EA2010 - Introductory Geology

Credit points:	03
Year:	2015
Student Contribution Band:	Band 2
Administered by:	College of Science, Technology & Engineering

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.

Inadmissible Subject Combinations:

EA1001 EA1003 EA1100 EA1110 EA1002

Availabilities
Townsville, Internal, Study Period 2
Census Date 27-Aug-2015
Coord/Lect:	Dr Jan Huizenga.
Contact hours:	36 hours lectures 26 hours practicals 8 hours fieldwork
Assessment:	end of semester exam (40%); tests (20%); practical work (30%); field exercises (10%).

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.