Available in 2024
Course code

GEOS1050

Units

10 units

Level

1000 level

Course handbook

Description

This course covers Earth’s natural processes and how these lead to natural hazards that impact society. Starting from geological, environmental, oceanic/hydrological, and climatological systems, this course explores why, when, and how hazards occur and turn into disasters. The course covers the fundamental science behind natural hazards and considers case studies and examples from Australia and around the world. This includes how human activities affect Earth’s processes, including climate change, and their relationship with natural hazards. You will learn about the important role of science in providing knowledge that can reduce the current and future risks associated with natural hazards and underpins sustainable human development. The topics covered provide the necessary grounding for continuing studies in Earth, Environmental, Climate, Coastal, Marine, and Spatial Sciences.


Availability2024 Course Timetables

Callaghan

  • Semester 2 - 2024

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the course students will be able to:

1. Explain Earth's natural processes and how these can lead to natural hazards and disasters;

2. Describe the impacts of natural hazards on environmental, social, and economic systems;

3. Describe how human activities and climate change can affect the size and frequency of natural hazard impacts;

4. Collect, critically analyse, and interpret field and laboratory data related to Earth's natural processes and natural hazards;

5. Communicate geoscientific information effectively;

6. Contribute as part of a team to complete tasks and resolve problems


Content

This course examines the natural processes and hazards that occur within Earth systems through the concepts of Earth System Sciences. Topics cover the fundamental Earth science needed to understand natural processes, hazards and disasters, how these could change into the future, and how science can reduce the associated risks. Specific topics include:

  • Earth’s natural processes including rock, water, and ocean/atmospheric cycles
  • Geological hazards (e.g., landslides, earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis)
  • Environmental hazards (e.g., contamination, pollution)
  • Hydrological hazards (e.g., floods and droughts)
  • Climatological hazards (e.g., cyclones, storms/wave surges, bushfires, heatwaves)
  • The impacts of human activities on natural hazards, including the effects of climate change
  • Observing Earth processes and impacts of hazards in time and space

 


Assessment items

Quiz: Quizzes

Report: Fieldtrip Report

Practical Demonstration: Practical assessment tasks


Contact hours

Semester 2 - 2024 - Callaghan

Field Study-1
  • Face to Face Off Campus 16 hour(s) per term
  • Field study comprises of two field days.
  • Compulsory Requirement: Students must attend 100% of sessions and complete the safety/knowledge induction.
Lectorial-1
  • Face to Face On Campus 2 hour(s) per week(s) for 12 week(s) starting in week 1
Online Activity-1
  • Online 2 hour(s) per week(s) for 12 week(s) starting in week 1
Practical-1
  • Face to Face On Campus 2 hour(s) per week(s) for 12 week(s) starting in week 1

Course outline