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Unit of study_

GEOS1003: Earth Science: Past and Future of Our Planet

2025 unit information

Geosciences is the most interdisciplinary of all STEM disciplines. The study of Earth will allow you to build a wide range of transferable skills that can be used to address global challenges and are highly valued by employers. To predict the future of our planet and plan a sustainable future for our societies, we need to understand Earth's past. Geoscientists examine the rock record to understand the biological, chemical, physical, and mechanical processes that control the evolution of the Earth's lithosphere, i.e., the Earth's outer shell where the biosphere inhabits. In GEOS1003, you will explore how the Earth System works and evolves. You will learn how life evolves with time, continents form and disappear, mountains emerge, river systems shape Earth's surface, Earth resources form, and tectonic forces control the geology of our planet. You will develop knowledge on the processes that lead to natural hazards (e.g., volcanoes, earthquakes) and how you can use geosciences to build resilient societies. The unit includes a combination of lectures, hands-on laboratories with emphasis on problem-solving, and fieldwork to examine geological objects and processes in their natural setting.

Unit details and rules

Managing faculty or University school:

Science

Study level Undergraduate
Academic unit Geosciences Academic Operations
Credit points 6
Prerequisites:
? 
None
Corequisites:
? 
None
Prohibitions:
? 
GEOS1903 or GEOL1002 or GEOL1902 or GEOL1501
Assumed knowledge:
? 
None

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

  • LO1. Understand how geosciences can provide sustainable solutions to global challenges.
  • LO2. Develop appreciation of the significance of fossils and the longevity of the geologic record of biotic activity on the Earth.
  • LO3. Use the rock record to unravel geological history and understand the processes that have formed the Earth and currently modify the Earth’s physical features.
  • LO4. Understand the relationships between the different rocks systems (e.g., sedimentary, igneous, metamorphic).
  • LO5. Understand the relationship between plate tectonic processes and the occurrence of natural Earth hazards such as volcanic eruptions, earthquakes and tsunami.
  • LO6. Analyse and synthesise geological information to tackle a wide range of Earth Science issues.
  • LO7. Demonstrate written, oral and interpersonal communication skills.

Unit availability

This section lists the session, attendance modes and locations the unit is available in. There is a unit outline for each of the unit availabilities, which gives you information about the unit including assessment details and a schedule of weekly activities.

The outline is published 2 weeks before the first day of teaching. You can look at previous outlines for a guide to the details of a unit.

Session MoA ?  Location Outline ? 
Intensive February 2024
Block mode Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Semester 2 2024
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Session MoA ?  Location Outline ? 
Intensive February 2025
Block mode Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Outline unavailable
Semester 2 2025
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Outline unavailable
Session MoA ?  Location Outline ? 
Intensive January 2020
Block mode Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Outline unavailable
Semester 2 2020
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Intensive February 2021
Block mode Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Intensive February 2021
Block mode Remote
Semester 2 2021
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Semester 2 2021
Normal day Remote
Intensive January 2022
Block mode Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Intensive January 2022
Block mode Remote
Semester 2 2022
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Semester 2 2022
Normal day Remote
Intensive February 2023
Block mode Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Intensive February 2023
Block mode Remote
Semester 2 2023
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

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Modes of attendance (MoA)

This refers to the Mode of attendance (MoA) for the unit as it appears when you’re selecting your units in Sydney Student. Find more information about modes of attendance on our website.