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HE Unit Template
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Planet Earth
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SCGEO1103 - Planet Earth
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2.1
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2026-09-16
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2026-09-16
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Science
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Institute of Innovation, Science & Sustainability
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Science
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Undergraduate
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15
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.125
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010703
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Geology
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010703 - Geology
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<a href="http://www.federation.edu.au/locate/unit/scgeo1103">View unit fees</a>
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Graded (e.g. HD, D, C, etc)
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<p>This unit is presented at an introductory level. The main objective of this unit is to introduce the terminology and science of modern physical geology - the processes involved in creating and shaping the physical environment. It also introduces students to the skills and knowledge required for field-based geological study. In particular this unit provides an introduction to rock relationships and the basics for mapping.</p>
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<p>Topics may include:<br>
1. Mineral identification and classification.<br>
2. Igneous, metamorphic, sedimentary rocks, and the rock-cycle.<br>
3. Map essentials: construction, interpretation, cross-sections, rock relationships and geological history.<br>
4. Geological time: absolute and relative time.<br>
5. Derivation of simple geological histories from geological maps.<br>
6. Rock deformation (folds, faults, fractures, and earthquakes).</p>
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<p>Where supplementary assessment is available a student must have failed overall in the Unit but gained a final mark of 45 per cent or above, has completed all major assessment tasks (including all sub-components where a task has multiple parts) as specified in the Unit Description and is not eligible for any other form of supplementary assessment.</p>
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Semester
0200
Year
Year
2027
Current Year
2026
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SCGEO1103 - Planet Earth
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SCGEO1103 - Planet Earth
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Semester
Semester 1
Semester 2
Summer Semester
Year
2027
2026
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Overview
Key information
Requisites
Learning outcomes
Assessment
FedTASK
Parent Region
Overview
Unit description
<p>This unit is presented at an introductory level. The main objective of this unit is to introduce the terminology and science of modern physical geology - the processes involved in creating and shaping the physical environment. It also introduces students to the skills and knowledge required for field-based geological study. In particular this unit provides an introduction to rock relationships and the basics for mapping.</p>
Unit content
<p>Topics may include:<br> 1. Mineral identification and classification.<br> 2. Igneous, metamorphic, sedimentary rocks, and the rock-cycle.<br> 3. Map essentials: construction, interpretation, cross-sections, rock relationships and geological history.<br> 4. Geological time: absolute and relative time.<br> 5. Derivation of simple geological histories from geological maps.<br> 6. Rock deformation (folds, faults, fractures, and earthquakes).</p>
Key information
Institute / school:
Institute of Innovation, Science & Sustainability
Discipline:
Science
Study level:
Undergraduate
Credit points:
15
EFTSL:
0.125
Field of education:
010703 - Geology
Grade scheme:
Graded (e.g. HD, D, C, etc)
Placement component:
No
Fee information:
<a href="http://www.federation.edu.au/locate/unit/scgeo1103">View unit fees</a>
Requisites
Prerequisite
None
Corequisite
None
Exclusion
None
Learning outcomes
Learning outcomes
<p>On successful completion of this unit, students are expected to gain the following [K]nowledge, [S]kills and [A]pplication of knowledge & skills</p>
Learning Outcomes
Ref
Outcome
K1
<p>Review that the Earth System includes many distinct layers and interacting realms.</p>
K2
<p>Discuss the relationships between the atomic structures of minerals and their chemical/physical properties, as well as their classification.</p>
K3
<p>Relate how rocks and minerals are described and identified and appreciate their use in interpreting geologic histories.</p>
K4
<p>Describe some key minerals of economic importance.</p>
K5
<p>Describe brittle and ductile crustal deformation behaviours and basic geologic structures.</p>
K6
<p>Discuss geologic time and explain the methods used to measure it.</p>
S1
<p>Classify common minerals and rocks using their physical characteristics.</p>
S2
<p>Identify and measure geologic structures.</p>
S3
<p>Construct and interpret geologic maps, stratigraphic columns and cross sections.</p>
S4
<p>Derive simple geological histories.</p>
A1
<p>Interpret the dynamic nature of our planet and the factors which influence its composition, attitude and expression.</p>
A2
<p>Undertake geological mapping and map construction, as well as constructing geologic cross sections.</p>
A3
<p>Interpret geologic histories for specific locations from stratigraphic relationships and absolute age data.</p>
A4
<p>Identify a variety of rocks and minerals in hand specimen from locations around the world.</p>
Assessment
Learning Tasks and Assessment
Ref
Learning task
Assessment type
Weighting
Learning outcomes assessed
1
<p>Participate in and engage with a range of practical learning activities.</p>
<p>Practical exercises</p>
<p>40 - 60%</p>
K1, K2, K3, K4, K5, K6, S1, S2, S3, S4, A1, A3, A4
2
<p>Attend and actively participate in fieldwork excursion.</p>
<p>Field exercise</p>
<p>10-20%</p>
K1, K3, S1, S2, S3, S4, A1, A2, A3
3
<p>Assess understanding of key concepts and principles from lectures, pracs and field excursion.</p>
<p>Test(s) / Examination(s)</p>
<p>40 - 60%</p>
K1, K2, K3, K4, K5, K6, S1, S2, S3, S4
Supplementary assessment available:
Yes
Supplementary assessment information:
<p>Where supplementary assessment is available a student must have failed overall in the Unit but gained a final mark of 45 per cent or above, has completed all major assessment tasks (including all sub-components where a task has multiple parts) as specified in the Unit Description and is not eligible for any other form of supplementary assessment.</p>
FedTASK
FedTASK
Description of FedTASK outcome
Level
FedTASK 1: Interpersonal
The ability to effectively communicate, interact and work with others both individually and in groups.
FedTASK 2: Leadership
The ability to apply professional skills and behaviours in leading others.
FedTASK 3: Critical Thinking and Creativity
The ability to work in complexity and ambiguity using imagination to create new ideas.
FedTASK 4: Digital Literacy
The ability to work fluently across a range of tools and applications to achieve a range of skills.
FedTASK 5: Sustainable and Ethical Mindset
The ability to consider and assess the consequences and impact of ideas and actions in enacting ethical and sustainable decisions.
FedTASK
<p>Federation University recognises that students require key transferable employability skills to prepare them for their future workplace and society. FedTASKs (<strong>T</strong>ransferable <strong>A</strong>ttributes <strong>S</strong>kills and <strong>K</strong>nowledge) provide a targeted focus on five key, transferable Attributes, Skills, and Knowledge that are embedded within curriculum, developed gradually towards successful measures and interlinked with cross-discipline and co-operative learning opportunities.</p>
Key information
Institute / school:
Institute of Innovation, Science & Sustainability
Discipline:
Science
Study level:
Undergraduate
Credit points:
15
EFTSL:
0.125
Field of education:
010703 - Geology
Grade scheme:
Graded (e.g. HD, D, C, etc)
Placement component:
No
Fee information:
<a href="http://www.federation.edu.au/locate/unit/scgeo1103">View unit fees</a>
Additional information
Add Info Static Text
Internal reference: SCGEO1103 - U2.1