Availabilities:

2021 unit offering information will be available in September 2020

Unit description

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

The Earth System
Plate tectonics and the lithosphere
Geological time and history
Minerals, igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks and the rock cycle
Weathering and erosion
Evolution of landforms and landscape development
Geological hazards
Geological evolution of the Australian continent

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: Intellectual rigour, GA2: Creativity, GA3: Ethical practice, GA4: Knowledge of a discipline, GA5: Lifelong learning, GA6: Communication and social skills, GA7: Cultural competence
On completion of this unit, students should be able to:GA1GA2GA3GA4GA5GA6GA7
1demonstrate a knowledge of the internal structure of the earth and how the lithosphere was formedIntellectual rigourKnowledge of a discipline
2apply basic rock and mineral identification skillsIntellectual rigourKnowledge of a disciplineLifelong learning
3understand the processes that drive landform change, such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and plate tectonicsIntellectual rigourKnowledge of a disciplineLifelong learning
4apply 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)Intellectual rigourKnowledge of a disciplineLifelong learning
5interpret the processes and timescales involved in the evolution of landformsKnowledge of a disciplineLifelong learning
6apply knowledge of catastrophic geological processes in terms of natural hazard assessment and management, and the management and exploitation of earth resources.Intellectual rigourKnowledge of a discipline

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: Intellectual rigour
    • GA4: Knowledge of a discipline
  2. apply basic rock and mineral identification skills
    • GA1: Intellectual rigour
    • GA4: Knowledge of a discipline
    • GA5: Lifelong learning
  3. understand the processes that drive landform change, such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and plate tectonics
    • GA1: Intellectual rigour
    • GA4: Knowledge of a discipline
    • GA5: Lifelong learning
  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: Intellectual rigour
    • GA4: Knowledge of a discipline
    • GA5: Lifelong learning
  5. interpret the processes and timescales involved in the evolution of landforms
    • GA4: Knowledge of a discipline
    • GA5: Lifelong learning
  6. apply knowledge of catastrophic geological processes in terms of natural hazard assessment and management, and the management and exploitation of earth resources.
    • GA1: Intellectual rigour
    • GA4: Knowledge of a discipline

Teaching and assessment

Notice

Intensive offerings may or may not be scheduled in every session. Please refer to the timetable for further details.

Southern Cross University employs different teaching methods within units to provide students with the flexibility to choose the mode of learning that best suits them. SCU academics strive to use the latest approaches and, as a result, the learning modes and materials may change. The most current information regarding a unit will be provided to enrolled students at the beginning of the study session.

Fee information

Domestic

Commonwealth Supported courses
For information regarding Student Contribution Amounts please visit the Student Contribution Amounts.
Commencing 2021 Commonwealth Supported only. Student contribution band: 2

Fee paying courses
For POSTGRADUATE or UNDERGRADUATE full fee paying courses please check Domestic Postgraduate Fees OR Domestic Undergraduate Fees

International

Please check the international course and fee list to determine the relevant fees.

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