Course overview
This course aims to provide students with a holistic overview of the current state of knowledge about fundamental Earth, Climate and Life Systems; from the birth of the solar system to the transformation of environments through time. We will explore the effects on Earth’s surface of major geological processes such as tectonics, erosion and sedimentation. Global dynamics of Earth’s atmosphere, hydrosphere and cryosphere will be considered, with a focus on the key systems that impact Earth’s climate. The impact of life on the earth systems will be investigated, ranging from the origin of life and early oxygenation of the atmosphere, through to the impacts of humans on the Earth and atmosphere at the Australian and global scales. Students will have the opportunity to learn, hands-on: from an outstanding collection of rock, mineral, meteorite and fossil samples; by developing observational skills during off-campus field excursions to see some of these environments and geological windows into the past; and through the analysis and interpretation of scientific case study data.
- Earth Systems
- Life Systems
Course learning outcomes
- Earth Systems: Be able to explain the formation of Earth, identify key rocks and minerals, and describe the processes shaping the surface of Earth over geologic timescales
- Climate Systems: Be able to outline the key components of the atmosphere, hydrosphere and cryosphere; explain the hydrologic cycle, carbon cycle and oxygen cycle, and discuss Earth's energy balance and its role in regulating climate
- Life Systems: Be able to summarise leading hypotheses regarding the origins of life on Earth, explain mass extinctions and their causes, and describe the impact of human activities on Earth and climate systems
- Environmental Change: Demonstrate an understanding of the geologic evidence for past climates, environments and biodiversity, and the scientific evidence for anthropogenic climate change
- Scientific Knowledge: articulate an understanding of the importance of peer-reviewed publication of research in advancing scientific knowledge, and appreciate the long-standing scientific knowledge of First Nations peoples about Earth, Climate and Life systems
- Data collection and interpretation: development of observational and analytical skills to collect, record and interpret geoscientific data in from the laboratory and the field
- Scientific Communication: have practiced effective communication that demonstrates critical thinking and clear articulation of scientific information
Availability
Class details
Adelaide City Campus East
Class number 24932
Section LE01
Size 232
Available 232
Class number 27467
Section PR01
Size 80
Available 80
Class number 27469
Section PR02
Size 80
Available 80
Class number 27468
Section PR03
Size 80
Available 80
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The Student Contribution amount displayed below is for students commencing a new program from 2021 onwards. If you are continuing in a program you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, or are commencing an Honours degree relating to an undergraduate degree you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, you may be charged a different Student Contribution amount from the amount displayed below. Please check the Student Contribution bands for continuing students here. If you are an international student, or a domestic student studying in a full fee paying place, and are continuing study that you commenced in 2025 or earlier, your fees will be available here before enrolments open for 2026.