Outline
GEOP 308 consists of 12 units:
- Unit 1: The Earth and the Solar System
- Unit 2: The Dynamic Earth and Plate Tectonics
- Unit 3: Gravity and the Figure of the Earth
- Unit 4: Gravity Surveying
- Unit 5: Rheology of the Earth
- Unit 6: Seismology
- Unit 7: Earthquakes and the Earth’s Internal Structure
- Unit 8: Geochronology
- Unit 9: The Earth’s Heat
- Unit 10: Geoelectricity
- Unit 11: The Earth’s Magnetic Field
- Unit 12: Paleomagnetism
Learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, you should be able to
- explain the origin of the solar system using the nebular hypothesis.
- discuss the plate tectonics theory and the geophysical evidence that supports it.
- describe the universal law of gravitation and the use of gravimeters in gravity surveys.
- explain the deformation of Earth materials and changes in Earth’s rheology with depth.
- describe the propagation of seismic waves through Earth’s crust and interior.
- describe the use of reflection and refraction seismic waves in surveying.
- explain how radionuclides are used in geochronologic dating, including the principles behind some common dating methods.
- discuss processes by which heat can be transferred in the Earth’s interior.
- describe electrical properties of Earth materials and geoelectric methods used in surveying, including resistivity, electromagnetism, and ground penetrating radar methods.
- explain the origin of the geomagnetic field and how paleomagnetism can be used for reconstructing tectonic movement and for dating.
Evaluation
To receive credit for GEOP 308, you must achieve a course composite grade of at least D (50 percent), submit both assignments, and achieve a grade of at least D (50 percent) on the midterm project and final exam.
The weighting of the composite grade is as follows:
| Activity | Weight |
| Quiz 1 | 10% |
| Assignment 1 | 10% |
| Midterm project | 25% |
| Quiz 2 | 10% |
| Assignment 2 | 10% |
| Final exam | 35% |
| Total | 100% |
The final examination for this course must be requested in advance and written under the supervision of an AU-approved exam invigilator. Invigilators include either ProctorU or an approved in-person invigilation centre that can accommodate online exams. Students are responsible for payment of any invigilation fees. Information on exam request deadlines, invigilators, and other exam-related questions, can be found at the Exams and grades section of the Calendar.
Materials
Digital course materials
Links to the following course materials will be made available in the course:
Lowrie, W., & Fichtner, A. (2020). Fundamentals of geophysics (3rd ed.). Cambridge University Press.
Challenge for credit
Overview
The challenge for credit process allows you to demonstrate that you have acquired a command of the general subject matter, knowledge, intellectual and/or other skills that would normally be found in a university-level course.
Full information about challenge for credit can be found in the Undergraduate Calendar.
Evaluation
To receive credit for the GEOP 308 challenge registration, you must achieve a grade of at least D (50 percent) on the challenge exam. | Activity | Weight |
| Challenge exam | 100% |
| Total | 100% |
The challenge exam is a closed-book exam. You will have three hours to complete it.
Challenge for credit course registration form