James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2004

Offerings
View how EA1110 is offered in 2004

(Also shows pre-requisites and inadmissible combinations if applicable)

EA1110:03

Evolution of the Earth

Townsville

HECS Band 2

36 hours lectures, 24 hours practicals, 6 hours field work. Semester 1.

Staff:

Dr T Blenkinsop.

4.6 billion years ago the Earth was a newly formed mass of lifeless molten rock. Now it has moving continents, changing oceans and teeming life forms. This subject looks at the how and why Earth has evolved in physical, chemical and biological ways from its origin to the present day. Plate tectonics is one underlying theme; the interaction of processes on, above and below the Earth's surface is another. Minerals, rocks and their dynamic interaction within the rock cycle are studied and the sedimentary, magmatic, metamorphic and tectonic processes that lead to the formation and reorganisation of Earth materials. The broadscale evolution of life on Earth is an important part of the subject. Two local field trips facilitate integration within the subject and enhance the practical experience in the Earth Sciences.

Learning Objectives:

to provide students with an overview of the origin and physical, chemical and biological evolution of the Earth;

to provide students with an understanding of the interactions between the geosphere and exogenic Earth systems;

to equip students with the ability to recognise common Earth materials and appreciate the processes by which they were formed;

to provide students with the basic ingredients necessary for a detailed study of the Earth at higher levels;

to provide an appreciation of the interrelationships between Earth history and the contemporary environment.

Assessment by end-of-semester examination (40%); quizzes/tests (10%); essays (10%); practical work (40%).