EA2110 - Introduction to Sedimentology

Credit points:	03
Year:	2009
Student Contribution Band:	Band 4
Administered by:	Discipline of Earth Sciences

This subject addresses the formation of sediments and sedimentary rocks and the processes involved in sedimentary transport, deposition and post- depositional changes. The subject takes a process and product approach and examines a wide variety of terrestrial and marine sedimentary environments, both modern and ancient. Students will be exposed to representative sediments and rocks from these depositional environments as well as a wide range of field and laboratory techniques for their analysis and interpretation. This subject provides and important foundation in Earth surface processes and the sedimentary rock record for all earth science and non-earth science students.

Learning Outcomes

• acquire a basic knowledge and understanding of the origin of sediments, their characteristics and their cycling through geological systems;
• create a process-oriented conceptual framework for interpretation of geologic features related to sedimentary geology;
• learn the mechanisms of sediment erosion, transport, deposition and alteration in a broad variety of geological environments;
• an extensive hands-on application of standard field and laboratory techniques used in the science of sedimentology and stratigraphy.

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 calculate, produce, interpret and communicate numerical information;
• The ability to select and use appropriate IT tools;
• The ability to access and employ online technologies effectively;
• The ability to use and interpret different media;
• A coherent and disciplined body of skills, knowledge, values and professional ethics in at least one discipline area;
• A commitment to lifelong learning and intellectual development.

Prerequisites:	EA1110 or EA1002
Inadmissible Subject Combinations:	EA2100

Availabilities
Townsville, Internal, Study Period 2
Census Date 28-Aug-2009
Coordinator:	Dr Haidi Beard
Lecturers:	Dr Rob Beaman, Mr Thomas Bridge.
Contact hours:	26 hours lectures 15 hours practicals 16 hours fieldwork
Assessment:	end of semester exam (50%); practicals & field reports (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.