EART 3006 Science of the Anthropocene
Credit Points 10
Legacy Code 301212
Coordinator Jason Reynolds Opens in new window
Description The unit explores how the earth has been irreversibly altered through human activities. Topics include-the composition of the ocean, land, and atmosphere, and the impacts humans have had on these systems. The unit looks at the detection and control of modern pollutants with a focus on field sampling and modelling of selected environmental systems. These topics will be brought to life in a two-day field trip to sites of significant anthropogenic impact.
School Science
Discipline Earth Sciences
Student Contribution Band HECS Band 2 10cp
Check your HECS Band contribution amount via the Fees page.
Level Undergraduate Level 3 subject
Equivalent Subjects EART 3002 Environmental Geochemistry
EART 3003 Environmental Geochemistry
Restrictions Must have completed 20 credit points at level 2
Assumed Knowledge
A basic understanding of scientific enquiry including the periodic table, equilibria, and pH. Introductory statistics including mean, standard deviation, and distributions.
Learning Outcomes
- Describe the chemistry of the surface of the Earth, and how it is modified by human activity.
- Construct and detail the geochemical cycles of various elements
- Studying the effects of equilibrium for acidity and alkalinity
- Explain current environmental issues with a focus on the anthropocene
- Discuss environmental quality criteria in terms of their significance and monitoring, remediation, and rehabilitation of various human-impacted environments.
- Develop skills used to monitor environmental materials, including the design, construction, testing, and evaluation of a pollutant removal device.
- Synthesise information on the impacts of the anthropocene for presentation to peers and an academic audience.
Subject Content
The geological principles relating to elemental mobility
The impacts of humans cycling of elements
The artefacts of the Anthropocene on Earth
Current environmental issues and remediation
Field visits to sites having significant anthropogenic impact
The design and testing of devices to remove anthropogenic pollutants
Assessment
The following table summarises the standard assessment tasks for this subject. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated, where there is a difference your Learning Guide takes precedence.
| Item | Length | Percent | Threshold | Individual/Group Task |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Worksheets: Take-home worksheets | 8 x 5% | 40 | N | Individual |
| Presentation: Student presentation | 1 x 10 minutes | 20 | N | Individual |
| Multimedia/video recording | 1x10 minutes | 20 | N | Group |
| Essay | 2,000 words | 20 | N | Individual |
Prescribed Texts
- Ellis, E. (2018) Anthropocene A Very Short Introduction. Oxford University Press. ISBN-13: 978-0198792987
Teaching Periods
Spring
Hawkesbury
Day
Subject Contact Jason Reynolds Opens in new window