Download PDF

Course Outline

ENS103 Earth's Surface Processes

Course Coordinator:Peter Davies (pdavies1@usc.edu.au) School:School of Science, Technology and Engineering

2024Semester 1

UniSC Sunshine Coast

UniSC Moreton Bay

 Blended learning Most of your course is on campus but you may be able to do some components of this course online.

Please go to usc.edu.au for up to date information on the
teaching sessions and campuses where this course is usually offered.

What is this course about?

Description

Studies related to planet Earth impact most aspects of modern life. They are fundamental not only to the field of Earth Science but also to environmental science, ecology, environmental management and natural resource management. In this course you are introduced to the various environmental systems at the Earth's surface, including the lithosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere and atmosphere. This course emphasises problem solving by helping you develop scientific reasoning skills and apply them to the investigation of natural surficial environments.

How will this course be delivered?

Activity Hours Beginning Week Frequency
Blended learning
Learning materials – Pre-recorded conceptual videos and associated activity 1hr Week 1 13 times
Laboratory 1 – On campus laboratory class 2hrs Week 1 13 times
Seminar – On campus seminar 1hr Week 1 3 times

Course Topics

  • The Earth System and Geological time
  • Principles of stratigraphy
  • Geological processes at Earth’s surface
  • Plate tectonics: fundamental concepts, focussing on plate margins
  • Rocks and rock-forming minerals
  • Geological evolution of the Sunshine Coast region
  • Physical, geochemical and biological characteristics of sediments
  • Soils:  their formation, sampling and laboratory analysis

What level is this course?

100 Level (Introductory)

Engaging with discipline knowledge and skills at foundational level, broad application of knowledge and skills in familiar contexts and with support. Limited or no prerequisites. Normally, associated with the first full-time study year of an undergraduate program.

What is the unit value of this course?

12 units

How does this course contribute to my learning?

Course Learning Outcomes On successful completion of this course, you should be able to... Graduate Qualities Completing these tasks successfully will contribute to you becoming...
1 Demonstrate and apply theoretical and practical knowledge of geological processes and principles to regional and global contexts Knowledgeable
2 Use practical techniques and templates to collect and organise geological information e.g. observation, sampling, laboratory testing, recording Knowledgeable
3 Solve problems in Earth Science by:Analysing and interpreting geological informationIntegrating findings to identify rocks and soils, and constructing geological histories supported by evidence, e.g. diagrams, maps, calculations, observations Creative and critical thinker
Empowered
4 Communicate in scientific writing (workbook, reports) Empowered

Am I eligible to enrol in this course?

Refer to the UniSC Glossary of terms for definitions of “pre-requisites, co-requisites and anti-requisites”.

Pre-requisites

Not applicable

Co-requisites

Not applicable

Anti-requisites

Not applicable

Specific assumed prior knowledge and skills (where applicable)

Not applicable

How am I going to be assessed?

Grading Scale

Standard Grading (GRD)

High Distinction (HD), Distinction (DN), Credit (CR), Pass (PS), Fail (FL).

Details of early feedback on progress

The first task (laboratory workbook) is designed to not only examine your knowledge but also to gauge your progress in understanding geological concepts and basic scientific observation skills; draft feedback on the second and third tasks will be available from the course co-ordinator prior to submission.

Assessment tasks

Delivery mode Task No. Assessment Product Individual or Group Weighting % What is the duration / length? When should I submit? Where should I submit it?
All 1 Practical / Laboratory Skills Individual 30% 
50 - 100 words per activity: total 500 words
 Week 6 In Class
All 2 Quiz/zes Individual 30% 
90 minutes
 Week 8 Online Test (Quiz)
All 3 Report Group 40% 
2500 words
 Week 13 Online Submission
All - Assessment Task 1:Laboratory workbook
Goal: 
To apply knowledge of geological processes and principles in practical ways and develop laboratory and problem solving skills.
Product: Practical / Laboratory Skills
Format: 
The lab workbook records activities done duringpractical sessions and is 30% of your assessment.(a) Laboratory Sessions wks 1,2,5,6 (20%)1. Your tutor will set you problem-solving activities related to the material covered in the learning materials and supported by the relevant chapters of the text book (total of 5 geological scenarios). .2. You discuss the problems during tutorials and write your final 50 -100- word solution on one or two pages in your workbook.3. Each solution requires evidence to support it, e.g. diagrams, maps, calculations.(b)Laboratory Sessions 3 and 4 (10%)1. In each of the Weeks 3-4, you will participate in practical sessions in which you systematically observe, describe and record information about rocks in the workbook templates. You also learn how to accurately identify and classify rocks, and analyse data about them. 2. In the rock practicals, you describe and classify 12 common rock types from the Sunshine Coast and hinterland regions. You use a tabular format and approximately 50 words per rock sample. This includes (where possible) recording the minerals that constitute them.Written feedback will be provided on the information you record in your workbook.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
demonstrate and apply theoretical and practical knowledge of geological processes and principles to regional and global contexts
 1
2 
use practical techniques and templates to collect and organise geological information, e.g. observing, sampling, laboratory testing, describing, recording, classifying
 2
3 
solve problems in Earth Science by:
analysing and interpreting geological information
integrating your findings to identify rocks and soils, and constructing geological histories supported by evidence, e.g. diagrams, maps, calculations, observations
 3
4 
communicate in scientific writing in the form of a workbook (terminology, units, labeling of diagrams, English expression
 4
All - Assessment Task 2:Point Arkwright field trip quiz
Goal: 
To examine the capacity of students to apply practical and problem solving skills to construct a geological history and understand environmental processes within a local field area.
Product: Quiz/zes
Format: 
You are required to complete a quiz on the field trip to Point Arkwright examining the geological features, rock types, and landscape evolution of the rock platform exposed northwards for about 500 metres. Details of the potential examined content will be provided via Canvas. The quiz comprises 30 multiple choice questions randomly presented from a larger pool. You will be given 90 minutes to complete the quiz. Note that because this study provides an introduction to several different aspects of geology, considerable guidance and explanation are provided on the field trip about the geological features that can be observed i.e. the rock types; the manner in which they have formed; the original sedimentary depositional environment; igneous activity and deformation that occurred after the sediments hardened; current weathering and erosional processes. The field trip provides an important introduction to required field skills and making geological / environmental observations but there is also substantial web-based information  provided via the course Canvas site (comprising maps, field locations, photographs, diagrams, descriptions, and explanations) so that you can revisit the field study virtually.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
use practical techniques and templates to collect and organise geological information, e.g. observation, recording, sketching
 2
2 
analysing and interpreting critical geological information (structures, field relationships, relative timing of events)
 3
3 
integrating your findings to interpret the ancient environments and understand the geological history for the visited site supported by evidence, e.g. key findings, diagrams, maps, calculations
 3
All - Assessment Task 3:Final soil report
Goal: 
To work in groups to produce a soil report that integrates information collected about soil and sediment samples taken from the length and breadth of the Mooloolah River catchment
Product: Report
Format: 
You work in a group of four to write a scientific report that uses class data from the analysis of soil samples taken from the Mooloolah River catchment. The samples have been analysed and described during the practical sessions, using different analytical techniques. You are provided with the class results for each sample. You are to integrate all the results to create a class dataset (e.g. in a spreadsheet or in tables). The report is to be in the standard format of Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion.Introduction Methods- describe the analytical techniques that you have applied to the samples.Results- present the integrated results from the practical sessions and generate a cohesive model of the surficial stratigraphy of the Mooloolah River catchment.Discussion- focus on the lithological, geochemical and biological characteristics of the soil / sediment samples and variations in these factors.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
demonstrate and apply theoretical and practical knowledge of soil geological processes and principles to a local context
 1
2 
use practical techniques and templates to organise geological information into a dataset
 2
3 
solve problems in Earth Science by:
analyzing and interpreting the class dataset,
integrating these data to construct a stratigraphic soil map supported by evidence, e.g. diagrams, maps, calculations, observations
 3
4 
communicate in scientific writing in the form of a group report (report structure, English expression, terminology, presentation of soil map – labels, stratigraphic map conventions, font size)
 4

Directed study hours

A 12-unit course will have total of 150 learning hours which will include directed study hours (including online if required), self-directed learning and completion of assessable tasks. Student workload is calculated at 12.5 learning hours per one unit.

What resources do I need to undertake this course?

Please note: Course information, including specific information of recommended readings, learning activities, resources, weekly readings, etc. are available on the course Canvas site– Please log in as soon as possible.

Prescribed text(s) or course reader

Please note that you need to have regular access to the resource(s) listed below. Resources may be required or recommended.

Required? Author Year Title Edition Publisher
Recommended Stephen Marshak 2019 Earth: Portrait of a Planet 6 W. W. Norton

Specific requirements

Not applicable

How are risks managed in this course?

Risk assessments have been performed for all laboratory classes and a moderate level of health and safety risk exists. Moderate risks are those associated with laboratory work such as working with chemicals and hazardous substances. You will be required to undertake laboratory induction training and it is also your responsibility to review course material, search online, discuss with lecturers and peers and understand the health and safety risks associated with your specific course of study and to familiarise yourself with the University’s general health and safety principles by reviewing the online induction training for students, and following the instructions of the University staff

What administrative information is relevant to this course?

Assessment: Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is the ethical standard of university participation.  It ensures that students graduate as a result of proving they are competent in their discipline.  This is integral in maintaining the value of academic qualifications. Each industry has expectations and standards of the skills and knowledge within that discipline and these are reflected in assessment.

Academic integrity means that you do not engage in any activity that is considered to be academic fraud; including plagiarism, collusion or outsourcing any part of any assessment item to any other person.  You are expected to be honest and ethical by completing all work yourself and indicating in your work which ideas and information were developed by you and which were taken from others. You cannot provide your assessment work to others. You are also expected to provide evidence of wide and critical reading, usually by using appropriate academic references.

In order to minimise incidents of academic fraud, this course may require that some of its assessment tasks, when submitted to Canvas, are electronically checked through Turnitin.  This software allows for text comparisons to be made between your submitted assessment item and all other work to which Turnitin has access.

Assessment: Additional Requirements

Eligibility for Supplementary Assessment

Your eligibility for supplementary assessment in a course is dependent of the following conditions applying:

The final mark is in the percentage range 47% to 49.4%
The course is graded using the Standard Grading scale
You have not failed an assessment task in the course due to academic misconduct

Assessment: Submission penalties

Late submission of assessment tasks may be penalised at the following maximum rate: 
- 5% (of the assessment task's identified value) per day for the first two days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. 
- 10% (of the assessment task's identified value) for the third day - 20% (of the assessment task's identified value) for the fourth day and subsequent days up to and including seven days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. 
- A result of zero is awarded for an assessment task submitted after seven days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. Weekdays and weekends are included in the calculation of days late. To request an extension you must contact your course coordinator to negotiate an outcome.

SafeUniSC

UniSC is committed to a culture of respect and providing a safe and supportive environment for all members of our community. For immediate assistance on campus contact SafeUniSC by phone: 07 5430 1168 or using the SafeZone app. For general enquires contact the SafeUniSC team by phone 07 5456 3864 or email safe@usc.edu.au.

The SafeUniSC Specialist Service is a Student Wellbeing service that provides free and confidential support to students who may have experienced or observed behaviour that could cause fear, offence or trauma. To contact the service call 07 5430 1226 or email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au.

Study help

For help with course-specific advice, for example what information to include in your assessment, you should first contact your tutor, then your course coordinator, if needed.

If you require additional assistance, the Learning Advisers are trained professionals who are ready to help you develop a wide range of academic skills. Visit the Learning Advisers web page for more information, or contact Student Central for further assistance: +61 7 5430 2890 or studentcentral@usc.edu.au.

Wellbeing Services

Student Wellbeing provide free and confidential counselling on a wide range of personal, academic, social and psychological matters, to foster positive mental health and wellbeing for your academic success.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 1226.

AccessAbility Services

Ability Advisers ensure equal access to all aspects of university life. If your studies are affected by a disability, learning disorder mental health issue, injury or illness, or you are a primary carer for someone with a disability or who is considered frail and aged, AccessAbility Services can provide access to appropriate reasonable adjustments and practical advice about the support and facilities available to you throughout the University.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email AccessAbility@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 2890.

Links to relevant University policy and procedures

For more information on Academic Learning & Teaching categories including:

  • Assessment: Courses and Coursework Programs
  • Review of Assessment and Final Grades
  • Supplementary Assessment
  • Central Examinations
  • Deferred Examinations
  • Student Conduct
  • Students with a Disability

For more information, visit https://www.usc.edu.au/explore/policies-and-procedures#academic-learning-and-teaching

Student Charter

UniSC is committed to excellence in teaching, research and engagement in an environment that is inclusive, inspiring, safe and respectful. The Student Charter sets out what students can expect from the University, and what in turn is expected of students, to achieve these outcomes.

General Enquiries

  • In person:
    • UniSC Sunshine Coast - Student Central, Ground Floor, Building C, 90 Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs
    • UniSC Moreton Bay - Service Centre, Ground Floor, Foundation Building, Gympie Road, Petrie
    • UniSC SouthBank - Student Central, Building A4 (SW1), 52 Merivale Street, South Brisbane
    • UniSC Gympie - Student Central, 71 Cartwright Road, Gympie
    • UniSC Fraser Coast - Student Central, Student Central, Building A, 161 Old Maryborough Rd, Hervey Bay
    • UniSC Caboolture - Student Central, Level 1 Building J, Cnr Manley and Tallon Street, Caboolture
  • Tel:+61 7 5430 2890
  • Email:studentcentral@usc.edu.au
Download PDF