Earth Evolution
UndergraduateTAS-KEA1022025
Course information for 2025 intake View information for 2024 course intake
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- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Enrol by
- 13 July 2025
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR needed, No prior study
- Duration
- 14 weeks
- Price from
- $3,405
- Upfront cost
- $0
- Loan available
- HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP available
Earth Evolution
About this subject
Upon successful completion of this subject, the student should be able to:
- Outline major scientific theories and ideas on the geological and geobiological history of Earth
- Identify fossils, rocks and minerals, including those associated with Earth resources
- Describe how human activities influence surface and near surface environments on Earth
- Global Environmental Change: the Earth and Geological Time
- Global Environmental Change: Precambrian
- Global Environmental Change: Paleozoic Era
- Global Environmental Change: Mesozoic Era
- Global Environmental Change: Cenozoic Era, Holocene, Anthropocene
- Geoscience Toolbox for Tracking Environmental Change
- Environmental Geoscience and Hydrology
- Energy, Fossil Fuels and CO2 Sequestration
- Metal Enrichment Systems
- Metal Enrichment Systems 2 and Mine Remediation
- Geological Hazards on Earth
- Geoscience for Sustainability
The subject provides a broad understanding of the dynamic processes that are active at and near the surface of the Earth and is suitable for general science and arts students with an interest in the geological sciences. KEA102 is a required subject in the Earth Sciences major, and prerequisite for the study of Earth Science subjects at second year level. The subject delves back through the layers of time, examining fossils and rocks to uncover the evolution of Earth. There is a particular focus on Earth's recent history, contrasting natural vs. anthropogenic changes on Earth systems. The subject is then focused on sustainability- a global challenge of the United Nations. The subject investigates Earth resources that fuel our civilisation and provide critical metals for a net carbon zero future. It brings geoscience into the context of our environment, encompassing issues such as mining, groundwater and natural hazards. Practical sessions are devoted to understanding ancient life, identifying ore minerals and understanding processes of ore formation, understanding environmental issues such as groundwater flow, and introducing hydrocarbon exploration methods. A short excursion explores some of Hobart's geological hazards. A one day field trip (virtual) will reinforce aspects of ore geology and unravel the history recorded in sedimentary rocks spanning one of the greatest global mass extinction events.
- Online Quizzes (15%)
- Final Exam (40%)
- Weekly Practicals (35%)
- Report - Excursion (virtual) (10%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
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Entry requirements
No entry requirements
Additional requirements
- Other requirements - Teaching Arrangement: 2 hrs lectures weekly (asynchronous, prerecorded, 13 weeks), 1 x 1-hr online tutorial weekly (13 weeks), 3-hr online lab weekly (13 weeks), virtual excursion
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.
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What to study next?
Once you’ve completed this subject it can be credited towards one of the following courses
Bachelor of Science (Sustainability)
UndergraduateTAS-SUS-DEG
Bachelor of Science (Geography and Environment)
UndergraduateTAS-SCG-DEG
Bachelor of Psychological Science and Bachelor of Science
UndergraduateTAS-PSC-DEG
Bachelor of Business and Bachelor of Science
UndergraduateTAS-BBS-DEG
Diploma of University Studies (Science Pathway)
UndergraduateTAS-USS-DIP
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