| Credit |
6 points |
| Availability |
Semester 1 (see Timetable) |
| Old unit code |
520.232 |
| Outcomes |
Students are able to demonstrate a range of earth science skills that include being able to make and record reliable observations in the field; integrate field observations with conceptual knowledge to formulate interpretations and/or models to explain features at hand on specimen, outcrop and regional scales; choose appropriate methods for collection of information depending on the type of problem that the field work is aiming to solve; communicate their interpretations using one-dimensional and/or two-dimensional syntheses such as stratigraphic logs, maps and cross-sections; demonstrate understanding of scientific method and professional conduct; and demonstrate skills in scientific communication through oral presentations and written reports. |
| Content |
Field work is an important aspect of earth science used to solve problems related to a wide variety of modern and ancient Earth environments. This unit focuses on the skills required for recording and summarising observations, descriptions and interpretations made in the field, and synthesising results to produce graphic and written summaries. It is a practical unit which utilises laboratory/workshop classes to provide conceptual knowledge and a range of skills which are directly applied and enhanced during field work. This includes learning how to take information from maps to construct cross-sections and interpret geological events and processes; apply remote sensing techniques to solving problems; and identification and interpretation of common rock materials in the field. Field work is undertaken in an area north of Perth. The unit emphasises generic skills in teamwork, report writing and scientific communication, and the understanding of professional conduct and workplace safety. |
| Assessment |
This comprises work completed during the unit including practical exercises and group project work (20 per cent), a short theory and practical examination usually held in the last week of semester (15 per cent) and field reports completed during the eight-day field trip (65 per cent) in the mid-semester break after the first semester examination period.
Supplementary assessment is not available in this unit except in the case of a bachelor's pass degree student who has obtained a mark of 45 to 49 and is currently enrolled in this unit, and it is the only remaining unit that the student must pass in order to complete their course. |
| Unit Co-ordinator(s) |
Professor Annette George |
| Location |
UWA (Crawley) |
| Mode |
on-campus |
| Unit Rules |
| Prerequisites: EART1105 Earth and Environment: Dynamic Planet or EART1104 Earth and Environment: Geological Perspectives |
| Incompatibility: EART3347 Field Methods for Earth Scientists |
Contact hours—laboratory classes: 2 hrs per week from second week of semester for approx. 9 weeks; field work: 8 days (charges: cost of food and accommodation is borne by the student).
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| Unit Outline | http://www.unitoutlines.science.uwa.edu.au/Units/EART2232/SEM-1/2010 |
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- The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of going to press but may be subject to change.
- Assistance with study skills, including English language skills, is available free of charge from Student Services for all enrolled students (see http://www.studentservices.uwa.edu.au/ss/learning). Student Services location: Second Floor, South Wing, Guild Village; telephone: 6488 2423.
- Books and other materials wherever listed may be subject to change. Book lists relating to 'Preliminary Reading', 'Recommended Reading' and 'Textbooks' are, in most cases, available at the University Co-operative Bookshop (from early January) and appropriate administrative offices for students to consult. For first-year units the Bookshop will endeavour to make available photocopies of book lists for individual units. Books marked with an asterisk (*) are available in paperback.
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