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Unit outline_

GEOS3803: Environment, Sediment and Climate Change (Adv)

Semester 1, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This unit has the same objectives as GEOS3103 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 performance at the time of enrolment. Students who 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. Specific details for this unit of study will be announced in meetings with students in week 1 of semester.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Geosciences Academic Operations
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
A mark of 75 or above in [(GEOS2114 or GEOS2914) or (GEOS2116 or GEOS2916) or (GEOS2124 or GEOS2924)]
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
GEOS3103
Assumed knowledge
? 

(GEOS1003 or GEOS1903)

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Adriana Dutkiewicz, adriana.dutkiewicz@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Adriana Dutkiewicz, adriana.dutkiewicz@sydney.edu.au
Dan Penny, dan.penny@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2025
Type Description Weight Due Length
Supervised exam
? 
Final Exam
Examination based on material delivered in each component of the course
40% Formal exam period 2 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO7 LO10
Assignment AI Allowed Laboratory Assignment 1
Laboratory assignment
10% Week 04
Due date: 19 Mar 2025 at 23:59
Module 1, Practical 1
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO7 LO10
Assignment AI Allowed Laboratory Assignment 2
Laboratory assignment
10% Week 06
Due date: 02 Apr 2025 at 23:59
Module 1, Practical 2
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO5 LO8 LO9 LO10
Assignment AI Allowed Laboratory Assignment 3
Laboratory assignment
10% Week 08
Due date: 16 Apr 2025 at 23:59
Module 1, Practical 3
Outcomes assessed: LO3 LO4 LO8 LO9 LO10
Assignment AI Allowed Laboratory Assignment 4
Laboratory assessment
6% Week 09
Due date: 30 Apr 2025 at 23:59
Module 1, Practical 4
Outcomes assessed: LO4 LO5 LO8 LO9 LO10
Assignment AI Allowed Laboratory Assignment 5
Laboratory assignment
12% Week 11
Due date: 18 May 2025 at 23:59
Module 2, Practical 1
Outcomes assessed: LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10
Assignment AI Allowed Laboratory Assignment 6
Laboratory assignment
12% Week 13
Due date: 01 Jun 2025 at 23:59
Module 2, Practical 2
Outcomes assessed: LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10
AI allowed = AI allowed ?

Assessment summary

Final exam: If a second replacement exam is required, this exam may be delivered via an alternative assessment method, such as a viva voice (oral exam), if deemed appropriate by the unit coordinator. The alternative assessment will meet the same learning outcomes as the original exam. The format of the alternative assessment will be determined by the unit coordinator. 

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

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

At HD level, a student demonstrates a flair for the subject and comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the unit material. A ‘High Distinction’ reflects exceptional achievement and is awarded to a student who demonstrates the ability to apply subject knowledge to novel situations.

Distinction

75 - 84

At D level, a student demonstrates an aptitude for the subject and a solid knowledge and understanding of the unit material. A ‘Distinction’ reflects excellent achievement and is awarded to a student who demonstrates an ability to apply the key ideas of the subject.

Credit

65 - 74

At CR level, a student demonstrates a good command and knowledge of the unit material. A ‘Credit’ reflects solid achievement and is awarded to a student who has a broad understanding of the unit material but has not fully developed the ability to apply the key ideas of the subject

Pass

50 - 64

At P level, a student demonstrates proficiency in the unit material. A ‘Pass’ reflects satisfactory achievement and is awarded to a student who has threshold knowledge of the subject.

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Except for supervised exams or in-semester tests, you may use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessments unless expressly prohibited by your unit coordinator. 

For exams and in-semester tests, the use of AI and automated writing tools is not allowed unless expressly permitted in the assessment instructions. 

The icons in the assessment table above indicate whether AI is allowed – whether full AI, or only some AI (the latter is referred to as “AI restricted”). If no icon is shown, AI use is not permitted at all for the task. Refer to Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks for this unit. 

Your final submission must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of automated writing tools or generative AI, and any material generated that you include in your final submission must be properly referenced. You may be required to submit generative AI inputs and outputs that you used during your assessment process, or drafts of your original work. Inappropriate use of generative AI is considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply. 

The Current Students website provides information on artificial intelligence in assessments. For help on how to correctly acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the  AI in Education Canvas site

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.

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.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy 2023. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Course introduction & marine provinces Lecture (1 hr) LO1
Marine sediments Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 02 Biogenic deep-sea sediments Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Biogenic deep-sea sediments Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Seafloor Sediments Practical (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO8 LO9 LO10
Week 03 Ocean chemistry Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Sedimentary basins and sediment source-to-sink Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO5
Seafloor Sediments Practical (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO8 LO9 LO10
Week 04 Deep-sea sedimentary processes Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
Manganese nodules, dust and deep-sea clay Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
Sedimentation on the NSW margin Practical (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO5 LO8 LO9 LO10
Week 05 Marine carbonates Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Evaporites Lecture (1 hr) LO2 LO5
Sedimentation on the NSW margin Practical (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO5 LO8 LO9 LO10
Week 06 Carbonate classification Lecture (1 hr) LO2 LO3 LO5
Carbonate diagenesis Lecture (1 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Carbonate rocks Practical (3 hr) LO3 LO4 LO8 LO9 LO10
Week 07 Major discoveries from deep-sea drilling Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Future Ocean Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Carbonate rocks Practical (3 hr) LO3 LO4 LO8 LO9 LO10
Week 08 Marine pollution Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2
Siliciclastic sedimentary rocks Lecture (1 hr) LO4 LO5
Siliciclastic sedimentary rocks Practical (3 hr) LO4 LO5 LO8 LO9 LO10
Week 09 Core sampling and field techniques: concepts Lecture (1 hr) LO4 LO5 LO9
Core sampling and field techniques: concepts Lecture (1 hr) LO4 LO5 LO9
Core sampling and filed techniques: practicum Practical (3 hr) LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10
Week 10 Environmental Magnetism: concepts Lecture (1 hr) LO4 LO5
Environmental Magnetism: applications Practical (1 hr) LO4 LO5 LO9
Environmental Magnetism: practicum Practical (3 hr) LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10
Week 11 Environmental Geochemistry: concepts Lecture (1 hr) LO4 LO5 LO9
Environmental Geochemistry: applications Lecture (1 hr) LO4 LO5 LO9
Environmental Geochemistry: practicum Lecture (3 hr) LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10
Week 12 Stable Isotopes: concepts Lecture (1 hr) LO3 LO4 LO5 LO9
Stable Isotopes: applications Lecture (1 hr) LO4 LO5 LO9
Stable Isotopes: practicum Lecture (3 hr) LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10
Week 13 Course summary, exam preparation Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance

Lectures will be delivered live in person, unless otherwise indicated. Please refer to Canvas for up to date details of delivery mode on a weekly basis. It is expected that students will review prelab materials, if any, prior to attending classes.

Practical attendance is compulsory unless there is a clash with other UoS, or unless special consideration has been granted.

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.

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 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.

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

  • LO1. Demonstrate an understanding of the processes responsible for transporting sediments into and within oceanic basins.
  • LO2. Recognise different types of marine sediments and understand how and where they form.
  • LO3. Demonstrate an understanding of the controls on carbonate and silica production and deposition and their relationship to global carbonate and silica cycles.
  • LO4. Describe and classify different types of sedimentary rocks and interpret their environments of deposition.
  • LO5. Describe the processes responsible for the production and preservation of lithified and unlithified sediment in terrestrial and marine environments.
  • LO6. Design and execute laboratory-based research in environmental sedimentology.
  • LO7. Constrain both accuracy and precision in laboratory-based analyses.
  • LO8. Operate safely in research laboratories.
  • LO9. Identify and utilise common techniques for describing and analysing sediment and sedimentary rocks.
  • LO10. Communicate scientific information appropriately, both orally and through written work.

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
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

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

Schedule of assessments has been altered, and minor content changes have been made.

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.