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
This unit focuses on the dynamic processes influencing Earth's surface environment. Several main themes are explored starting with an overarching introduction to Earth systems. The unit subsequently explores subsystems within the context of Earth's surface environment, for example, how plate tectonics interact with climate, sea level, landmasses and the biosphere. Investigations at both global and local scales emphasise how these subsystems are linked and how humans interact with, and are influenced by, these Earth processes. An understanding of dynamic Earth processes allows an informed evaluation of environmental issues that affect society and the biosphere at all levels.
- Credit
- 6 points
- Offering
(see Timetable) Availability Location Mode Semester 1 UWA (Perth) Face to face Semester 1 Online Online timetabled Semester 1 Albany Face to face - Details for undergraduate courses
- Level 1 core unit in the Geology; Integrated Earth and Marine Sciences; Marine Science; Geochemistry; Marine Biology; Marine and Coastal Processes major sequences
- Level 1 option in the Social and Environmental Sustainability major sequence
- Level 1 elective
- Outcomes
Students are able to (1) demonstrate an understanding of the Earth System and its processes at a global scale now, in the past, and in the future; (2) appreciate that the global system has many component systems which are similarly complex, e.g. carbon cycle and the climate system; (3) demonstrate an understanding of the processes and forces that shape the surface of the Earth and result in continuous environmental changes; and (4) analyse environmental issues affecting humans, by understanding Earth systems and processes.
- Assessment
Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) quizzes; (2) earth science reports; and (3) presentation project. 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)
- Dr Naomi Tucker
- Contact hours
- lectures: 2 hours per week
workshops: 2 hours per week (for 10 weeks) - Note
- Enrolled students can access unit material via the LMS (Learning Management System).
- Texts
An interactive e-textbook is provided through LMS as part of enrolment in this unit.
Grotzinger, J. and Jordan, T. Understanding Earth, 7th edn: W. H. Freeman & Co., 2014
- 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.
- Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
- 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.
Face to face
Predominantly face-to-face. On campus attendance required to complete this unit. May have accompanying resources online.
Online flexible
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit is asynchronous delivery, with NO requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online timetabled
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit includes some synchronous components, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online Restricted
Not available for self-enrolment. Students access this mode by contacting their student office through AskUWA. 100% Online Unit.
NO campus face-to-face attendance. All study and assessment requirements are online only. Unit includes some timetabled activities, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times. In exceptional cases (noted in the Handbook) students may be required to participate in face-to-face laboratory classes when a return to UWA’s Crawley campus becomes possible in order to be awarded a final grade.
External
No attendance or regular contact is required, and all study requirements are completed either via correspondence and/or online submission.
Off-campus
Regular attendance is not required, but student attends the institution face to face on an agreed schedule for purposes of supervision and/or instruction.
Multi-mode
Multiple modes of delivery. Unit includes a mix of online and on-campus study requirements. On campus attendance for some activities is required to complete this unit.