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Unit outline_

GEOS2924: Earth's History and the Biosphere (Adv)

Semester 2, 2024 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This unit has the same objectives as GEOS2124 and is suitable for students who wish to pursue aspects of the subject in greater depth. Entry is restricted and selection is made from the applicants on the basis of their performance to date. Students that elect to take this unit will participate in alternatives to some aspects of the standard unit and will be required to pursue independent work to meet unit objectives. This unit may be taken as part of the BSc (Advanced).

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Geosciences Academic Operations
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
A mark of 75 or above in [(GEOS1003 or GEOS1903) or (GEOS2114 or GEOS2914)]
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
GEOL2123 or GEOL2124 or GEOS2124
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Adriana Dutkiewicz, adriana.dutkiewicz@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Patrice Rey, patrice.rey@sydney.edu.au
Adriana Dutkiewicz, adriana.dutkiewicz@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 2 September 2024
Type Description Weight Due Length
Small continuous assessment Practical assignment #1 (Weeks 1-2, Module 1)
Assignment
8% Week 03
Due date: 16 Aug 2024 at 23:59
4 hrs in class + about 2 hrs of homework
Outcomes assessed: LO5 LO6 LO8 LO2
Small test Summative Exam Module 1
Summative Exam - Module 1
14% Week 04
Due date: 21 Aug 2024 at 14:00
50 mins
Outcomes assessed: LO6 LO1 LO2
Small continuous assessment Practical assignment #2 (Week 3-4, Module 1)
Assignment
8% Week 05
Due date: 30 Aug 2024 at 23:59
4 hrs in class + about 2 hrs of homework
Outcomes assessed: LO5 LO6 LO8 LO1
Small continuous assessment Practical assignment #3 (Weeks 5-6, Module 2)
Assignment
8% Week 07
Due date: 13 Sep 2024 at 23:59
4 hrs in class + about 2 hrs of homework
Outcomes assessed: LO5 LO6 LO8 LO3 LO7
Small test Summative Exam
Summative Exam - Module 2
14% Week 08
Due date: 18 Sep 2024 at 11:00
50 mins
Outcomes assessed: LO3 LO5 LO6 LO8
Small continuous assessment Practical assignment #4 (Weeks 7-8, Module 2)
Assignment
8% Week 09
Due date: 27 Sep 2024 at 23:59
4 hrs in class + about 2 hrs of homework
Outcomes assessed: LO3 LO7 LO5 LO6 LO8
Skills-based evaluation Field excursion
Fieldwork skills assessment
18% Week 11
Due date: 18 Oct 2024 at 23:59
Five days
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8
Small continuous assessment hurdle task Practical assignment # 5 (Weeks 10-11, Module 3)
Assignment
8% Week 12
Due date: 25 Oct 2024 at 23:59
6 hours (4h in class + ca. 2h homework)
Outcomes assessed: LO5 LO7 LO4 LO8 LO6
Small test Summative Exam
Summative Exam - Module 3
14% Week 13
Due date: 30 Oct 2024 at 14:00
50 mins
Outcomes assessed: LO6 LO4 LO1 LO8
hurdle task = hurdle task ?

Assessment summary

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas

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

 

Distinction

75 - 84

 

Credit

65 - 74

 

Pass

50 - 64

 

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.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

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.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy 2023. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Mid-semester break Introduction to Geological Mapping (Mid-semester break) Field trip (40 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8
Week 01 Introduction to fossils Lecture (1 hr) LO2
Evolution of complex life Lecture (1 hr) LO2
Fossils - Taphonomy and Taxonomy Science laboratory (2 hr) LO2 LO5 LO6 LO8
Week 02 Ancient reef world Lecture (1 hr) LO2
Shelly fossils Lecture (1 hr) LO2
Fossils - Yass fossils Science laboratory (2 hr) LO2 LO5 LO6 LO8
Week 03 Stratigraphy Lecture (1 hr) LO1
Lithostratigraphy Science laboratory (1 hr) LO1
Relative and absolute dating of rocks Science laboratory (2 hr) LO1 LO5 LO6 LO8
Week 04 Geochronology Lecture (1 hr) LO1
Magnetostratigraphy Lecture (1 hr) LO1
Small exam + Relative and absolute dating of rocks cont. Science laboratory (2 hr) LO1 LO5 LO6 LO8
Week 05 Fractures and faults (part 1) Lecture (1 hr) LO3
Fractures and faults (part 2) Lecture (1 hr) LO3
Stereonet for 3D geometrical analysis Science laboratory (2 hr) LO3 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8
Week 06 Forces, tractions and stresses (part 1) Lecture (1 hr) LO3
Forces, tractions and stresses (part 2) Lecture (1 hr) LO3
Paleostress analysis Science laboratory (2 hr) LO3 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8
Week 07 Folds and fold systems (part 1) Lecture (1 hr) LO3
Folds and systems (part 2) Lecture (1 hr) LO3
3D decoding of geological maps Science laboratory (2 hr) LO3 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8
Week 08 Introduction to geological mapping Lecture (1 hr) LO3
Small exam Lecture (1 hr) LO3 LO6
3D decoding of geological maps cont. Science laboratory (2 hr) LO3 LO5 LO6 LO8
Week 11 Emergence of life and the rise of oxygen (part 1) Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO4
Emergence of life and the rise of oxygen (part 2) Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO4
Paper discussion Science laboratory (2 hr) LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8
Week 12 Tectonics, geodynamics and life resilience (part 1) Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO4
Tectonics, geodynamics and life resilience (part 2) Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO4
Paper discussion Science laboratory (2 hr) LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8
Week 13 Random disruptors and mass extinctions Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO4
Human influence Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO4
Small exam Science laboratory (2 hr) LO1 LO4 LO6

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance to lectures and practicals is compulsory unless there is a clash with other UoS, or unless special consideration has been granted. Students must come to the lecture and practical prepared by reading the lecture notes and completing any pre-lecture/pre-practical activities.

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. Understand and apply concepts of stratigraphy and geochronology to geological sequences.
  • LO2. Recognise major fossil groups, their evolution and significance for understanding the rise and decline of past life-forms, ecosystems and environments.
  • LO3. Understand mountain building processes and document geological environments through 3D mapping techniques integrating paleontological, stratigraphy and structural data, to understand past geological events and their environmental consequences.
  • LO4. Recognize and explain how the Earth is in a constant state of change through the action of coupled environmental, biological and geological processes.
  • LO5. In the field or in the lab, source and analyse information, assess its reliability and significance, become adept at extracting patterns from noisy dataset.
  • LO6. Communicate scientific information appropriately, both orally and through written work.
  • LO7. Engage in teamwork for scientific investigations and for the process of learning.
  • LO8. 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
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

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

Course has undergone a major curriculum review.

Additional costs

Information on the fieldtrip, including costs and logistical details will be available on the Canvas site in the first two weeks of semester.

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

COVID-19

The University is following advice from the government and related public health authorities. For the latest advice, please see https://www.sydney.edu.au/covid-19/health-safety/keeping-our-campus-covid-safe.html

In some classes, especially those involving the use of shared equipment, please follow additional advice from your lecturers.

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.