Outline

Overview

This unit has the same objectives as GEOS1003 and is suitable for students who wish to pursue aspects of the subject in greater depth. Entry is restricted and selection is made from the applicants on the basis of their ATAR or UAI and/or their university performance at the time of enrolment. Students that elect to take this unit will participate in alternatives to some aspects of the standard unit and will be required to pursue independent work to meet unit objectives. This unit may be taken as part of the BSc (Advanced).

Unit details and rules

Unit code	GEOS1903
Academic unit	Geosciences Academic Operations
Credit points	6
Prohibitions ?	GEOS1003 or GEOL1002 or GEOL1902
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	(ATAR 90 or above) or equivalent
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Thomas Hubble, tom.hubble@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Final exam (Take-home extended release)	Final Exam Short Essays - Complete Three of Ten Questions Two Compulsory Map Problems	50%	Formal exam period	48 hours
Outcomes assessed:
Small test	On-line Quiz One Short On-line Multiple Choice Quiz (Lectures and Practical Material)	5%	Week 04 Due date: 04 Sep 2020 at 18:00	30 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Small test	On-Line Quiz Two Short On-line Multiple Choice Quiz (Lectures and Practical Material)	5%	Week 07 Due date: 25 Sep 2020 at 18:00	30 Minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Small test	On-line Quiz Three Short On-line Multiple Choice Quiz (Lectures and Practical Material)	5%	Week 09 Due date: 16 Oct 2020 at 18:00	30 Minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Skills-based evaluation	Field trip report A half-day excursion to Cockatoo Island	10%	Week 10	One day
Outcomes assessed:
Small test	On-line Quiz Four Short On-line Multiple Choice Quiz (Lectures and Practical Material)	5%	Week 12 Due date: 06 Nov 2020 at 18:00	30 Minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Tutorial quiz	Rock Identification quiz n/a	20%	Week 13 Due date: 12 Nov 2021 at 14:12	1 hour
Outcomes assessed:
Participation	Practical participation and attendance See assessment summary	0%	Weekly	3 hours
Outcomes assessed:
Tutorial quiz	Pre-practical quizzes See assessment summary	0%	Weekly	15 Minutes
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = Type E final exam ?

Assessment summary

Pre-practical quizzes: Completion of online multiple-choice questions is required before attending practical classes. Each quiz will be based on that week’s practical exercise in the Practical Manual.
Practical attendance and participation: Practical attendance and participation is based on the completion of the weekly worksheets. Worksheets should be completed during class and checked by your tutors. Feedback will be provided as to the class as appropriate.
On-Line Multiple Choice Quizzes – 20% (Weeks 4, 7, 9 and 12): The four compulsory on-line quizzes will be presented via Canvas and will test your understanding of the material presented in lectures and practical classes. They will usually consist of ten multiple-choice or short answer questions and test your knowledge of material presented in the preceding weeks’ lectures and practical classes. Each of the four quizzes will contribute 5% of your final mark (4x5% = 20% of the total marks for the unit). Note that they may include questions that test your rock identification skills and/or your geological map skills.
Field trip (10%): A field exercise requiring you to make geological observations and interpretations focused on examining the Luna Park Fault and the characteristics of the Hawkesbury Sandstone will replace our usual field work exercise this year (due to Covid-19). This item will contribute 10% to your final mark. (More details in Canvas)
Rock ID quiz (20%): During the practical classes of week 13 of semester (the last week of the semester), all students are required to sit a Rock ID quiz. This test will focus on the identification and description of a set of unknown geological samples (rocks / minerals). This item will contribute 20% towards your final mark.
Final examination (50%): This year the exam will be presented as an ‘open-book’, two-day, take-home paper that will be submitted via ‘Turnitin’. The exam will be comprised of three sections which will include: A) two long-form ‘essay or extended response’ questions with internal choice (e.g.. answer one of three options); B) one compulsory ‘essay or extended response’ long-form question which the entire class will attempt; and C) a third section focussed on geological maps and geological cross-section interpretation. The final examination will integrate lecture material and concepts together with the knowledge and understanding you acquire in practical classes. All material presented in both lectures and practical classes is potentially examinable in the final exam. The final exam contributes 50% of your final mark for this unit of study.
Lecture attendance: It is expected that you attend lectures weekly. See “Study Commitment” for more details on what is expected of you.
Practical exercises: Active intellectual participation is expected during the practical classes, which run for each week of the semester.
Trial exams: These exams will not count towards your final mark but will to assist students in passing the course. It is in your interest to attempt this task.
Self-test quizzes: Completion of these quizzes, which will be available on the Canvas Site, will not count towards your final mark. They are provided to assist students to understand the course content. It is in your interest to attempt this task as it will provide you with feedback on your progress in understanding the practical and lecture material.

More information on the Unit’s Canvas Site

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	Work awarded a high distinction grade will accurately answer the question in an impressive, compelling, or highly persuasive manner or is otherwise exceptional in some other way.
Distinction	75 - 84	Work awarded a distinction grade will accurately answer the question in a convincing, confident manner or the answers are well written, with clear structure and cogent expression.
Credit	65 - 74	Work awarded a credit grade will answer appropriately and will be reasonably detailed. The answers are easily understood with both clear expression and structure if appropriate.
Pass	50 - 64	Work awarded a passing grade will have appropriate but superficial answer. The answers can be understood but may be poorly worded or somewhat flawed due to poor grammar, expression or structure.
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Our Earth - Its Age and Origins Videocast Lectures	Independent study (1.5 hr)
	Our Earth - Its Age and Origins	Lecture and tutorial (1.5 hr)
	Common igneous minerals (Ex 1)	Practical (2 hr)
Week 02	Plate tectonics - The mobilist Earth (History) Videocast Lectures	Independent study (1.5 hr)
	Plate tectonics - The mobilist Earth (History)	Lecture and tutorial (1.5 hr)
	Igneous rock textures (Ex 2)	Practical (2 hr)
Week 03	Igneous Rocks and Processes Videocast Lectures	Independent study (1.5 hr)
	Igneous Rocks and Processes	Lecture and tutorial (1.5 hr)
	Classifying igneous rocks (Ex 3)	Practical (2 hr)
Week 04	Sedimentary Rocks and Processes Videocast Lectures	Independent study (1.5 hr)
	Sedimentary Rocks and Processes	Lecture and tutorial (1.5 hr)
	Sedimentary rocks 1	Practical (2 hr)
Week 05	Life through the Ages Videocast Lectures	Independent study (1.5 hr)
	Life through the Ages	Lecture and tutorial (1.5 hr)
	Sedimentary rocks 2	Practical (2 hr)
Week 06	The Geological Map Videocast Lectures	Independent study (1.5 hr)
	The geological map	Lecture and tutorial (1.5 hr)
	Introduction to geological maps	Practical (2 hr)
Week 07	Geological Structures Videocast Lectures	Lecture and tutorial (1.5 hr)
	Geological Structures	Lecture and tutorial (1.5 hr)
	Geological maps 2	Practical (2 hr)
Week 08	Metamorphic Rocks and Processes Videocast Lectures	Independent study (1.5 hr)
	Metamorphic Rocks and Processes	Lecture and tutorial (1.5 hr)
	Metamorphic Rock Textures and Reactions	Practical (2 hr)
Week 09	Plate Tectonics and Natural Hazards Videocast Lectures	Independent study (1.5 hr)
	Plate Tectonics and Natural Hazards	Lecture and tutorial (1.5 hr)
	Naming Metamorphic Rocks and Simulated Field Mapping Exercise	Practical (2 hr)
Week 10	Self-Directed Field Experience (Luna Park Fault and Cockatoo Island)	Field trip (4 hr)
Week 11	Geological Histories and Past Environments Videocast Lectures	Independent study (1.5 hr)
	Geological Histories and Past Environments	Lecture and tutorial (1.5 hr)
	Online Integrative Fossils and Tectonics Exercise	Practical (2 hr)
Week 12	Geology of Australia and the Sydney Area Videocast Lectures	Independent study (1.5 hr)
	Geology of Australia and the Sydney Area	Lecture and tutorial (1.5 hr)
	Rock Identification Quiz Preparation	Practical (2 hr)
Week 13	Review, Revision and Exam Preparation	Lecture and tutorial (1.5 hr)
Week 13	Practical Test - Rock Identification Quiz	Practical (1.5 hr)

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. understand the concepts and language of geology and the Earth sciences
LO2. identify and name common rocks and minerals
LO3. understand the processes that have formed the Earth and currently modify the Earth’s physical features
LO4. interpret geological maps, geological cross-sections and geological age data in the context of establishing a geological history for a particular region of the Earth’s crust
LO5. understand the relationship between plate tectonic processes and the occurrence of natural Earth hazards such as volcanic eruptions, earthquakes and tsunami
LO6. develop an appreciation of the significance of fossils and the longevity of the geologic record of biotic activity on the Earth
LO7. identify and analyse information
LO8. demonstrate written, oral and interpersonal communication skills
LO9. understand the application of the scientific method to problem solving and evidence based decision making
LO10. demonstrate basic skills in computing, numeracy and data handling
LO11. develop a sense of responsibility for independent learning that will guide your ongoing professional development and practice.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

In response to these student requests we intend to provide additional worked example answers and lecture summary material in the ‘Resources’ pages of the Canvas site. We have reduced the number of in-semester quizzes from three to two and increased the contribution of an individual quiz from 5% of the final mark to 10% of the final mark. The quizzes will be run in week 6 and week 11.

Additional information

Work, health and safety

We are governed by the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 and Codes of Practice. Penalties for non-compliance have increased. Everyone has a responsibility for health and safety at work. The University’s Work Health and Safety policy explains the responsibilities and expectations of workers and others, and the procedures for managing WHS risks associated with University activities.

General Laboratory Safety Rules

No eating or drinking is allowed in any laboratory under any circumstances
A laboratory coat and closed-toe shoes are mandatory
Follow safety instructions in your manual and posted in laboratories
In case of fire, follow instructions posted outside the laboratory door
First aid kits, eye wash and fire extinguishers are located in or immediately outside each laboratory
As a precautionary measure, it is recommended that you have a current tetanus immunisation. This can be obtained from University Health Service: unihealth.usyd.edu.au/

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

GEOS1903: Introduction to Geology (Advanced)

Semester 2, 2021 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect