Planet Earth: The Big Picture (ERTH1000)

Course overview

Earth is a small planet, but with a big history. With its origin some 4.5 billion years ago, ERTH1000 will examine Earth's evolution, from both a geological and biological perspective. The course will explore concepts as diverse as the origin of the Solar System through to the evolution of life. It will touch on the big geological processes that have shaped our planet, covering topics including plate tectonics, volcanology, earthquakes and climate change. ERTH1000 is recommended for all students in geology, ecology, biology, marine, environmental science and archaeology, and is also appropriate for anyone who wants to know more about the world they live on. Includes a one-day field trip (additional fee may be payable).

This course will provide the perfect entry level overview of modern Earth Science.

ERTH1000 is compulsory for Bachelor of Science students who wish to major in Earth Science, Archaeological Science, and Environmental Management (Honours), but we strongly also recommended it for those who intend to specialise in ecology, physics, biology, marine sciences, and other aspects of the archaeology; it will provide the fundamental background for upper-level courses across each of those disciplines. ERTH1000 is offered both in Semesters 1 and 2 ﾠand is worth two units. A full-day field trip will be run during the semester with an additional cost of around $40-50.

Students who have previously completed ERTH1501, or are currently enrolled in ERTH1501, are not permitted to enrol in ERTH1000.

Course requirements

Assumed background

This course assumes a general level of knowledge equivalent to Year 12, but no prior knowledge of Earth Sciences.

Incompatible

You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:

ERTH1501

Course contact

Course staff

Timetable

The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.

Additional timetable information

Delivery Mode

This course is delivered in a blended format, combining live online lectures via Zoom, face-to-face practical classes, and a fieldtrip.

Lectures (Zoom):

Our lectures will take place live via Zoom. This format is designed to be as inclusive, flexible, and engaging as possible for all students. Zoom allows us to connect as a learning community each week, no matter where you are, while supporting a highly interactive teaching style that uses live polls, discussions, and collaborative tools. Many students in previous years have found that this approach not only fits more easily with their schedules and commitments, but also helps them feel more connected and able to contribute in ways that suit their learning style. Lectures will be recorded to support revision and to provide additional flexibility, though attending live is strongly encouraged so you can take full advantage of the interactive elements.

Practicals (face-to-face):

Practical classes will be delivered in person on campus. These sessions offer valuable opportunities to work hands-on with materials, develop observational and analytical skills, and collaborate with your peers.

Fieldtrip (face-to-face):

The fieldtrip is an exciting part of this course, giving you the chance to apply your learning in a real-world context. This immersive experience will deepen your understanding of key concepts and help bring the subject matter to life. The fieldtrip will run on the weekend of Week 10. Students need to attend only one day (sign-on will open later during the semester). Be sure to block this time out in your calendar. This fieldtrip is mandatory for all students however if exceptional circumstances arise that prevent you from attending on the day, please contact your course coordinator.

In-semester exam (face-to-face):

The In-Semester Exam will be held on campus during the timeslot for the regular lectures. See the assessment section for additional details, including information about the Final Exam (to be held during the Examination period at the end of the semester; date to be confirmed).

SEE THE LEARNING ACTIVITIES SECTION FOR A BREAK DOWN OF THE LECTURE AND PRAC SCHEDULE.

Aims and outcomes

• The structure and character of the Earth’s core, mantle, and crust.
• Introduction to geological materials.
• Plate tectonics and natural hazards - earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, landslides, subsidence,ﾠfloods, hazards of ocean and weather.
• Earth resources - petroleum, coal, alternative energy, mineral, soil and water. Environmental impact resulting from the use (and abuse) of Earth resources.
• The geological evolution of southeast Queensland.
• The biosphere, the evolution of life, and the fossil record. Geological time scale

Assessment

Assessment summary

A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.

Assessment details

Practical Exercise Sheets

• In-person
• Online

Mode

Written

Category

Practical/ Demonstration

Weight

30%

Due date

1) Practical 1: 4/08/2025 - 6/08/2025

2) Practical 2: 18/08/2025 - 20/08/2025

3) Practical 3: 25/08/2025 - 27/08/2025

4) Practical 4: 1/09/2025 - 3/09/2025

5) Practical 5: 15/09/2025 - 17/09/2025

6) Practical 6: 22/09/2025 - 24/09/2025

7) Practical 7: 13/10/2025 - 15/10/2025

8) Practical 8: 27/10/2025 - 29/10/2025

Each practical exercise sheet is due at the end of your timetabled practical session (5pm Monday OR Wednesday).

Learning outcomes

L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Task description

Submission guidelines

Online submission via Inspera only by the due date and time. No hard copy or assignment cover sheets required. Submission via email is not accepted.

Deferral or extension

You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.

As this assessment is completed at the Practicals, and involve lab componets that cannot be re-set, no extensions are available for this assessment item.

If you are unable to attend the Practicals due to exceptional circumstances, please contact the Course Coordinator to discuss alternative assessment.

Late submission

A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.

You are required to submit assessable items on time. If you fail to meet the submission deadline for any assessment item, then 10% of the maximum possible mark for the assessment item (assessment ‘marked from’ value) will be deducted as a late penalty for every day (or part day) late after the due date. For example, if you submit your assignment 1 hour late, you will be penalised 10%; if your assignment is 24.5 hours late, you will be penalised 20% (because it is late by one 24-hour period plus part of another 24-hour period). 

In-semester exam (In Class)

• Identity Verified
• In-person

Mode

Written

Category

Examination

Weight

20%

Due date

8/09/2025

Learning outcomes

L01, L02, L03, L04

Task description

Exam details

Submission guidelines

Deferral or extension

You may be able to defer this exam.

Late submission

You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.

Field trip notes and report

• In-person

Mode

Written

Category

Paper/ Report/ Annotation

Weight

20%

Due date

24/10/2025 1:00 pm

Learning outcomes

L01, L02, L03, L05

Task description

Submission guidelines

Online submission by Turnitin only by the due date and time. No hard copy or assignment cover sheets required. Submission via email is not accepted.

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.

Late submission

A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.

You are required to submit assessable items on time. If you fail to meet the submission deadline for any assessment item, then 10% of the maximum possible mark for the assessment item (assessment ‘marked from’ value) will be deducted as a late penalty for every day (or part day) late after the due date. For example, if you submit your assignment 1 hour late, you will be penalised 10%; if your assignment is 24.5 hours late, you will be penalised 20% (because it is late by one 24-hour period plus part of another 24-hour period). 

End of Semester exam

• Hurdle
• Identity Verified
• In-person

Mode

Written

Category

Examination

Weight

30%

Due date

End of Semester Exam Period

8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025

Learning outcomes

L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Task description

Hurdle requirements

Exam details

Submission guidelines

Deferral or extension

You may be able to defer this exam.

Course grading

Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.

Additional course grading information

Assessment Hurdle

In order to pass this course, you must meet the following requirements (if you do not meet these requirements, the maximum grade you will receive will be a 3):

• You must obtain 45% or more on End of Semester exam

Supplementary assessment

Supplementary assessment is available for this course.

Should you fail a course with a grade of 3, you may be eligible for supplementary assessment. Refer to the UQ website for information on supplementary assessment and how to apply.

Supplementary assessment provides an additional opportunity to demonstrate you have achieved all the required learning outcomes for a course.

If you apply and are granted supplementary assessment, the type of supplementary assessment set will consider which learning outcome(s) have not been met.

Supplementary assessment can take any form (such as a written report, oral presentation, examination or other appropriate assessment) and may test specific learning outcomes tailored to the individual student, or all learning outcomes.

To receive a passing grade of 3S4, you must obtain a mark of 50% or more on the supplementary assessment.

Additional assessment information

Applications for Extensions to Assessment Due Dates

Read the information contained in the following links carefully before submitting an application for extension to assessment due date.

For guidance on applying for an extension, information is available here: https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/manage-my-program/exams-and-assessment/applying-assessment-extension

For the policy relating to extensions, information is available here (Part D): https://policies.uq.edu.au/document/view-current.php?id=184

Please note the University's requirements for medical certificates here: https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/manage-my-program/uq-policies-and-rules/requirements-medical-certificates

Learning resources

You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.

Library resources

Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.

Additional learning resources information

Other free and online software / websites will be required; details will be communicated as the semester progresses.

Additional costs

Learning activities

The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.

Additional learning activity information

Lecture and prac schedule for the semester - (subject to minor modifications):

Teaching Week 1

Lecture 1 (Monday): Earth Science and why you should care (Dr Gilbert Price)

Lecture 2 (Monday): Bazinga! Earth Science and the Big Bang Theory (Dr Gilbert Price)

NO Prac in Week 1

Teaching Week 2

Lecture 3 (Monday): Our place in space (Dr Gilbert Price)

Lecture 4 (Monday): Earth's structure (Dr Gilbert Price)

Practical 1: The differentiated planet

Teaching Week 3

Lecture 5 (Monday): When continents collide (Dr Gilbert Price)

Lecture 6 (Monday): Dynamic Earth (Dr Gilbert Price)

NO practical this week due to Ekka Holiday disruption

Teaching Week 4

Lecture 7 (Monday): Rock cycle (Dr Gilbert Price)

Lecture 8 (Monday): Fire-breathing mountains (Dr Gilbert Price)

Practical 2: Earth's shifting surface

Teaching Week 5

Lecture 9 (Monday): Earthquakes (Dr Annie Lau)

Lecture 10 (Monday): Tsunamis (Dr Annie Lau)

Practical 3: Geology in action

Teaching Week 6

Lecture 11 (Monday): Hard rocks 1- magmatics (Dr Annie Lau)

Lecture 12 (Monday): Hard rocks 2- metamorphic (Dr Annie Lau)

Practical 4: Rocks of southeast Queensland 1- igneous and metamorphic rocks

Teaching Week 7

In-semester exam (Monday)

NO Lecture on Monday in Week 7

NO Practical classes in Week 7

Teaching Week 8

Lecture 13 (Monday): When the dust settles (Dr Gilbert Price)

Lecture 14 (Monday): The pace of time (Dr Gilbert Price)

Practical 5: Rocks of southeast Queensland 2- sedimentary rocks

Teaching Week 9

Lecture 15 (Monday): Clocks in rocks (Dr Gilbert Price)

Lecture 16 (Monday): Is there life on Mars? (Dr Gilbert Price)

Practical 6: The astrobiology of Bitter Springs

IN-SEMESTER BREAK

Teaching Week 10

NO Monday lecture due to King’s Birthday public holiday

NO Practical classes this week due to King's Birthday holiday disruption

In-person field trip: Saturday 11th / Sunday 12th October (students need only attend one day)

Teaching Week 11

Lecture 17 (Monday): A brief history of life on Earth (Dr Gilbert Price)

Lecture 18 (Monday): Dinosaurs across the universe (Dr Gilbert Price)

Practical 7: Jurassic Prak

Teaching Week 12

Lecture 19 (Monday): What's drives extinction? (Dr Gilbert Price)

Lecture 20 (Monday): Climate change is not new, so why should we care? (Dr Gilbert Price)

No practicals in Week 12.

Field trip assignment due by midday Friday 24th of October

Teaching Week 13

Lecture 21 (Monday): Geology of your iPhone (Dr Gilbert Price)

Lecture 22 (Monday): The Big Picture (Dr Gilbert Price)

Practical 8: Fossils- Trackers of time and change

Policies and procedures

University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:

• Student Code of Conduct Policy
• Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
• Assessment Procedure
• Examinations Procedure
• Reasonable Adjustments for Students Policy and Procedure

Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.