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Location Domestic International
Lismore Session 1 Session 1
Online Session 1 N/A

Unit Summary

Unit type

UG Coursework Unit

Credit points

12

AQF level

7

Level of learning

Introductory

Former School/College

Former School of Environment, Science and Engineering

Unit aim

Introduces students to basic fundamentals in geology and geomorphology, with a focus on the outer shell of the Earth. The unit outlines the composition, structure and dynamic nature of the lithosphere and the processes acting upon it that lead to the evolution of the landforms we see today. The unit seeks to develop basic geological knowledge and field skills useful to environmental science and management professionals.

Unit content

Origin and internal structure of the lithosphere

Minerals, rocks, and the rock system

The plate tectonic system

Igneous rocks

Sedimentary rocks

Metamorphic rocks

Weathering and erosion

Evolution of landforms

Geological time and history

Geological evolution of the Australian continent and northeast New South Wales

Earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and other geological hazards

Earth resources

Learning outcomes

Unit Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a unit. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes. The unit learning outcomes and graduate attributes are also the basis of evaluating prior learning.

GA1: , GA2: , GA3: , GA4: , GA5: , GA6: , GA7:
On completion of this unit, students should be able to: GA1 GA2 GA3 GA4 GA5 GA6 GA7
1 Demonstrate a knowledge of the internal structure of the earth and how the lithosphere was formed
2 Apply basic rock and mineral identification skills
3 Understand the processes that drive landform change, such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and plate tectonics
4 Apply the concepts of geological time in the interpretation of geological maps, landform features (in the field and through analysis of satellite images and cross-section diagrams)
5 Interpret the processes and timescales involved in the evolution of landforms
6 Apply knowledge of catastrophic geological processes in terms of natural hazard assessment and management, and the management and exploitation of earth resources

On completion of this unit, students should be able to:

  1. Demonstrate a knowledge of the internal structure of the earth and how the lithosphere was formed
    • GA1:
    • GA4:
  2. Apply basic rock and mineral identification skills
    • GA1:
    • GA4:
    • GA5:
  3. Understand the processes that drive landform change, such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and plate tectonics
    • GA1:
    • GA4:
    • GA5:
  4. Apply the concepts of geological time in the interpretation of geological maps, landform features (in the field and through analysis of satellite images and cross-section diagrams)
    • GA1:
    • GA4:
    • GA5:
  5. Interpret the processes and timescales involved in the evolution of landforms
    • GA4:
    • GA5:
  6. Apply knowledge of catastrophic geological processes in terms of natural hazard assessment and management, and the management and exploitation of earth resources
    • GA1:
    • GA4:

Prescribed texts

  • Smith, GA & Pun, A, 2010, How Does Earth Work?, 2nd edn, Pearson Education Inc, New Jersey. ISBN: 978-0-13-600368-7.
Prescribed texts may change in future teaching periods.