Convenors: Prof Brendan Mackey (Fenner School) & Dr Brad Opdyke (DEMS)

This course provides an integrated understanding of Earth as a system. Topics include: a history of Earth’s environment; systems theory; the biophysical processes that characterise the oceans, atmosphere and land surface; the story of life on land and in the oceans; together with an introduction to the global life support systems.

Lectures provide an essential scientific perspective on critical global change processes (3 x 1-hour lectures per week).

Practical sessions offer hands-on experience with global information systems (1 x 2-hour pracs per week).

A major 3-day field excursion introduces students to methods for environmental measurement and observation.

Proposed Assessment: 50% theory exam, 25% practical assignments, 25% field report.

Text Book: The Blue Planet: an introduction to Earth system science (1999) by Brian Skinner, Stephen Porter and Daniel Botkin. Brisbane: Wiley.

Prerequisites: None.

Further information see StudyAt: EMSC1006