Program Overview

Introduction to the Earth's Surface Unit

The Earth's Surface unit, KEA208, is an exciting blend of science and adventure that explores the dynamic processes shaping the Earth's outer layer. This unit is core to the Earth Sciences Major and includes a five-day pre-semester trip on the scenic east coast of Tasmania, as well as four half-day excursions around Hobart.

Unit Details

• Unit name: Earth's Surface
• Unit code: KEA208
• Credit points: 12.5
• College/School: Sciences and Engineering
• School of Natural Sciences
• Discipline: Earth Sciences
• Coordinator: Doctor Martin Jutzeler
• Available as an elective: Yes
• Delivered By: University of Tasmania
• Level: Intermediate

Sustainable Development Goals

The Unit Coordinator has identified that this unit aligns with the following UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Availability

• Location: Hobart
• Study period: Semester 1
• Attendance options: On-campus
• Available to: Domestic students, International students

Key Dates

• Study Period: Semester 1
• Start date: 23/2/2026
• Census date: 17/3/2026
• WW date: 20/4/2026
• End date: 14/6/2026

Learning Outcomes

• Analyse rock and sediment types by identifying minerals, mineral groups, and textures in rocks and sediments formed at and near the Earth's surface.
• Deduce the formation processes and settings for a range of sedimentary and volcanic rocks based on their distributions, associations, mineralogy, and texture.
• Appraise geoscientific information and surface
  ear-surface geological processes to evaluate impacts of human activities on the environment.

Fee Information

• Field of Education:
• Commencing Student Contribution: $1,192.00
• Grandfathered Student Contribution: $1,192.00
• Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution: Not applicable
• Domestic Full Fee: $3,575.00

Requisites

Prerequisites

• KEA101
• KEA102

Teaching

• Teaching Pattern: The unit will be offered as an intensive in Feb and through the semester for students who can't make it to the excursion.
• Assessment:
  • Field Notes (10%)
  • Excursion Report (30%)
  • Field tests (30%)
  • Practicals (30%)
• Timetable: View the lecture timetable and the full unit timetable.

Textbooks

• Required: Required readings will be listed in the unit outline prior to the start of classes.
• Recommended:
  • Corbett, K.D., Quilty, P.G., and Calver, C.R., 2014, Geological Evolution of Tasmania.
  • Lisle, R, J., Brabham, P., and Barnes J., 2011, Basic Geological Mapping (5th ed).
  • Jerram, D., and Petford, N., 2011 The field description of Igneous Rocks (2nd ed).
  • Nichols, G., 2009, Sedimentology & Stratigraphy (2nd ed).
  • Collinson, J., Mountney N. and Thompson, 2006, Sedimentary Structures (3rd ed).
  • D. Copeland, P., 2012 Communicating rocks.
  • Stow, D.V., 2005, Sedimentary rocks in the field: A colour guide.
  • Tucker, M.E., 2011 Sedimentary rocks in the field: A practical guide (4th ed).