James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2003

EA1200:03

Earth History and Resources

Townsville HECS Band 2

36 hours lectures, 36 hours practicals, 16 hours field work. Semester 2.

Staff: Professor R Henderson, Dr T Blenkinsop.

An introduction to the record of historical development of the Earth contained in its rock and fossil assemblages, including an introduction to the history of life, past environments and evolution of the lithosphere with special reference to continental Australia. An introduction to Earth resources in the context of their origins, occurrence and usage.

Learning Objectives:

  1. to provide students with an appreciation of geological time and the manner by which it is calibrated;
  2. to provide students with an appreciation of the history of the biosphere and the processes which have shaped its development;
  3. to equip students with a preliminary understanding of resources of the solid Earth and their context of formation;
  4. to introduce students to the methodologies and products of historical analysis of the Earth’s crust;
  5. to introduce students to the techniques of geological mapping and field work.

Assessment by a three-hour examination (60%); practical and field work (40%).