EMSC6107 The Blue Planet: an introduction to Earth system science
| Offered By | Research School of Earth Sciences |
|---|---|
| Academic Career | Graduate Coursework |
| Course Subject | Earth and Marine Science |
| Offered in | Second Semester, 2010 and Second Semester, 2011 |
| Unit Value | 6 units |
| Course Description |
This course provides an integrated understanding of Earth as a system. Topics include: a history of Earth's environment; systems theory; the biophysical processes that characterise the oceans, atmosphere and land surface; together with an introduction to the global water and carbon cycles. Lectures provide an essential scientific perspective on critical global change processes. Practical sessions offer hands-on experience with global information systems. A major field excursion introduces students to methods for environmental measurement and observation. Note: Graduate students attend joint classes with undergraduates but will be assessed separately. |
| Learning Outcomes |
On satisfying the requirements of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to: 1. use systems thinking to describe the physical and biophysical processes that define the Earth, and especially those processes that drive large-scale environmental change2. explain how the previous changes in Earth's environmental conditions and on-going Earth system processes provide a basis for understanding human-environmental interactions and impacts 3. analyse to what extent humans can force global environmental change by deliberately or incidentally influencing the Earth system 4. understand how the atmosphere, the land and the oceans interact and the feedback mechanisms between the three |
| Indicative Assessment |
Assessment will be based on:
|
| Workload | 65 hours of contact, comprising lectures, practicals, and field excursion |
| Course Classification(s) | TransitionalTransitional courses are designed for students from a broad range of backgrounds and learning achievements, which provide for the acquisition of generic skills; or an informed understanding of contemporary issues; or fundamental knowledge for transition to Advanced or Specialist courses. |
| Areas of Interest | Earth and Marine Sciences |
| Prescribed Texts | Skinner, B, Porter, S & Botkin, D (1999) The Blue Planet: an introduction to Earth System Science. Brisbane: Wiley. |
| Academic Contact | Prof Brendan Mackey |
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.
