that occur at the Earth’s surface. This includes examining the volcanic and sedimentary formations as well as groundwater in eastern and southeastern Tasmania and learning why, when and how these were formed and how they have been impacted by humans. Designed for curious minds, the unit offers an exciting blend of science and adventure—perfect for those eager to understand the planet beneath their feet. This unit is core to the Earth Sciences Major and includes a five-day pre-semester trip on the scenic east coast of Tasmania, and 4 half day excursion around Hobart which provides an opportunity to hone your geological field skills.

Summary

Unit name	Earth's Surface
Unit code	KEA208
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Sciences and Engineering School of Natural Sciences
Discipline	Earth Sciences
Coordinator	Doctor Martin Jutzeler
Available as an elective?	Yes
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Intermediate

Availability

Location	Study period	Attendance options		Available to
Hobart	Semester 1

Note

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Key Dates

Study Period	Start date	Census date	WW date	End date
Semester 1	22/2/2026	16/3/2026	19/4/2026	13/6/2026

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2026 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2026 will be available from the 1st October 2025. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

• Analyse rock and sediment types by identifying minerals, mineral groups and textures in rocks and sediments formed at and near the Earth’s surface.
• Deduce the formation processes and settings for a range of sedimentary and volcanic rocks based on their distributions, associations, mineralogy and texture.
• Appraise geoscientific information and surface/near-surface geological processes to evaluate impacts of human activities on the environment.

Fee Information

Field of Education	Commencing Student Contribution 1,3	Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3	Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3	Domestic Full Fee 4
010703	$1,192.00	$1,192.00	not applicable	$3,575.00

• Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
• HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility³
• FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility⁴

¹ Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
² Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
³ Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
⁴ Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.

If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.

Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.

Requisites

Prerequisites

KEA101 AND KEA102

Teaching

Teaching Pattern	Unit will be offered as an intensive in Feb and through the semester for student who can't make it to the excursion
Assessment	Field Notes (10%)|Excursion Report (30%)|Field tests (30%)|Practicals (30%)
Timetable	View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required

Required readings will be listed in the unit outline prior to the start of classes.

Recommended

Recommended text for excursion:  Corbett, K.D., Quilty, P.G., and Calver, C.R., 2014, Geological Evolution of Tasmania: Geological Society of Australia (Tasmania Division), Geological Society of Australia Special Publication v 24,639 p.    Purchase from http://www.utas.edu.au/codes/publications/publications-for-sale (not available on-line) (Note that there is a student deal with GSA the publisher for this book)  Lisle, R, J., Brabham, P., and Barnes J., 2011, Basic Geological Mapping (5th ed):  John Wiley & Sons, 217 p  Jerram, D., and Petford, N., 2011 The field description of Igneous Rocks (2nd ed) Wiley-Blackwell,238 p  Recommended text for sedimentology & stratigraphy  Nichols, G., 2009, Sedimentology & Stratigraphy (2nd ed):Wiley and Blackwell, 419 p.  Collinson, J., Mountney N. and Thompson, 2006, Sedimentary Structures (3rd ed) Sedimentary Structures, Terra, 292 p.  D. Copeland, P., 2012 Communicating rocks, Pearson Education Inc. 148 p. Stow, D.V., 2005, Sedimentary rocks in the field: A colour guide. Manson Publishing 320p  Tucker, M.E., 2011 Sedimentary rocks in the field: A practical guide.(4th ed) Wiley-Blackwell 275p.

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