SLE102 - Physical Geography
Unit details
| Year | 2025 unit information |
|---|---|
| Enrolment modes: | Trimester 2: Burwood (Melbourne) |
| Credit point(s): | 1 |
| EFTSL value: | 0.125 |
| Previously coded as: | SQA102 |
| Unit Chair: | Trimester 2: Mark Warne |
| Prerequisite: | Nil |
| Corequisite: | Nil |
| Incompatible with: | SLEM102, SQE105 |
| Educator-facilitated (scheduled) learning activities - on-campus unit enrolment: | 2 x 1 hour online lectures per week (weeks 1-5 and 7-10), 2 x 2 hour lectures per trimester (week 6 and 11), 4 x 3 hour practical experience (laboratory) per trimester. |
| Typical study commitment: | Students will on average spend 150 hours over the teaching period undertaking the teaching, learning and assessment activities for this unit. This will include educator guided online learning activities within the unit site. |
Content
This unit will examine interactions between the major components of planet Earth - the geosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere and atmosphere. A particular emphasis is placed on the study of natural disasters and extreme natural events. Major topics will include the formation and subsequent evolution of the earth; plate tectonics; soils, weathering and erosion; the hydrological cycle - including interactions between oceans, rivers, groundwater and polar ice: Earth weather. Minor topics will include studies in the origin of the universe and solar system; the relationship between earth landforms and climate, global environmental change and the earth's energy and mineral resources.
Learning Outcomes
| ULO | These are the Unit Learning Outcomes (ULOs) for this unit. At the completion of this unit, successful students can: | Alignment to Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes (GLOs) |
|---|---|---|
| ULO1 | Develop a model of the Earth involving interactions of broad physical and biological subsystems, and describe at a basic level the geoscientific characteristics (geologic, hydrologic, atmospheric / climatic) of natural habitats and ecosystems. | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities GLO4: Critical thinking |
| ULO2 | Describe the origin and history of the physical Earth, and interpret at a basic level the geo-histories of different physical landscapes. | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities |
| ULO3 | Identify the major reservoirs of water on Earth and link them through the hydrological cycle. | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities |
| ULO4 | Identify basic geological materials and develop a baseline knowledge of physical geology. | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities GLO6: Self-management |
| ULO5 | Identify and describe at a basic level the geoscientific aspects of physical and social environmental problems. | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities |
| ULO6 | Describe and evaluate the major types of geological hazards and physical natural disasters that impact mankind and the natural environment. | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities GLO2: Communication GLO4: Critical thinking GLO6: Self-management |
Assessment
| Assessment Description | Student output | Grading and weighting (% total mark for unit) | Indicative due week |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment 1 Online practical quizzes | Two 50-minute online quizzes | 20% (2 x 10%) | Weeks 5 and 9 |
| Assessment 2 Class tests | Two multiple-choice and written answer tests | 60% (2 x 30%) | Weeks 6 and 11 |
| Assessment 3 Essay | 750-1,000 word written essay | 20% | Week 8 |
The assessment due weeks provided may change. The Unit Chair will clarify the exact assessment requirements, including the due date, at the start of the teaching period.
Learning resource
Prescribed text(s): Skinner, 2011, Blue Planet - Binder Ready Version, 3rd edition, John Wiley & Sons.
The texts and reading list for SLE102 can be found via the University Library.
Note: Select the relevant trimester reading list. Please note that a future teaching period's reading list may not be available until a month prior to the start of that teaching period so you may wish to use the relevant trimester's prior year reading list as a guide only.
Unit Fee Information
Fees and charges vary depending on the type of fee place you hold, your course, your commencement year, the units you choose to study and their study discipline, and your study load.
Tuition fees increase at the beginning of each calendar year and all fees quoted are in Australian dollars ($AUD). Tuition fees do not include textbooks, computer equipment or software, other equipment or costs such as mandatory checks, travel and stationery.
For further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods visit our Current Students website.