Outline

Overview

Through the millennia, volcanoes have provided key material for hominids extending from fertile soils and obsidian spear points, to copper for wind turbines. On occasion, their explosive behaviour has also ended civilisations. In this unit of study, you will develop an understanding of the formation and dynamics of volcanoes, their role as a carbon-source during their build-up, carbon-sink through their weathering and the production of fertile soils. You will explore how volcanoes sustain biodiversity hubs from the deep ocean-floor (black and white smokers) to the green slopes of volcanoes such as Kilimanjaro. You will develop a deep understanding of key magmatic processes that underpin the formation of Earth resources critical for a transition to a clean economy and a sustainable future. You will observe, document and analyse magmatic rocks in the field (during a 2-day field trip to study an extinct volcano in New South Wales or an optional 10-day trip to New Zealand's North Island).

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Geosciences Academic Operations
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	6 credit points from (GEOS1XXX or GEOL1XXX)
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	GEOL2111 or GEOL2911 or GEOS2914
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Derek Wyman, derek.wyman@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Supervised exam ?	Final exam Combination of medium to long form answers.	40%	Formal exam period	2 hours
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Practical reports Written report	20%	Multiple weeks	Varies per report
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Field trip Field Report- Part Individual; Part Group	15%	Week 07	5 Hours
Outcomes assessed:
Tutorial quiz	Quiz Written quiz: multi-choice - fill in the blanks.	10%	Week 09	10-12 questions
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Pathways to Sustainability Literature Synthesis	15%	Week 13	4 Hours of class time
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Final exam: The exam will cover all material in the unit from both lectures and practical classes. The exam will have a mixture of multiple choice-fill in the blank and short andf long answers.If a second replacement exam is required, this exam may be delivered via an alternative assessment method, such as a viva voce (oral exam). The alternative assessment will meet the same learning outcomes as the original exam. The format of the alternative assessment will be determined by the unit coordinator.
Practicals: Complete questions relating to hand specimens, microscopic thin sections and structural problems.
Field Excursion: Complete wrtitten report on observations made in the field

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	Magmas, oceans, atmosphere, life & continents: The volcanic "Big Picture"	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 01	Rock (re-)familiarization: Hand specimen characteristics	Practical (2 hr)
Week 02	From microscopic minerals to volcanic landforms	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	Introduction to the optical microscope	Practical (2 hr)
Week 03	Making magmas in the Subduction Zone Factory	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	Mafic rocks under the microscope	Practical (2 hr)
Week 04	From Basalts to rhyolites	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	Intermediate rocks under the microscope	Practical (2 hr)
Week 05	Eruptions styles, Hazards, and Volcano Morphology	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	Felsic volcanic rocks under the microscope	Practical (2 hr)
Week 06	Trace Elements - Quantifying Volcanism and other Earth Processes	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 07	Mt Canobolas Excursion	Field trip (5 hr)
Week 07	Isotopes: answering the volcanic when, how and why	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 08	Elemental cycling in subduction	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 08	Igneous Rocks under the microscope - Review	Practical (2 hr)
Week 09	Volcanic roots: granites and the continental crust	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 10	Magmas, Hot Water and Strategic Minerals	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 10	Strategic Minerals in Nature	Practical (2 hr)
Week 11	Post-subduction magmas and metals	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 11	Strategic Minerals under the microscope	Practical (2 hr)
Week 12	Continental Rift Magmas: the economic impacts of crystal fractionation	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 13	Spaceship Earth and the Solar System	Lecture (2 hr)

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 through the Library eReserve, available on Canvas.

Textbook: Van der Pluijm, B. and Marshak, S. (2010). Earth structure. 2nd ed. New York, N.Y.: W.W. Norton & Co.

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 key petrological and structural concepts relevant to deep crustal and mantle processes
LO2. apply these concepts to analyse igneous rocks, and unravel their mineralogy, structure and geochemical evolution
LO3. identify the main types and settings of Earth’s volcanism
LO4. understand the main variables that contribute to the evolution and diversity of magmas
LO5. understand the selective processes associated with the formation of ore deposits and factors that contribute to economically and socially responsible resource extraction
LO6. Employ geochemical data to assess the origin and evolution of various magma types.
LO7. Employ isotopic data to assess the origin and evolution of various magma types.
LO8. source and analyse information, assess its reliability and significance
LO9. communicate scientific information appropriately, both orally and through written work
LO10. engage in team and group work for scientific investigations and for the process of learning
LO11. develop a sense of responsibility, ethical behaviour and independence as a learner and as a scientist

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.

Agreed the request to keep the quiz.

Additional information

Additional costs

There will be additional field trip costs.

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

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

GEOS2114: Volcanoes, Resources and Sustainability

Semester 1, 2023 [Normal day] - 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

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect