EA1110 - Evolution of the Earth

Credit points:	03
Year:	2006
Student Contribution Band:	Band 2
Administered by:

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 Earths 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 Outcomes

• to equip students with the ability to recognise common Earth materials and appreciate the processes by which they were formed;
• to provide an appreciation of the interrelationships between Earth history and the contemporary environment;
• 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 provide students with the basic ingredients necessary for a detailed study of the Earth at higher levels.

Graduate Qualities

• The ability to think critically, to analyse and evaluate claims, evidence and arguments;
• The ability to adapt knowledge to new situations;
• The ability to define and to solve problems in at least one discipline area;
• The ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences;
• The ability to lead, manage and contribute effectively to teams;
• The ability to speak and write logically, clearly and creatively;
• The ability to access and employ online technologies effectively;
• A coherent and disciplined body of skills, knowledge, values and professional ethics in at least one discipline area;
• The ability to use a variety of media and methods to retrieve, analyse, evaluate, organise and present information.

Inadmissible Subject Combinations:

EA1100 and EA1001

Availabilities
, , Study Period 1
Census Date 24-Mar-2006
Coordinator:	Professor Tom Blenkinsop
Lecturers:	Professor Nick Oliver, Professor Tom Blenkinsop, sci-lhc.
Contact hours:	36 hours 24 hours 6 hours
Assessment:	(40%); (10%); (50%).
, , Study Period 2
Census Date 08-Sep-2006
Coordinator:	Mr Peter Whitehead
Lecturers:	Mr Peter Whitehead, Assoc. Professor Paul Nelson.
Contact hours:	36 hours 24 hours 6 hours
Assessment:	(40%); (10%); (50%).

Note: Minor variations might occur due to the continuous Subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.