EMSC4008F Physics of the Earth IV Honours

Later Year Course

Offered By	Research School of Earth Sciences
Academic Career	Undergraduate
Course Subject	Earth and Marine Science
Offered in	First Semester, 2010, Second Semester, 2010, First Semester, 2011, and Second Semester, 2011
Unit Value Range	12 units to 24 units
Course Description	The structure and dynamic processes of the Earth are measured, quantified and understood by utilizing principles and methods from the physical sciences. Core areas of study include seismology, geodynamics, geodesy and geophysical fluid dynamics. A variety of course work from these fields is on offer, in addition to a supervised research project worth 50% of the final mark. The goal of Physics of the Earth Honours is to gain a solid grounding in quantitative analysis of physical processes based on both theory and observation. For example, plate tectonics, in which distinct pieces of the rigid outer shell of the Earth constantly move and interact due to internal heating, manifests in seismic (e.g. earthquakes), geodetic (e.g. GPS displacement) and geodynamic (e.g. crustal deformation) observation. Evidence from these fields of study have been central to gaining a better understanding of convection within the Earth's mantle, and how the continents have shifted and deformed over time. More specifically, coursework will cover seismic wave propagation, earthquake source mechanisms and seismic imaging; fundamental concepts in fluid dynamics and their application to the Earth (e.g. Buoyancy driven flow in the ocean); sea level change and variations in polar ice cap volumes from satellite data; the physical behaviour of minerals and rocks at pressures and temperatures encountered deep within the Earth; and theory and numerical methods for solving geophysical inverse and data inference problems.
Learning Outcomes	Specific learning outcomes will depend on the nature of the research project. In general, on satisfactory completion of the course students will have: 1. A good understanding of the Earth's structure, from the crust to the core, including basic changes in physical and material properties with depth. 2. Knowledge of the Earth's internal dynamics, and how it manifests in terms of plate tectonics and associated processes. 3. A solid understanding of one or more specialist fields in Earth Physics, including seismology, geodesy, geodynamics, rock physics and geophysical fluid dynamics. 4. Demonstrated an ability to carry out high quality original research. 5. The ability to critically evaluate technical reports and journal articles. 6. The ability to write scientific reports at a standard suitable for publication in international refereed journals.
Indicative Assessment	Assessment will be based on: The completion of a supervised research project and associated thesis on a topic chosen by the student in consultation with a member of academic staff. (50% of total mark; LO 1-6). Coursework comprising at least four 6 unit subjects offered by the university at an appropriate level. These should include but are not limited to Earth Physics courses run at RSES. (50% of total mark). The method of assessment varies between subjects, but may include sit down exams, take home exams, laboratory reports, assignments and oral presentations.
Workload	This varies depending on the coursework chosen, but a 6 unit course typically has a maximum of 26 hours of lectures, and 20-30 hours of laboratory work and tutorials. In addition up to 65 hours of independent study may be required for each 6 unit course. The research project, which is worth 24 units, will require a commensurate number of hours to complete.
Areas of Interest	Earth and Marine Sciences
Requisite Statement	A solid grounding in some combination of applied maths, physics, geophysics and computing is recommended.
Recommended Courses	A background in mathematics, geophysics, physics and/or computer sciences is recommended.
Consent Required	Departmental consent is required to enrol in this course.
Prescribed Texts	Davies, G. F. (1999) Dynamic Earth: Plates, plumes and mantle convection, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.
Academic Contact	Dr Nicholas Rawlinson

The information published on the Study at ANU 2010 website applies to the 2010 academic year only. All information provided on this website replaces the information contained in the Study at ANU 2009 website.