EA1003 - Introductory Earth Science

Credit points:	03
Year:	2010
Student Contribution Band:	Band 4
Administered by:	Sch of Earth & Environmental Sciences

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 how and why Earth has evolved from its origin to the present day. Plate tectonics is an underlying theme, effecting the interaction of energy and matter on, above, and below the Earth's surface. Minerals and rocks and the rock cycle are studied, together with the sedimentary, magmatic, metamorphic and tectonic processes that lead to the formation and reorganisation of Earth materials, including the mineral deposits that are vital to modern societies. The evolution of life, which played an essential role in changing the Earth, is studied through the fossil evidence. A local field trip facilitates integration within the subject, and enhances 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 speak and write logically, clearly and creatively;
• The ability to calculate, produce, interpret and communicate numerical information;
• A coherent and disciplined body of skills, knowledge, values and professional ethics in at least one discipline area.

Inadmissible Subject Combinations:

EA1001 EA1100 EA1110

Availabilities
External, Study Period 1
Census Date 25-Mar-2010
Coordinator:	Mr Peter Whitehead
Method of Delivery:	Printed materials
Assessment:	assignments (50%); practical and assignments (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.