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Unit outline_

GEOL4101: Research Skills in Geology and Geophysics A

Semester 1, 2022 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Geology and Geophysics are wide-ranging disciplines with specialisations or research topics that involve varying degrees of field work, laboratory analysis, computer modelling, etc. One of their defining characteristics is the need to respond to unique real-world challenges with innovative combinations of acquired knowledge and new research. As environmental and climate challenges multiply and the need for sustainable resource practices intensifies, geologists and geophysicists must continually respond with new strategies for a changing planet. In GEOL4101 and GEOL4102, you will develop the ability to enhance your skill sets in response to specific research challenges. The units are designed to flexibly address your particular research needs by allowing you to select the most relevant two modules from a variety of offerings that include intensive workshop courses developed within the School, field studies in relevant terrains or environments, or short collaboration projects with external institutions or organisations. The units also provide the flexibility to allow the creation of your own unique module that targets your field of investigation. Upon completing these units, you will have gained a deeper understanding of your sub-discipline and research area early in your Honours year, which will facilitate an independent and novel scientific contribution in your field.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Geosciences Academic Operations
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

Have a coherent understanding of key themes in geology and geophysics within the context of Earth system science, and understand principles and concepts relating to Earth's structure, its internal and external dynamics and evolution

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Vasileios Chatzaras, vasileios.chatzaras@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Assignment Module assignment 1
Students to complete 2 of the 6 module assignments
50% Ongoing Dependent on module picked.
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3
Assignment Module assignment 2
Students to complete 2 of the 6 module assignments
50% Ongoing Dependent on module picked.
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3

Assessment summary

Assessment Title

Assessment Category
 

Assessment Type
 

Description of Type
 

Task Type
 

Length/Duration
 

Weighting (%)
 

Due date & time
 

UoS LO's

Module 1

Skills-based

Assignment

lab skills assessment

Individual

mix of computer-generated output (e.g. maps) and written elements

50%

Within 2 weeks after workshop

1,2,3

Module 2

Skills-based

Assignment

lab skills assessment

Individual

mix of computer-generated output (e.g. maps) and written elements

50%

Within 2 weeks after workshop

1,2,3

Module 3

Submitted Work

Assignment

Report

Individual

2000 words

35%

Within 2 weeks after workshop/classes

1,2,3

Module 3

In-Class

Small continuous assessment

lab skills assessment

Individual

2 hour practicals

15%

In class

1,2,3

Module 4

Submitted Work

Assignment

Report

Individual

2000 words

35%

Within 2 weeks after workshop/classes

1,2,3

Module 4

In-Class

Small continuous assessment

lab skills assessment

Individual

2 hour practicals

15%

In class

1,2,3

Module 5

Submitted Work

Assignment

Report

Individual

3000 words

50%

Within 4 weeks of fieldwork/classes

1,2,3

Module 6

Submitted Work

Assignment

Report

Individual

3000 words

50%

Within 4 weeks of fieldwork/classes

1,2,3

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

At HD level, a student demonstrates a flair for the subject as well as a detailed and comprehensive understanding of the unit material. A ‘High Distinction’ reflects exceptional achievement and is awarded to a student who demonstrates the ability to apply their subject knowledge and understanding to produce original solutions for novel or highly complex problems and/or comprehensive critical discussions of theoretical concepts.

Distinction

75 - 84

At DI level, a student demonstrates an aptitude for the subject and a well-developed understanding of the unit material. A ‘Distinction’ reflects excellent achievement and is awarded to a student who demonstrates an ability to apply their subject knowledge and understanding of the subject to produce good solutions for challenging problems and/or a reasonably well-developed critical analysis of theoretical concepts.

Credit

65 - 74

At CR level, a student demonstrates a good command and knowledge of the unit material. A ‘Credit’ reflects solid achievement and is awarded to a student who has a broad general understanding of the unit material and can solve routine problems and/or identify and superficially discuss theoretical concepts.

Pass

50 - 64

At PS level, a student demonstrates proficiency in the unit material. A ‘Pass’ reflects satisfactory achievement and is awarded to a student who has threshold knowledge.

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Multiple weeks Australian Regolith Lecture (25 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Generic Mapping Tools Lecture (25 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Python-for-Geoscientists Lecture (25 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Scanning Electron Microscopy in Geology Lecture (25 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Terrane Evolution Modelling- “Badlands” Lecture (25 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
gPlates Tectonic Plate Models 1 and 2 Lecture (25 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Field Trips/Ocean Surveys Lecture (25 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Special Project in thesis-related topics Lecture (25 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Instrumentation and Analytical Techniques Lecture (25 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Recognizing the products of weathering Practical (25 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Developing software skills Practical (25 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Final Report Practical (25 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Data assessment, learning analytical methods & the technical capabilities of applicable instruments Practical (25 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Urban geology Block teaching (25 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. ​Develop a broad and coherent body of knowledge in geology and geophysics, within the context of Earth system science. ​
  • LO2. Work competently, confidently, ethically and safely in the field or laboratory. ​
  • LO3. Source collate, synthesise and critically evaluate information in geology and geophysics from a range of relevant sources. ​

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

No survey results are available for 2021.

Work, health and safety

We are governed by the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 and Codes of Practice. Penalties for non-compliance have increased. Everyone has a responsibility for health and safety at work. The University’s Work Health and Safety policy explains the responsibilities and expectations of workers and others, and the procedures for managing WHS risks associated with University activities.

General Laboratory Safety Rules

  • No eating or drinking is allowed in any laboratory under any circumstances
  • A laboratory coat and closed-toe shoes are mandatory
  • Follow safety instructions in your manual and posted in laboratories
  • In case of fire, follow instructions posted outside the laboratory door
  • First aid kits, eye wash and fire extinguishers are located in or immediately outside each laboratory
  • As a precautionary measure, it is recommended that you have a current tetanus immunisation. This can be obtained from University Health Service: unihealth.usyd.edu.au/

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.