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	Sara Moron Polanco, sara.moronpolanco@sydney.edu.au
Demonstrator(s)	Tara Djokic, tara.djokic@sydney.edu.au
Demonstrator(s)	Tiago Passos, tiago.passos@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Thomas Hubble, tom.hubble@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Participation	Lecture Attendance Attendance at class will be monitored	0%	Ongoing	12 sessions over 6 weeks
Outcomes assessed:
Small continuous assessment	Practical Exercises Active intellectual participation	0%	Ongoing	12x 3 hr sessions in 6 weeks
Outcomes assessed:
Online task	Online Self-test Quizzes Assist students to understand the unit content	0%	Ongoing	10 Lecture self-test quizzes
Outcomes assessed:
Online task	Pre-practical Class Online Quizzes A short multiple-choice quiz	0%	Ongoing	10 self-test quizzes over 6 weeks
Outcomes assessed:
Online task	Trial Exams For feedback on performance	0%	Ongoing	Variable
Outcomes assessed:
Tutorial quiz	Online Quiz 1 Week 1 lecture and practical material	5%	Week 02 Due date: 24 Jan 2023 at 17:00 Closing date: 24 Jan 2023	30 minutes - 10 MCQs
Outcomes assessed:
Tutorial quiz	Online Quiz 2 Week 2 lecture and practical material	5%	Week 03 Due date: 31 Jan 2023 at 17:00 Closing date: 31 Jan 2023	30 minutes - 10 MCQs
Outcomes assessed:
Tutorial quiz	Online Quiz 3 Week 3 lecture and practical material	5%	Week 04 Due date: 07 Feb 2023 at 17:00 Closing date: 07 Feb 2023	30 minutes - 10 MCQs
Outcomes assessed:
Tutorial quiz	Online Quiz 4 Week 4 lecture and practical material	5%	Week 05 Due date: 14 Feb 2023 at 17:00 Closing date: 14 Feb 2023	30 minutes - 10 MCQs
Outcomes assessed:
Tutorial quiz	Rock Identification Quiz Identification and description of a set of unknown geological samples	20%	Week 06 Due date: 24 Feb 2023 at 14:00	1 & 1/2 hrs
Outcomes assessed:
Monitored exam ?	Final Exam Short Answer Questions, Geological Problem, Geological Map; By-Hand	60%	Week 07 Due date: 01 Mar 2023 at 17:00	2 hours
Outcomes assessed:

Assessment summary

Assessment in this unit will be both formative and summative. ‘Formative assessment’ provides benchmarks for and feedback on performance. ‘Summative assessment’ comprises marks for performance in assignments, quizzes and examinations, which will count towards a final mark for the unit of study.

Lecture attendance: It is expected that you attend lectures and practical classes weekly. Attendance at class will be monitored.
Practical exercises: Active intellectual participation is expected during the practical classes, which run for each week of the semester. See Canvas for more details on what is expected of you.
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 do well in this task.
Online self-test quizzes: Completion of these quizzes, which will be available on Canvas, will not count towards your final mark. They are provided to assist students to understand the unit content. It is in your interest to attempt this task to provide you with feedback on your progress in understanding the practical and lecture material.
Online Quizzes 1, 2, 3, 4 (20% – 5% each): These quizzes will be based on material presented in the preceding lecture sessions and practical exercises and may include rock identification.
Online pre-practical quizzes: A short multiple-choice quiz will be completed at online before each practical class based on the practical manual readings. These quizzes must be completed the by 23:59 the day before each practical class. A random selection of between three and five worksheets submissions will be rigorously marked and used to calculate the grade for this component.
Rock identification quiz (20%): This test will focus on the identification and description of a set of unknown geological samples (rocks and minerals).
Final examination (60%): The final examination will cover the work you did in lectures and practical class. All material presented in lectures is potentially subject to examination questions. The practical component of the final exam will focus on the interpretation of geological maps.

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	Where did Earth come from?	Lecture (2 hr)
	Introduction to Minerals	Practical (3 hr)
	Plate Tectonics - The Mobilist Earth (History)	Lecture (2 hr)
	Igneous Rock Textures	Practical (3 hr)
Week 02	Igneous Processes	Lecture (2 hr)
	Naming and Classifying Igneous Rocks (Ex 3)	Practical (3 hr)
	Making Sedimentary Rocks	Lecture (2 hr)
	Sedimentary Rocks I	Practical (3 hr)
Week 03	Sedimentary Processes and Environments	Lecture (2 hr)
	Sedimentary Rocks II	Practical (3 hr)
	The Geological Map	Lecture (2 hr)
	Geological Maps I (Introduction)	Practical (3 hr)
Week 04	Life through the Ages	Lecture (2 hr)
	Geological maps II	Practical (3 hr)
	Metamorphic Processes	Lecture (2 hr)
	Metamorphic Reactions in Muddy Rocks	Practical (3 hr)
Week 05	Geological Histories and Past Environments	Lecture (2 hr)
	Naming Metamorphic Rocks	Practical (3 hr)
	Geological Structures	Lecture (2 hr)
	Geological Maps III	Practical (3 hr)
Week 06	Plate Tectonics and Natural Hazards	Lecture (2 hr)
	Rock ID Preparation	Practical (3 hr)
	Revision and Exam Preparation	Lecture (2 hr)
	Practical Class Quiz	Practical (3 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

Intensive January - February, 2023 [Block mode] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

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