Surface Processes and Geodynamics

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study and reasonable steps will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. This subject requires all students to actively and safely participate in laboratory activities. Students who feel their disability may impact upon their participation are encouraged to discuss this with the subject coordinator and the Disability Liaison Unit.

Geological processes operating at or near the Earth’s surface influence the physical landscape and soils upon which we rely. This subject comprises two short course intensive modules which include topics such as coastal environmental geomorphology, environmental field techniques, and how the regolith is used in mineral exploration.

This subject aims to:

• teach students how to how to identify geologically recent features in the landscape and explain their formation;

• equip students with discipline-specific knowledge and expertise appropriate for post-graduate research in the field;

• equip students with discipline-specific knowledge and expertise enabling them to take their place as professional geologists in industry or government organisations.

Depending upon the specific modules selected, this subject will provide students with the confidence and competence to:

• explain how geological processes modify the fresh-rock:atmosphere interface in the regolith;

• hone their field mapping techniques.

This subject comprises two short-course intensive modules, each equally weighted towards the final grade. The specific assessment details will depend upon the modules selected and students are directed to the outlines for each short-course for further details. Assessment tasks will be completed within the duration of the module, or within two weeks of its conclusion. Tasks required are broadly based upon 4,000 words equivalent for the entire subject, with a one-hour examination or 15 minute oral examination or presentation equivalent to approximately 1,000 words. Thus, a short course module may require a two-hour examination, a one-hour examination and a 15 minute presentation or 1,000 word assignment, or field reports, maps and cross sections equivalent of 2,000 words. For example, in the case of one short course that may be selected for this subject, the assessment can be described as “Submission of selected practical problems totalling no more than 1,000 words and a one-hour examination on last day of course”.

Texts will vary depending upon choice of modules.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

All modules available to this subject seek to assist students in developing their ability to:

• exercise critical judgement;

• undertake rigorous and independent thinking;

• adopt a problem-solving approach to new and unfamiliar tasks.

Depending upon which modules are selected, students will have the opportunity to:

• develop high-level written report and/or oral presentation skills;

• interrogate, synthesise and interpret the published literature;

• work as part of a team.