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Fenner School of Environment and Society and the Research School of Earth Sciences · ANU College of Science and Medicine / ANU College of Systems and Society
This course provides an introduction to Earth Systems Science, a field of science that investigates how chemical, physical, and biological processes interact to shape and regulate Earth’s environment. To understand the science behind climate change or the extent current global environmental change is being forced by natural processes and human activities, one should understand the Earth System. Students from both science and non-science backgrounds are welcome. In addition, this is a foundation course for students interested in or wanting to pursue earth, marine or water sciences. ‘The Blue Planet’ will build your understanding of how each part of the Earth system - the atmosphere, hydrosphere, geosphere and biosphere - works and interacts over time. You will learn how energy and matter are transferred around the Earth system through the water, carbon, oxygen, nutrient, geologic and solar cycles, and you will be introduced to feedback mechanisms that can amplify or dampen change. A tour of global change through Earth's history is used to provide context for understanding the modern Earth, including the scientific evidence for global warming. Methods for predicting the future path of global warming and its detrimental effects will be examined. A field trip and practicals provide opportunities for learning via direct observation. Note: This course is co-taught with undergraduate students but assessed separately.
Practicals
Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Field Trip Written Assignment
Learning outcomes 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Major Assignment
Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Final Theory Exam
Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
The expected workload will consist of approximately 130 hours throughout the semester including: - The course delivery component consists of 1x lectures (face-to-face/recorded), 1 x 2 hour practical (face-to-face), plus 1 x 2 hour workshop per week (face-to-face) - Field trip (please see other information section) - Approximately 60 hours of self-directed study (including group work) which will include preparation for lectures, presentations and other assessment tas Other Information This course contains a field trip. For details see the published class summary. Students are required to pay a contribution of towards the cost of ~$30. Payment may be made online at Science Shop: https://scienceshop.anu.edu.au/
Readings and short videos will be provided in the course site in the Learning Management System.