Hobart, Online
All students in this unit must complete workshop activities, either in-person or online, in order to complete an assurance of learning assessment task. After completing each of your 10 workshops, you will complete a short video activity within a MyLO quiz. You will be given two quick questions and will record your answers immediately in a timed video. The purpose of this task is to help you engage actively with the workshop material, practise explaining ideas clearly, and reflect on your learning. Videos are assessed on a simple four-level scale, with credit given for clear, honest, and thoughtful responses. You will be required to use a device with a microphone and camera setting. Please contact the unit coordinator prior to enrolment to discuss ways in which you can access a place with a microphone and camera settings if you do not have these items where you reside. Further information on how to complete the assurance of learning tasks will be provided in the workshops and on MyLO.
Introduction
The physical and living aspects of the global environment interact to produce the extraordinary variety of landscapes, ecosystems and species that occupy this planet. This unit highlights the interplay and conservation of controlling processes so that they continue to maintain Earth's ecosystems and inspire future generations. Earth, Climate and Life develops intermediate understanding of factors controlling geomorphological distinctiveness of earth surface features, weather and climate processes from global to local scales, and distributions and habitats of plants and animals and how they interact within ecosystems. These topics are integrated across various time and spatial scales, emphasising distinctive biomes including island places, and will help students understand reasons for variety in the attributes of landforms and plant and animal species. The unit prepares students for several third year units in physical geography, and develops key skills in demand among employers, including analysis of multiple factors that may be in operation, and presentation of convincing reports.
Summary
| Unit name | Earth, Climate and Life |
| Unit code | KGA204 |
| Credit points | 12.5 |
| College/School | Sciences and Engineering School of Geography, Planning, and Spatial Sciences |
| Discipline | Geography, Planning, and Spatial Sciences |
| Coordinator | Doctor Lydia Mackenzie |
| Available as an elective? | Yes |
| Delivered By | University of Tasmania |
| Level | Intermediate |
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
Key Dates
| Study Period | Start date | Census date | WW date | End date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | 21/2/2027 | 15/3/2027 | 18/4/2027 | 12/6/2027 |
* 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 2027 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2027 will be available from the 1st October 2026. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).
Learning Outcomes
- Explain key concepts in physical geography and apply them to distinctive natural places;
- Apply physical geography approaches and methodologies to a range of environmental settings;
- Explain the relationships between earth, climate and life systems;
- Communicate with discipline-specific terminology and approaches to a range of audiences.
Fee Information
2027 fee information will be available in August.
Requisites
Prerequisites
KGA171 OR KGA172 OR 25 credit points at Introductory level or higher from environmental science, earth science, climate science or ecology.Teaching
| Teaching Pattern | This unit includes weekly online lectures, an introductory seminar, ten workshops and a one-day field trip. Additionally, students will conduct independent learning focused on a Project. |
|---|---|
| Assessment | AT2 Project plan (10%)|AT1 Workshops (20%)|AT3 Project report (30%)|AT4 Online Test (40%) |
| 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 Readings will be provided by your Unit Coordinator. |
The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.