Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 18/11/2024)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- The Environment School
This course examines the physical processes and linkages operating within the biosphere (biogeography) and lithosphere (geomorphology), with a particular focus on to role that temporal and spatial scales impact environmental processes. This course is also a foundation for advanced courses in environmental processes and management and has an emphasis on the environments of Moreton Bay and the Giant Sand Masses of South East Queensland.
The purpose of the course is:
i. to introduce students to concepts, patterns and processes in geomorphology and biogeography; and
ii. develop skills of research, analysis and argument in the subject matter of the disciplines.
To achieve this purpose there will be lectures and practical sessions. Students will also participate in a field trip to a coastal site in South East Queensland.
Course requirements
Assumed background
- Three semesters of undergraduate study;
- A logical precursor to this course is GEOS1100 'Environmental Systems' and/or ERTH1000 Earth: The Big Picture
Recommended prerequisites
We recommend completing the following courses before enrolling in this one:
GEOS1100 OR ERTH1000
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
GEOS7103 (co-taught)
Jointly taught details
This course is jointly-taught with:
Lectures, pracs and the field trip
Course contact
Assignment marking
Course staff
Lecturer
Tutor
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
There will be a one day trip to investigate a coastal site for evidence of natural and human induced changes in geomorphology and biogeography of the Moreton Bay coastline,ᅠwhich will form the basis for a report.ᅠThe cost for the fieldtrip will be confirmed during the early part of the semster that will include payment details.
If you are not able to come on the trip there will be a virtual field trip available instead.
If you are studying this course in an external mode there will be a zoom session to support practicals.
Aims and outcomes
This course aims to enable you to gain knowledge in the concepts and currentᅠissues inᅠbiogeography and geomorphology through an understanding of key processes, methods and techniques in these discliplines.ᅠ
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Take account of current debates in biogeography and geomorphology through understanding and reflection on the content of lectures and required readings.
LO2.
Access, make use and demonstrate understanding of research literature in biogeography and geomorphology with respect to specific course topics.
LO3.
Identify biogeographical and geomorphological processes and patterns in Queensland.
LO4.
Develop skills of research, analysis and arguement in the areas of biogeography and geomorphology.
LO5.
Examine key topics in biogeography and geomorphology through completion of relevant practical exercises.
Assessment
Assessment summary
Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
---|---|---|---|
Essay/ Critique | Literature review | 30% |
23/08/2024 3:00 pm |
Practical/ Demonstration | Weekly prac activity | 30% |
30/08/2024 - 7/10/2024
The prac is due to be submitted at the end of each week (3pm) from Week 6 to Week 11. |
Paper/ Report/ Annotation | Final Report | 40% |
25/10/2024 3:00 pm |
Assessment details
Literature review
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
23/08/2024 3:00 pm
Task description
This is a literature review-based essay, focusing on global terrestrial ecosystems. Details will be given on Blackboard.
Submission guidelines
Submitted before the due date 3pm 23 August
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.
Extension requests subject to approval.
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.
Weekly prac activity
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Practical/ Demonstration
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
30/08/2024 - 7/10/2024
The prac is due to be submitted at the end of each week (3pm) from Week 6 to Week 11.
Task description
There will be six prac activities from Week 6 to Week 11, each prac weighing 5%. More details will be given on Blackboard
Submission guidelines
Submitted at the end of each week (3pm) from Week 6 to Week 11.
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.
Extension requests subject to approval.
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.
Final Report
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 40%
- Due date
25/10/2024 3:00 pm
Task description
This is a field trip report. More details will be given on Blackboard.
Submission guidelines
Completed assignments must be submitted as an electronic copy through Turnitin in Blackboard. Assignments submitted after the deadline will be penalised.
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.
Extension requests subject to approval.
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.
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% |
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
Applications for Extensions
Information on applying for an extension can be found here - my.UQ Applying for an extension
Extension applications must be received by the assessment due date and time.
If you are unable to provide documentation to support your application by the due date and time you must still submit your application on time and attach a Word document outlining why you cannot provide the documentation and upload the documentation to the portal within 24 hours.
Please note: While your extension request is being considered, you should work towards completing and submitting your assessment as soon as possible.
If you have been ill or unable to attend class for more than 4 weeks in a semester, we advise you to carefully consider whether you are capable of successfully completing your courses. You might need to consider applying for removal of course. We strongly recommend you seek advice from the Faculty that administers your program.
Extensions with Student Access Plans (SAP)
For extensions up to 7 days, your SAP is all that is required as documentation to support your application. However, extension requests longer than 7 days (for any one assessment item) will require the submission of additional supporting documentation e.g., a medical certificate. A maximum of two applications may be submitted for any one assessment item, unless exceptional circumstances can be demonstrated. All extension requests must be received by the assessment due date and time.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
The assessment tasks in this course evaluate students’ abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Turnitin
By submitting work through Turnitin you are deemed to have accepted the following declaration “I certify that this assignment is my own work and has not been submitted, either previously or concurrently, in whole or in part, to this University or any other educational institution, for marking or assessment.”
All students must ensure they receive their Turnitin receipt on submission of any assessments. A valid Turnitin receipt will be the only evidence accepted if assessments are missing. Without evidence, the assessment will receive the standard late penalty, or after five days, will receive zero.
In the case of a Blackboard outage, please contact the Course Coordinator as soon as possible to confirm the outage with ITS.
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
No set text; additional readings will be provided during the semester.
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 |
---|---|---|
Lecture |
Week 1: Concepts in Biogeography (JC) Introduction to key concepts in biogeography. |
|
Lecture |
Week 2: Patterns of Biogeographic Distribution (JC) Examines key issues associated with the distribution of plants and animals across the globe. |
|
Practical |
Week 2: Prac 1-Literature review (I) (JC) Assist students in understanding what is taught in the lecture and preparing the literature review essay (I). |
|
Lecture |
Week 3: Evolution and Biogeography (JC) Examines the links between the theory of evolution plays and biogeography. |
|
Practical |
Week 3: Prac 2 -Literature Review (II) (JC) Assist students in understanding what is taught in the lecture and preparing the literature review essay (II). |
|
Lecture |
Week 4: Principles in palaeoecology (JC) This lecture will examine palaeoecology |
|
Practical |
Week 4: Practical 3 - Literature review (III) (JC) Assist students in understanding what is taught in the lecture and preparing the literature review essay (II). |
|
Lecture |
Week 5: Paleoclimate: how do we know (JC) This lecture examines how the climate has changed during the Quaternary |
|
Practical |
Week 6: Ecology and water cycles (YW) examine the relationship between ecology and water cycles. |
|
Practical |
Week 6: Prac 4: Herbivory on Campus (CB) Examines the impacts of insect herbivory on campus trees. |
|
Lecture |
Week 7: Paleohydrology (YW) Establish water balance in paleo periods. |
|
Practical |
Week 7: Prac 5 - Pollen analysis (CB) Pollen analysis for reconstructing Environment |
|
Lecture |
Week 8: Principles in Geomorphology (CB) introduces key concepts in geomorphology |
|
Practical |
Week 8: Prac 6 - Relationship between tectonics & geomorphology (CB) examine the relationship between tectonics & geomorphology |
|
Lecture |
Week 9: Southeast Queensland Geomorphology (CB) examine Southeast Queensland Geomorphology. |
|
Lecture |
Week 9: Prac 7: Using proxy records to examine past changes in climate Using proxy records to examine past changes in climate |
|
Not Timetabled |
Mid-semester break |
|
Lecture |
Week 10: Fluvial and coastal geomorphology (CB) investigate the geomorphology of a catchment. |
|
Practical |
Week 10: Prac 8: Mass Movement/erosional influences (CB) Examine mass movement/erosional influences on geomorphology |
|
Lecture |
Week 11: Weathering, dune processes, soil erosion and transport (CB) Examine weathering, dune processes, soil erosion and transport |
|
Practical |
Week 11: Prac 9: Aeolian & Glacial Landforms We will simulate the impacts of sediment run-off to the coast using the Coastal Evolution Model (CEM). |
|
Fieldwork |
Week 12: Field trip Moreton Bay One day field trip in Moreton Bay |
|
Lecture |
Week 13: Course Summary Review all the learning activities in the semester. |
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 - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.