Studying online

There are now 2 possible online modes for units:

Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.

Click on an offering mode for more details.

Unit Overview

Description

How can geoscience contribute to Australia's wealth and prosperity over the next 100 years? This unit focuses on the evolution of the Australian continent during the last four billion years, ranging from crustal formation, tectonic assembly, and paleogeographic history up to recent geological times. This geological history provides fundamental information about secular changes on Earth as a planet, and a framework in which to understand the formation and distribution of Australia's important resources, e.g. mineral deposits, groundwater, petroleum, and other energy sources. The unit draws on a broad range of geological, geophysical and geochemical datasets to provide an overview of the Australian continent in its Indo-Pacific context and its remarkable record of critical events in Earth's history ranging from early life to present day. Unit material will also focus on current research topics. Scientific literacy skill development is a key component of this unit including critical reading of scientific articles, effective scientific writing and oral presentation.

Credit
6 points
Offering
(see Timetable)
AvailabilityLocationMode
Non-standard teaching periodUWA (Perth)Face to face
Non-standard teaching periodOnlineOnline timetabled
Details for undergraduate courses
  • Honours core unit in Earth Science [Bachelor of Science (Honours)]
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) examine geological, geophysical and geochemical evidence for continental evolution, including links to tectonic history and climate changes, and demonstrate how different datasets are interpreted and integrated; (2) research and synthesise data and interpretations drawn from geoscientific literature; (3) demonstrate skills in critical reading and effective scientific writing; and (4) search and evaluate relevant scientific information and formally present scientific research to an audience.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) reading and writing exercises; (2) project work; and (3) oral presentation. Further information is available in the unit outline.



Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Professor Annette George
Unit rules
Prerequisites
Enrolment in
72550 Master of Geoscience
or 73540 Master of Petroleum Geoscience
or 72540 Master of Hydrogeology
or BH004 Bachelor of Science (Honours)
or HON-GEOGY Geology
Advisable prior study
a Geology major or equivalent
Contact hours
workshops: 3 x 3 hours per week for 6 weeks. The total workload for the unit is 150 hours.
  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Unit readings, including any essential textbooks, are listed in the unit outline for each unit, one week prior the commencement of study. The unit outline will be available via the LMS and the UWA Handbook one week prior the commencement of study. Reading lists and essential textbooks are subject to change each semester. Information on essential textbooks will also be made available on the Essential Textbooks. This website is updated regularly in the lead up to semester so content may change. It is recommended that students purchase essential textbooks for convenience due to the frequency with which they will be required during the unit. A limited number of textbooks will be made available from the Library in print and will also be made available online wherever possible. Essential textbooks can be purchased from the commercial vendors to secure the best deal. The Student Guild can provide assistance on where to purchase books if required. Books can be purchased second hand at the Guild Secondhand bookshop (second floor, Guild Village), which is located on campus.
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.