Geodesy: Observing Our Changing Planet unit (KGG307)

Hobart

Introduction

Geodesy is the study of the Earth's dynamic shape, size, and gravitational field. Modern space geodetic observations underpin not only our ability to determine precise location on Earth and in orbit, but a broad number of scientific fields that address questions of direct societal relevance; the study of regional and global changes in mean sea level, quantifying changes to polar ice caps, determining the velocity of tectonic plates, measurement of surface deformation associated with geo-hazards and understanding changes in hydrology based on time variable gravity and associated ground deformation. The unit is comprised of 4 problem-based modules that each address a particular application of geodetic science in understanding our dynamic planet. In completing the learning modules, you will learn about the modern geodetic observation techniques including GNSS, VLBI, SLR, altimetry and space gravity. The practical component of the unit provides you with hands-on experience in analysing real-world data to investigate processes including sea level change, climate signals, glacial motion, plate tectonics and Earth deformation.

Summary

Unit name	Geodesy: Observing Our Changing Planet
Unit code	KGG307
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Sciences and Engineering School of Geography, Planning, and Spatial Sciences
Discipline	Geography, Planning, and Spatial Sciences
Coordinator	Associate Professor Christopher Watson
Available as an elective?	Yes
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Advanced

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

• Explain modern geodetic observation techniques.
• Explain the use of geodetic observations to observe and understand Earth processes.
• Analyse geodetic data to investigate a range of Earth processes.
• Communicate the results of geodetic analyses using appropriate scientific conventions.

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
031101	$1,192.00	$1,192.00	not applicable	$3,401.00

• 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

Any 2 intermediate (level 200) science / geospatial science units

Teaching

Teaching Pattern	1 x 1 hour lecture/seminar per week (online, synchronous) 1 x 3 hour practical per week (on-campus, in-person)
Assessment	Poster presentation (crustal motion module) (20%)|Video presentation (crustal motion module) (20%)|Written report (sea level module) (20%)|Invigilated Written Exam (40%)
Timetable	View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required	All reading materials required are provided in MyLo. Each module has a dedicated reader and a list of additional readings.
Recommended	Recommended readings are provided as part of each module reader.

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