Outline

Overview

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

Academic unit	Geosciences Academic Operations
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	GEOS1903 or GEOL1002 or GEOL1902 or GEOL1501
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Vasileios Chatzaras, vasileios.chatzaras@sydney.edu.au
Demonstrator(s)	Tara Djokic, tara.djokic@sydney.edu.au
	Kelsie Dadd, kelsie.dadd@sydney.edu.au
	Tiago Passos, tiago.passos@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Sara Moron Polanco, sara.moronpolanco@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Thomas Hubble, tom.hubble@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Final exam (Take-home short release)	Final Exam Short Essays - Complete Questions and Map Problems	35%	Formal exam period	3 hours
Outcomes assessed:
Small test	On-line Quiz One Short On-line Multiple Choice Quiz (Lectures and Practical Material)	5%	Week 03	30 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Small test	On-Line Quiz Two Short On-line Multiple Choice Quiz (Lectures and Practical Material)	5%	Week 06	30 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Small test	On-line Quiz Three Short On-line Multiple Choice Quiz (Lectures and Practical Material)	5%	Week 09	30 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Skills-based evaluation	Field trip Sydney Basin Geology (in-person) Self-.directed excursion (remote)	10%	Week 10	One Day
Outcomes assessed:
Small test	On-line Quiz Four Short On-line Multiple Choice Quiz (Lectures and Practical Material)	5%	Week 12	30 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Tutorial quiz	Rock Identification Quiz See assessment summary.	20%	Week 13	1.5 hour
Outcomes assessed:
Participation	Lecture attendance See assessment summary.	0%	Weekly	1.5 hour per lectorial
Outcomes assessed:
Tutorial quiz	Pre-practical quizzes See assessment summary.	5%	Weekly	Unlimited - Successful at 100% score
Outcomes assessed:
Participation	Practical participation & attendance See assessment summary.	0%	Weekly	2.5 hours
Outcomes assessed:
Small continuous assessment	Practical exercises Completion and submission of weekly worksheets during practical class.	10%	Weekly	Variable
Outcomes assessed:
Tutorial quiz	On-line self-test quizzes Online Canvas quiz	0%	Weekly	See Canvas
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = Type D final exam ?

Assessment summary

Pre-practical quizzes – 5% (Weekly): Completion of online multiple-choice questions is required before attending practical classes. Each quiz will be based on that week’s practical exercise in the Practical Manual. Unlimited attempts are availble for each quiz. Each of the quizzes will contribute 0.5% of your final mark (10 x 0.5% = 5% of the total marks for the unit). Each quiz will be considered succesfully completed when a score of 100% is reached. Any score less than 100% is worth of 0%.
Practical attendance and participation: Practical attendance and participation is based on the completion of the weekly worksheets. Worksheets should be completed during class and checked by your tutors. Feedback will be provided as to the class as appropriate.
On-Line Multiple Choice Quizzes – 20% (Weeks 3, 6, 9, 12): The four compulsory on-line quizzes will be presented via Canvas and will test your understanding of the material presented in lectures and practical classes. They will usually consist of ten multiple-choice or short answer questions and test your knowledge of material presented in the preceding weeks’ lectures and practical classes. Each of the four quizzes will contribute 5% of your final mark (4 x 5% = 20% of the total marks for the unit). Note that they may include questions that test your rock identification skills and/or your geological map skills.
Field trip – (10%): An in-person amd a self-directed (for the remote mode) field exercise requiring you to make geological observations and interpretations foccussed on the geology of Sydney Basin. This item will contribute 10% to your final mark. (More details in Canvas closer to the fieldtrip).
Rock id quiz (20%): During the practical classes of week 13 of semester (the last week of the semester), all students are required to sit a Rock ID quiz. This test will focus on the identification and description of a set of unknown geological samples (rocks / minerals). This item will contribute 20% towards your final mark.
Final examination (35%): This year the exam will be presented as an ‘open-book’, three-hour take-home paper that will be submitted via ‘Turnitin’. The exam will be comprised of two sections which will include: A) three long-form ‘essay or extended response’ questions; and B) a section focussed on geological maps and geological cross-section interpretation. The final examination will integrate lecture material and concepts together with the knowledge and understanding you acquire in practical classes. All material presented in both lectures and practical classes is potentially examinable in the final exam. The final exam contributes 35% of your final mark for this unit of study.
Lecture attendance: It is expected that you attend lectures weekly. See “Study Commitment” for more details on what is expected of you.
Practical exercises – 10% (Weekly): Completion of practical exercises. The worksheets will need to be submitted online by the end of each practical session. Active intellectual participation is expected during the practical classes, which run for each week of the semester. Each of the practicals will contribute 1% of your final mark (10 x 1% =10% of the total marks for the unit).
Trial exams: These exams will not count towards your final mark but will to assist students in passing the course. It is in your
interest to attempt this task.
Self-test quizzes: Completion of these quizzes, which will be available on the Canvas Site, will not count towards your final mark. They are provided to assist students to understand the course content. It is in your interest to attempt this task as it will provide you with feedback on your progress in understanding the practical and lecture material.

More information for each of these assessment tasks can be found on the Unit’s Canvas Site.

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	Work awarded a distinction grade will usually achieve the following minimum standards or present the described characteristics Accurately answers the question in an impressive, compelling, or highly persuasive manner Presents relevant material accurately in a thoroughly convincing or forceful manner or with the facts well‐integrated into an extended and comprehensive explanation or argument Accurate quotation and/or source identification when appropriate. Evidence of exhaustive independent research Evidence of extensive critical analysis of concept, and/or innovative perspective on the topic, and/or deep understanding of problem Answers demonstrate striking originality, an innovative approach, or impressive analytical skill Answers are exceptionally well written, with excellent structure expression Is otherwise exceptional in some way
Distinction	75 - 84	Work awarded a distinction grade will usually achieve the following minimum standards or present the described characteristics Accurately answers the question in a convincing, confident manner Presents relevant material accurately in a concise manner or with the facts well‐integrated into a comprehensive explanation or argument Accurate quotation and/or source identification when appropriate. Evidence of extensive independent research Evidence of extensive critical analysis of concept, and/or innovative perspective on the topic, and/or deep understanding of problem Answers are well written, with clear structure and cogent expression
Credit	65 - 74	Work awarded a credit grade will usually achieve the following minimum standards or present the described characteristics An appropriate, accurate and reasonable detailed answer or response is provided Appropriate key point or points (facts) and/or concepts clearly presented without significant errors or misconceptions Presents relevant material concisely with facts clearly integrated into the explanation Accurate quotation and/or source identification when appropriate. Evidence of some independent research or critical analysis of concept or problem Answers are easily understood with both clear expression and structure if appropriate
Pass	50 - 64	Work awarded a passing grade will usually achieve the following minimum standards or present the described characteristics An appropriate but superficial answer or response is provided Presents relevant material in a superficial manner or in a simplistic descriptive style Correctly identifies key point or points (facts) but does not develop an appropriate explanation or argument if this is required Contains some minor errors or presents minor inaccuracies and misconceptions Little or no evidence of in‐depth analysis or deep understanding of the concept Answers can be understood but may be poorly worded or somewhat flawed due to poor grammar, expression or structure
Fail	0 - 49	Work may fail for any or all of the following criteria No answer or response is provided Does not address or otherwise answer the question Contains numerous minor errors or presents a significant misconception Presents irrelevant material No evidence of research or analysis Presents a significantly inaccurate or flawed argument The answer is incomprehensible or difficult to understand due to significant problems with grammar, expression or structure

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.

Learning support

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.

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Our Earth - Its Age and Origins Pre-Recorded Lectures	Independent study (1.5 hr)
	Our Earth - Its Age and Origins	Lecture and tutorial (1.5 hr)
	Common igneous minerals	Practical (2.5 hr)
Week 02	Plate tectonics - The mobilist Earth (History) Pre-Recorded Lectures	Independent study (1.5 hr)
	Plate tectonics - The mobilist Earth (History)	Lecture and tutorial (1.5 hr)
	Igneous rock textures	Practical (2.5 hr)
Week 03	Igneous Rocks and Processes Pre-Recorded Lectures	Independent study (1.5 hr)
	Igneous Rocks and Processes	Lecture and tutorial (1.5 hr)
	Classifying igneous rocks	Practical (2.5 hr)
Week 04	Sedimentary Rocks and Processes Pre-Recorded Lectures	Independent study (1.5 hr)
	Sedimentary Rocks and Processes	Lecture and tutorial (1.5 hr)
	Sedimentary rocks 1	Practical (2.5 hr)
Week 05	Life through the Ages Pre-Recorded Lectures	Independent study (1.5 hr)
	Life through the Ages	Lecture and tutorial (1.5 hr)
	Sedimentary rocks 2	Practical (2.5 hr)
Week 06	The Geological Map Pre-Recorded Lectures	Independent study (1.5 hr)
	The Geological Map	Lecture and tutorial (1.5 hr)
	Introduction to Geological Maps	Practical (2.5 hr)
Week 07	Geological Structures Pre-Recorded Lectures	Independent study (1.5 hr)
	Geological Structures	Lecture and tutorial (1.5 hr)
	Geological Maps 2	Practical (2.5 hr)
Week 08	Metamorphic Rocks and Processes Pre-Recorded Lectures	Independent study (1.5 hr)
	Metamorphic Rocks and Processes	Lecture and tutorial (1.5 hr)
	Metamorphic Rock Textures and Reactions	Practical (2.5 hr)
Week 09	Plate Tectonics and Natural Hazards Pre-Recorded Lectures	Independent study (1.5 hr)
	Plate Tectonics and Natural Hazards	Lecture and tutorial (1.5 hr)
	Naming Metamorphic Rocks and Simulated Field Mapping Exercise	Practical (2.5 hr)
Week 10	Geology of Sydney Basin (in-person) and Self-Directed Field Experience (remote)	Field trip (8 hr)
Week 11	Geological Histories and Past Environments Pre-Recorded Lectures	Independent study (1.5 hr)
	Geological Histories and Past Environments	Lecture and tutorial (1.5 hr)
	Online Integrative Fossils and Tectonics Exercise	Practical (2.5 hr)
Week 12	Geology of Australia and the Sydney Area Pre-Recorded Lectures	Independent study (1.5 hr)
	Geology of Australia and the Sydney Area	Lecture and tutorial (1.5 hr)
	Rock Identification Quiz Preparation	Practical (2.5 hr)
Week 13	Review, Revision and Exam Preparation	Lecture and tutorial (1.5 hr)
Week 13	Practical Test - Rock Identification Quiz	Practical (1.5 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Lectures

It is expected that students study the pre-recorded lecture material on their own time and attend the live lectorial oferred in-person and online. Core material in each lecture will be recorded and made available through eLearning. However, a portion of each lecture will involve interactions and/or group work, which may not ‘translate’ that well into the recorded state.

Practical Classes

Practical classes complement the lectures, and are compulsory. During most weeks of the semester there is a weekly, two and a half-hour practical class. If you cannot attend a class for any reason you should contact your tutor/demonstrator and, if appropriate, submit a Special Consideration form available from the Student Centre.

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.

Required readings

All readings for this unit can be accessed on the Library eReserve link available on Canvas.

Recommended text: Christiansen, E. H., & Hamblin, W. K. (2015). Dynamic earth: An introduction to physical geology. Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Recommended text: Marshak, S. (2022). Earth: Portrait of a Planet. WW Norton.
Reading Materials on the unit of study’s Canvas Site

Learning outcomes

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.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

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.

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
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

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

In accordance to student feedback we made the following changes: 1) Marks are allocated to the pre-practical quizzes and the practical exercises. The pre-practical quizzes contribute a total of 5 marks and the practical exercises contribute a total of 10 marks to the final mark. Previously, these learning activities did not contribute to the final mark. 2) Padlet will be used this year for the first time as a mean of anonymous question posting for each topic. Padlet will used in addition to the Canvas Discussion board. 3) The UoS Canvas site was restructured and updated. 4) Reduction of the unit content.

Additional information

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.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

GEOS1003: Earth Science: Past and Future of our Planet

Semester 2, 2022 [Normal day] - Remote

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect