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Unit outline_

GEOS3803: Environment, Sediment and Climate Change (Adv)

Semester 1, 2023 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This unit has the same objectives as GEOS3103 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 at the time of enrolment. Students who 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. Specific details for this unit of study will be announced in meetings with students in week 1 of semester.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Geosciences Academic Operations
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
A mark of 75 or above in [(GEOS2114 or GEOS2914) or (GEOS2116 or GEOS2916) or (GEOS2124 or GEOS2924)]
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
GEOS3103
Assumed knowledge
? 

(GEOS1003 or GEOS1903)

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Dan Penny, dan.penny@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Adriana Dutkiewicz, adriana.dutkiewicz@sydney.edu.au
Dietmar Muller, dietmar.muller@sydney.edu.au
Dan Penny, dan.penny@sydney.edu.au
Bree Morgan, bree.morgan@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Supervised exam
? 
Final Exam
Examination based on material delivered in each component of the course
40% Formal exam period 2 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10 LO12 LO13 LO16
Assignment Marine sediments
Laboratory assignment
5% Week 02
Due date: 05 Mar 2023 at 23:59
Module 1, Practical 1
Outcomes assessed: LO5 LO6 LO13 LO16 LO2
Assignment Sedimentation on NSW Margin
Laboratory assignment
10% Week 04
Due date: 19 Mar 2023 at 22:58
Module 1, Practical 2
Outcomes assessed: LO5 LO6 LO8 LO13 LO16
Assignment Calcite compensation depth
Laboratory assignment
5% Week 05
Due date: 26 Mar 2023 at 22:59
Module 1, Practical 3
Outcomes assessed: LO7 LO13 LO16
Assignment Analytical Methods in Sedimentology
Laboratory assessment
20% Week 08
Due date: 20 Apr 2023 at 23:59
Module 2, Practical 4
Outcomes assessed: LO9 LO10 LO11 LO12 LO13 LO14 LO15 LO16
Assignment Exploring the hidden microbial world of sediments
Laboratory assignment
14% Week 11
Due date: 11 May 2023 at 23:59
Module 3, Practical 5
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO13 LO16
Assignment Anthropogenic signatures recorded in coastal sediments, pt 1
Laboratory assignment
3% Week 12
Due date: 18 May 2023 at 23:59
Module 3, Practical 6
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO13 LO16
Assignment Anthropogenic signatures recorded in coastal sediments, pt 2
Laboratory assignment
3% Week 13
Due date: 25 May 2023 at 23:59
Module 3, Practical 7
Outcomes assessed: LO4 LO13 LO16

Assessment summary

Final exam: If a second replacement exam is required, this exam may be delivered via an alternative assessment method, such as a viva voice (oral exam), if deemed appropriate by the unit coordinator. 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. 

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

At HD level, a student demonstrates a flair for the subject and comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the unit material. A ‘High Distinction’ reflects exceptional achievement and is awarded to a student who demonstrates the ability to apply subject knowledge to novel situations.

Distinction

75 - 84

At D level, a student demonstrates an aptitude for the subject and a solid knowledge and understanding of the unit material. A ‘Distinction’ reflects excellent achievement and is awarded to a student who demonstrates an ability to apply the key ideas of the subject.

Credit

65 - 74

At CR level, a student demonstrates a good command and knowledge of the unit material. A ‘Credit’ reflects solid achievement and is awarded to a student who has a broad understanding of the unit material but has not fully developed the ability to apply the key ideas of the subject

Pass

50 - 64

At P level, a student demonstrates proficiency in the unit material. A ‘Pass’ reflects satisfactory achievement and is awarded to a student who has threshold knowledge of the subject.

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.

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.

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.

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 From shelf to sea - an introduction to marine geology Lecture (1 hr) LO5 LO13
Biogenic deep-sea sediments Lecture (1 hr) LO5 LO6 LO13
Marine sediments Practical (3 hr) LO5 LO6 LO13 LO16
Week 02 Biogenic deep-sea sediments cont. Lecture (1 hr) LO5 LO6 LO13
Ocean chemistry Lecture (1 hr) LO5 LO6 LO7 LO13
Sedimentation on NSW margin Practical (3 hr) LO5 LO6 LO13 LO16
Week 03 Non-biogenic deep-sea sediments Lecture (1 hr) LO5 LO6 LO13
Non-biogenic deep-sea sediments cont. Lecture (1 hr) LO5 LO6 LO13
Sedimentation on NSW Margin cont. Practical (3 hr) LO6 LO7 LO9 LO13 LO16
Anthropogenic signatures recorded in coastal sediments, pt 1 Practical (3 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4 LO13
Week 04 Marine carbonates focusing on cool-water carbonates Lecture (1 hr) LO7 LO13
Evaporites Lecture (1 hr) LO8 LO13
Calcite Compensation Depth Practical (3 hr) LO7 LO13 LO15
Week 05 Geological Field Investigations Lecture (1 hr) LO9 LO10 LO13
Core sampling and recovery Lecture (1 hr) LO9 LO10 LO13
Core logging and sediment description: practicum Practical (3 hr) LO11 LO12 LO13 LO14 LO15
Week 06 Magnetic properties of sediments: theory Lecture (1 hr) LO9 LO10 LO13
Magnetic properties of sediment: applications Lecture (1 hr) LO9 LO10 LO13
Magnetic and physical properties of sediment: practicum Practical (3 hr) LO11 LO12 LO13 LO14 LO15 LO16
Week 07 Biogenic sediment proxies: theory Lecture (1 hr) LO9 LO10 LO13
Biogenic sediment proxies: applications Lecture (1 hr) LO9 LO10 LO13
Biogenic sediment and environmental proxies: practicum Practical (3 hr) LO11 LO12 LO13 LO14 LO15
Week 08 Analytical methods in geochemistry: theory Lecture (1 hr) LO9 LO10 LO13
Analytical methods in geochemistry: applications Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4 LO13
Analytical methods in geochemistry: practicum Practical (3 hr) LO11 LO12 LO13 LO14 LO15 LO16
Week 09 Introduction to sediment in the coastal realm Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO13
Geochemisty and weathering Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO13
Geochemistry and weathering Practical (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO13
Week 10 The hidden microbial world of sediments Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO13
The hidden microbial world of sediments Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO13
Exploring the hidden microbial world of sediments Practical (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO13 LO16
Week 11 Biogeochemical cycles Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4 LO13
Biogeochemical cycles Lecture (1 hr) LO9 LO10 LO13
Week 12 Sediments in the Anthropocene Lecture (1 hr) LO3 LO4 LO13
Sediments in the Anthropocene Lecture (1 hr) LO3 LO4 LO13
Anthropogenic signatures recorded in coastal sediments, pt 2 Practical (3 hr) LO3 LO4 LO13 LO16
Week 13 Course summary, exam preparation Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance

Lectures will be delivered live in person, unless otherwise indicated. Please refer to Canvas for up to date details of delivery mode on a weekly basis. It is expected that students will review prelab materials, if any, prior to attending classes.

Practical attendance is compulsory unless there is a clash with other UoS, or unless special consideration has been granted.

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.

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. Comprehend how the cycling of matter, elements and energy at the Earth’s surface influences coastal systems and the composition of sediments.
  • LO2. Explain the role of life in early diagenesis and sediment formation.
  • LO3. Describe how major biogeochemical cycles can be altered by human activity and how this is recorded in sediments.
  • LO4. Recognise the impact of the Anthropocene on sediments and their associated ecosystems.
  • LO5. Understand the processes responsible for transporting sediments into and within oceanic basins.
  • LO6. Recognise different types of lithogenous, biogenic and hydrogenous marine sediments, where they form and the physical and biochemical conditions under which they form and are preserved.
  • LO7. Understand the controls on carbonate and silica production and deposition and their relationship to global carbonate and silica cycles.
  • LO8. Appreciate the climatic/tectonic significance of evaporates.
  • LO9. Identify different types of terrestrial sediment facies.
  • LO10. Describe the processes responsible for the production and preservation of lithified and unlithified sediment in terrestrial and marine environments.
  • LO11. Design, execute and evaluate laboratory-based research in environmental sedimentology;
  • LO12. Be able to constrain both accuracy and precision in laboratory-based analyses.
  • LO13. Demonstrate a sense of responsibility, ethical behaviour and independence as a learner and as a scientist.
  • LO14. Operate safely in research laboratories.
  • LO15. Identify, utilise and evaluate common techniques for describing and analysing sediment and sedimentary rocks.
  • LO16. Communicate scientific information to an advanced standard, both orally and through written work.

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.

Schedule of assessments has been altered, minor changes to content

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.