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Unit of study_

GEOS3804: Earth Imaging (Advanced)

Semester 2, 2020 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This unit has the same objectives as GEOS3104 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 independant 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

Unit code GEOS3804
Academic unit Geosciences Academic Operations
Credit points 6
Prohibitions
? 
GEOS3104 or GEOS3003 or GEOS3006 or GEOS3016 or GEOS3017 or GEOS3903 or GEOS3906 or GEOS3916 or GEOS3917
Prerequisites
? 
A mark of 75 or above in [(GEOS2114 or GEOS2914) and (GEOS2124 or GEOS2924)]
Corequisites
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Dietmar Muller, dietmar.muller@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Dietmar Muller, dietmar.muller@sydney.edu.au
Tristan Salles, tristan.salles@sydney.edu.au
Patrice Rey, patrice.rey@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Final exam (Open book) Type C final exam Final exam
Online open book without invigilation
50% Formal exam period 2 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO6 LO8 LO12 LO13 LO14
Assignment The formation of the Grand Canyon
Use the Badlands software to explore the formation of the Grand Canyon
5% STUVAC
Due date: 25 Nov 2020 at 23:00
3 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO4 LO6 LO9 LO11 LO12 LO14
Assignment Jupyter notebooks and seismic tomography
Intro to jupyter notebooks and seismic tomography mapping/interpretation
4% Week 02
Due date: 02 Sep 2020 at 23:00
3 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO9 LO11
Assignment Driving forces of plates motions
Analyse the driving forces of plate motions using a plate kinematic model
4% Week 03
Due date: 03 Sep 2020 at 23:00
3 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO4 LO9 LO11 LO14
Assignment Analysing magnetic data from the Officer Basin
Process and analyse magnetic anomaly data from a sedimentary basin
4% Week 04
Due date: 16 Sep 2020 at 23:00
3 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO3 LO4 LO9 LO11
Assignment Using gravity data to understand the structure of a sedimentary basin
Analyse gravity data to understand the deep sedimentary basin structure
4% Week 05
Due date: 23 Sep 2020 at 23:00
3 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO4 LO9 LO11
Assignment Seismic interpretation
Seismic reflection data principles and interpretation
4% Week 06 3 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO4 LO11 LO12
Assignment Log Interpretation
Analysis and interpretation of downhole geophysical logging data
4% Week 07
Due date: 14 Oct 2020 at 23:00
3 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO4 LO11 LO13
Assignment Basin analysis
Analyse and interpret tectonic subsidence data from well stratigraphy
4% Week 08
Due date: 21 Oct 2020 at 23:00
3 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO4 LO11 LO12 LO14
Assignment Modelling lithospheric extension
Numerical modelling of lithospheric extension with the Underworld software
12% Week 11
Due date: 11 Nov 2020 at 23:00
9 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO5 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10 LO11 LO12 LO14
Assignment Mountain building and the role of climate
Investigate the role of climate change in mountain building
5% Week 12
Due date: 18 Nov 2020 at 23:00
3 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO4 LO6 LO9 LO11 LO14
Type C final exam = Type C final exam ?

Assessment summary

The assessment for this course is based on 50% coursework and 50% final exam. The final examination will be 2 hours long and will be held during the examination period at the end of semester. To satisfactorily complete the course, you must pass both the coursework (NB: All practical reports have to be completed to a minimum grade of Pass to avoid an Absent Fail) and the final exam.

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

Accurately answers the question in an impressive, compelling, or highly persuasive manner
Presents relevant material accurately in a thoroughly convincing or forceful manner or with the facts well‐integrated into an extended and comprehensive explanation or argument
Accurate quotation and/or source identification when appropriate.
Evidence of exhaustive independent research
Evidence of extensive critical analysis of concept, and/or innovative perspective on the topic, and/or deep understanding of problem
Answers demonstrate striking originality, an innovative approach, or impressive analytical skill
Answers are exceptionally well written, with excel- lent structure expression
Is otherwise exceptional in some way

Distinction

75 - 84

Accurately answers the question in a convincing, confident manner
Presents relevant material accurately in a concise manner or with the facts well‐integrated into a comprehensive explanation or argument
Accurate quotation and/or source identification when appropriate.
Evidence of extensive independent research
Evidence of extensive critical analysis of concept, and/or innovative perspective on the topic, and/or deep understanding of problem
Answers are well written, with clear structure and cogent expression

Credit

65 - 74

Work awarded a credit grade will usually achieve the following minimum standards or present the described characteristics
An appropriate, accurate and reasonable detailed answer or response is provided
Appropriate key point or points (facts) and/or concepts clearly presented without significant errors or misconceptions
Presents relevant material concisely with facts clearly integrated into the explanation
Accurate quotation and/or source identification when appropriate.
Evidence of some independent research or critical analysis of concept or problem
Answers are easily understood with both clear expression and structure if appropriate

Pass

50 - 64


An appropriate but superficial answer or response is provided
Presents relevant material in a superficial manner or in a simplistic descriptive style
Correctly identifies key point or points (facts) but does not develop an appropriate explanation or argument if this is required
Contains some minor errors or presents minor inaccuracies and misconceptions
Little or no evidence of in‐depth analysis or deep understanding of the concept
Answers can be understood but may be poorly worded or somewhat flawed due to poor grammar, expression or structure

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.

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.

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Earthquakes and global Earth structure Lecture (2 hr) LO1
Introduction to python and mapmaking Practical (3 hr) LO9
Week 02 Mantle structure, rheology and evolution, and plate tectonics Lecture (2 hr) LO8
Tectonics and plate driving forces Practical (3 hr) LO8 LO11
Week 03 The Earth’s magnetic field Lecture (2 hr) LO3
Continental magnetic data Practical (3 hr) LO3 LO4 LO11
Week 04 The Earth’s gravity field Lecture (2 hr) LO2
Gravity anomalies/sedimentary basins Practical (3 hr) LO2 LO4 LO9 LO11
Week 05 Seismic stratigraphy, interpretation and well logs Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO13
Seismic interpretation Practical (3 hr) LO1 LO4 LO9 LO11
Week 06 Basin formation and evolution Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO12
Well log interpretation Practical (3 hr) LO1 LO4 LO9 LO11 LO13
Week 07 Basin formation and evolution Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO12
Basin subsidence analysis Practical (3 hr) LO1 LO4 LO9 LO11 LO12
Week 08 Introduction to solid earth modelling Lecture (2 hr) LO7 LO8
Modelling lithospheric extension Practical (3 hr) LO4 LO5 LO9 LO10 LO11 LO12
Week 09 Introduction to mantle processes Lecture (2 hr) LO7 LO8
Modelling lithospheric extension Practical (3 hr) LO4 LO5 LO9 LO10 LO11 LO12
Week 10 Modelling plume and partial melting Lecture (2 hr) LO7 LO8
Modelling lithospheric extension Practical (3 hr) LO4 LO5 LO9 LO10 LO11 LO12
Week 11 Landforms and hierarchical organisation of landscape Lecture (2 hr) LO6
Mountain building and the role of climate Practical (3 hr) LO4 LO6 LO9 LO11
Week 12 Hillslope processes & Fluvial processes Lecture (2 hr) LO6
The formation of the Grand Canyon Practical (3 hr) LO4 LO6 LO9 LO11

Attendance and class requirements

  • Compulsory assessment: Each practical exercise must be passed (50%) to pass this unit of study.
  • Compulsory attendance: Attendance to lectures and practicals is compulsory unless there is a clash with other USyd UoS.

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.

Required readings

Keary, P., & Brooks, M., 1991. An Introduction to Geophysical Exploration: Blackwell Publishing, 254 p. 
This is a good textbook on the main geophysical techniques used for resource exploration. It is the best currently available resource on geophysical exploration at introductory level. It can be used as a supplementary text to the lectures.

Fowler, C. M. R 2005. The Solid Earth – An introduction to Global Geophysics: Cambridge University Press, 685 p. 
Good, up-to-date introductory level book with good graphics and exercises. The book covers the most important fields of geophysics with applications to tectonics, Earth structure and dynamics. Each chapter provides a comprehensive list of key scientific publications. It can be used as supplementary text to the lectures.

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. understand the use of seismic waves to explore the Earth's interior, and image sedimentary basins for exploration
  • LO2. understand how anomalies in the Earth's gravity field relate to distribution of masses at depth, and how mapping gravity anomalies is used in mineral exploration
  • LO3. understand the Earth’s magnetic field and its dependence on core dynamics and near surface geology, and how mapping magnetic anomalies is used in mineral exploration
  • LO4. Process and analyse geophysical data using Python
  • LO5. use the Underworld software to model complex geodynamic and tectonic processes
  • LO6. understand, characterise and model Earth's surface dynamics as a consequence of the interplay between tectonic, climatic and surface processes
  • LO7. understand and model mantle partial melting driven by mantle upwelling and decompression
  • LO8. understand how mantle convection relates to mantle heating (internal or basal), and understand how tectonic plates modulate mantle convection
  • LO9. use computers effectively to process, visualise and analyse data, and perform numerical experiments
  • LO10. work collaboratively in a multicultural team environment
  • LO11. write concise technical reports.
  • LO12. understand basin formation and evolution
  • LO13. understand well logging
  • LO14. understand regional and global geodynamic processes

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.

The title of this unit has been changed. The practicals have been revised.

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.