2027 Unit information is now available. View 2027 unit information
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
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 |
|
|
|
|
| Online | Semester 1 |
|
|
|
|
- Key:
- On-campus
- Off-Campus
- International students
- Domestic students
Note
Please check that your computer meets the minimum System Requirements if you are attending via Distance/Off-Campus.
Units are offered in attending mode unless otherwise indicated (that is attendance is required at the campus identified). A unit identified as offered by distance, that is there is no requirement for attendance, is identified with a nominal enrolment campus. A unit offered to both attending students and by distance from the same campus is identified as having both modes of study.
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).
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
| Field of Education | Commencing Student Contribution 1,3 | Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3 | Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3 | Domestic Full Fee 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 010700 | $1,192.00 | $1,192.00 | not applicable | $2,862.00 |
- 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
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.