Course coordinator
Professor Helen Bostock
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2026 (23/02/2026 - 20/06/2026)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- The Environment School
This course is interdisciplinary and provides third year students a valuable opportunity to synthesise disciplinary knowledge in Earth and Marine Sciences from diverse sources including oceanography, sedimentology, micro-palaeontology, microbiology, biogeochemistry, petrology, structural geology, and geophysics. The course is designed around the multidisciplinary International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP) which focusses on key themes including “Deep Earth”, “Geological hazards”, and “Exploring life and its origins” and “Ground truthing future climate change”.
The course is taught as a series of workshops, with a combination of lectures and hands on labs. The students will work in groups to analyse deep sea cores using a range of different techniques and instruments in the labs, gaining valuable laboratory experience. They will then analyse the data they collect for their assessment. The students will also work in groups to design and plan their own research voyage to answer large research questions.
Course requirements
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
ERTH1000 or MARS1001
Recommended prerequisites
We recommend completing the following courses before enrolling in this one:
Two or more of the following: 2nd level ERTH courses (ERTH2003, 2004, 2006), MARS2001
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
ERTH3104 and ERTH3110
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Professor Helen Bostock
Professor Gideon Rosenbaum
Associate Professor Renjie Zhou
Dr Annie Lau
Professor Gordon Southam
Tutor
Ms Holly Ellis
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
All content will be delivered workshop style with a mix of lectures, laboratory practicals and group activities.
Aims and outcomes
- To understand the large scale plate tectonics and ocean basin formation with the formation of new crust at mid ocean ridges and destruction in subduction zones.
- Where and what can cause significant marine geoscience hazards such as tsunamis.
- Explore life and its origins and evidence for changes in paleo-climate using a range of techniques and datasets.
- Develop a range of laboratory techniques and skills
- Learn to work effectively in groups on multidisciplinary research questions
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Express the fundamentals of the theory of Plate Tectonics and its applications to the formation of continents and oceans.
LO2.
Explore a range of marine geoscience topics including evidence of past marine hazards and early life, and climate change.
LO3.
Learn a range of hands on laboratory methods to reconstruct the geological history using sediment cores.
LO4.
Work in groups to develop a research voyage proposal using a range of different technical equipment available on ships, to answer a multidisciplinary research question.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Notebook/ Logbook, Practical/ Demonstration |
Practical lab assessment
|
35% |
13/04/2026 4:00 pm |
| Examination, Quiz |
In Semester Exam
|
20% |
21/04/2026 1:00 pm |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Presentation |
Voyage proposal
|
45% |
1) Presentation: 9/06/2026 9:00 am 2) Proposal: 12/06/2026 2:00 pm |
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 lab assessment
- Team or group-based
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Notebook/ Logbook, Practical/ Demonstration
- Weight
- 35%
- Due date
13/04/2026 4:00 pm
- Other conditions
- Peer assessed.
Task description
Over the first half of the semester you will work in groups to process, describe, analyse a sediment core in the lab using a range of different techniques and equipment - XRF scanning, Magnetic susceptibility, grainsize analyses, microfossils etc. In this assessment you will write down your methods and results from the lab, and a preliminary interpretation.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance. A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Core log and lab notebook, and all data collected by each group needs to be submitted in person to the coordinator.
Final individual reports on the methods and results of the core analyses should be submitted through Turnitin.
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 (the 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
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination, Quiz
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
21/04/2026 1:00 pm
- Other conditions
- Secure.
Task description
Covering the content from the first 7 weeks and will be in person, on paper, and a series of short answer questions. Handwriting must be legible.
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Hurdle requirements
See Additional Course Grading Information for the hurdle information relating to this assessment item.Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Voyage proposal
- Identity Verified
- Team or group-based
- Mode
- Oral, Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Presentation
- Weight
- 45%
- Due date
1) Presentation: 9/06/2026 9:00 am
2) Proposal: 12/06/2026 2:00 pm
- Other conditions
- Peer assessed, Secure.
Task description
An exercise involving group work and discussions will occur during the workshops from weeks 9 through 12 with a final class presentation in Exam Week 1. You will work in groups to develop a voyage proposal to answer an outstanding marine geoscience or tectonic science question from the IODP2050 framework. You will be guided through this in class with some additional information at the start of each of the workshops - including the data and resources available, different equipment, permits, logistics etc..
The assessment is broken into a group oral presentation (20%) and a final individual written proposal (25%). Following each Presentation, a Q&A will take place amongst your peers and supervisors. You will be assessed on demonstrating a deep understanding of the topic, presenting complete information, and communicating effectively. During the presentation, notes, palm cards, or other aids are not permitted. All group members must give the presentation and be present for questions (this is a secure assessment). Feedback on the presentation will be provided and should be incorporated into the final proposal which is due a few days later.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT)
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Proposal: Online submission by Turnitin only by the due date and time. Refer to Blackboard for the submission link. No hard copy or assignment cover sheets are required. Submission via email is not accepted.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Students will be scheduled to deliver their assessment. You may only be eligible for alternative arrangement if exceptional circumstances arise on the day of the scheduled presentation. Please contact your course coordinator with supporting documentation of the exceptional circumstances that prevented you from attending for consideration of an alternate arrangement.
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).
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 0% |
| 2 (Fail) |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 30% |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 45% |
| 4 (Pass) |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 50% |
| 5 (Credit) |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 65% |
| 6 (Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 75% |
| 7 (High Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 85% |
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 the In-Semester Exam.
Please note, If you fail this original hurdle assessment, you will be given the chance to attempt it again. Please note that the maximum mark you can receive from a second attempt is the minimum pass result of 50%.
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 link above 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
The course is based on the themes of the International Ocean Discovery Program outlined in the IODP 2050 Framework 2050 Science Framework | Post-IODP Planning | IODP - which will be a key document for the students to read and review and provides many references.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 |
Workshop |
Introduction and core cutting Short lecture introduction on the International Ocean Discovery Program and the history of Tectonics and Marine Geoscience, and then a lab induction and core cutting in the rock lab. |
Multiple weeks From Week 2 To Week 5 |
Workshop |
Tectonics module - Probing the deep earth In this first module lectures you will cover a range of tectonic systems. In the rest of the workshops you will continue to log and analyse the marine sediment cores for your practical assessment. |
Multiple weeks From Week 6 To Week 8 |
Workshop |
Hazards, origin of life, and climate module In this second module in the lectures you will cover the other IODP 2050 topics of - Geological hazards, Exploring life and its origins, Ocean Health and Paleoclimate. In the rest of the workshop you will continue to analyse the sediment cores for your assessment. |
Multiple weeks From Week 9 To Week 13 |
Workshop |
Developing a voyage proposal Working in groups you will choose an IODP 2050 framework theme and develop a voyage proposal to answer an outstanding science question. Over the 5 weeks you will be guided with mini lectures to develop your science question, work out your main equipment and vessel, logistics, permits etc.. |
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
- AI for Assessment Guide
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.