This course provides an introduction to the key physical and chemical processes that shape our planet.

The main emphasis will be on the fundamental processes that controlled Earth's formation and evolution, and those that currently control mountain building and earthquakes, continental crust formation and volcanoes.

The skills needed to identify minerals and rocks, the building blocks of this planet will be taught through lectures, practicals and field trips. This course is a hands on introduction to all aspects of geology.

A second key aspect will be to explain how Earth scientists extract past climate history from the rock record. The basic skills needed to interpret Earth's ancient history will be taught during practical sessions.

The course will also examine the origin of Earth's surface, its landscapes, climate system, and environments that support life, and how they have developed through Earth's history. Geological time will be explored through introductions to the geochronological tools used to track events through Earth's history.

The fieldtrip is likely to be scheduled in the first week of the mid semester break in September.

Honours Pathway Option

There will be an extension to the fieldtrip for students undertaking the Honours Pathway Option (HPO).

HPO students will also have extra questions in assignments, practicals and the final exam.

On satisfying the requirements of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Identify common rocks and minerals

2. Undertake basic field mapping

3. Report the history of the Earth and relate it to processes that shape our planet today

4. Combine field observations with theory learned in class

5. Apply an understanding of time and space to the evolution of continents and life on Earth.

6. Comprehend the role of geological processes in controlling natural hazards

7. Unravel changes in past environments from a variety of data and relate this to the potential impacts of future climate change.

Assessment will be based on:

• Assessed practicals (30% LO 1-2,  3-5)

• Field trip assignment (20% LO 2-4)

• Theory exam (50% LO 1, 3-7) 

65 contact hours, comprising up to 3 hours per week of lectures and 1: 3 hour practical per week, plus a 3 day field trip and two one- day field trips.

There will be an extension to the fieldtrip for HPO (Honours Pathway Students)

EMSC1006: The Blue Planet

Understanding Earth by Frank Press and Raymond Siever

Standard IT online materials and library access