Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 18/11/2024)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- External
- Attendance mode
- Online
- 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:
To achieve this purpose there will be lectures and practical sessions. Students will also participate in a virtual field trip to the Southern Great Barrier Reef and Keppel Bay.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.
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
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
GEOS2103 (co-taught)
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Dr Caroline Brownhall
Dr Jennifer Cooling
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 current issues in biogeography 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.
Completed assignments must be submitted as an electronic copy through Turnitin in Blackboard. Assignments submitted after the deadline will be penalised.
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.
Courses graded 1-7
Should you fail a course with a grade of 3, you may be eligible for supplementary assessment. Refer to my.UQ 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
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.
Academic Integrity:
All students must complete the Academic Integrity Tutorial: https://www.uq.edu.au/integrity/
Artificial Intelligence Use (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”.
Students can download the digital receipt in the Assignment inbox to confirm successful submission. A valid Turnitin receipt will be the only evidence accepted if assessments are missing. Without evidence, the assessment will receive 10% per day of the available marks late penalty deduction, and after seven days, will receive zero marks.
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
Library resources are available 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. |
|
Practical |
Week 2: Practical 1 - The Biome Concept (Online) Biomes - Analyzing Global Terrestrial Ecosystems - This is an online practical but supported on zoom. |
|
Lecture |
Week 2: Patterns of Biogeographic Distribution(JC) Examines key issues associated with the distribution of plants and animals across the globe |
|
Practical |
Week 3: Practical 2 - Herbivory on Campus Examines the impacts of insect hebivory on campus trees. |
|
Lecture |
Week 3: Evolution and Biogeography (FM) This lecture examines the links between the theory of evolution plays and biogeography. |
|
Lecture |
Week 4: Principles in palaeoecology (FM) This lecture will examine palaeoecology |
|
Practical |
Week 5: Practical 3 - Pollen analysis This practical examines the use of pollen for reconstructing environments |
|
Lecture |
Week 5: Quaternary environments (FM) This lecture examines how the climate has changed during the Quaternary |
|
Practical |
Week 6: Practical 4 - Tree Rings (Online) This practical will examine past changes in climate using proxy records |
|
Lecture |
Week 6: Geochronology and age control (JC) |
|
Lecture |
Week 7: Principles in Geomorphology (DH) This lecture introduces students to key concepts in Geomorphology (and the course). |
|
Practical |
Week 8: Practical 5 - Sediment analysis and flux This practical will investigate sediment characteristics and calculate sediment transport and flux in natural settings. |
|
Lecture |
Week 8: Weathering, erosion and transport (DH) |
|
Practical |
Week 9: Pratical 6 - Coastal sediment transport We will combine empirical and practical models of coastal sediment transport. |
|
Lecture |
Week 9: Catchment and Fluvial Geomorphology (DH) |
|
Lecture |
Mid-Semester Break |
|
Practical |
Week 10: Assignment Prac 1 - Catchment We will use a DEM of the Burdkein to investigate the geomoprhology of the catchment and create a hypsometric curve. |
|
Lecture |
Week 10: Coastal Geomorphology (DH) |
|
Practical |
Week 11: Assignment Prac 2 - Run-off We will use the model HYDROTREND to simulate run-off to the coast in the Burdekin under different climate scenarios. |
|
Lecture |
Week 11: Aeolian Geomorphology (DH) |
|
Practical |
Week 12: Assignment Prac 3 - Coastal Evolution We will simluate the impacts of sediment run-off to the coast using the Coastal Evolution Model (CEM). |
|
Lecture |
Week 12: Glaciers (DH) |
|
Lecture |
Week 13: Course Summary |
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.