The Blue Planet: An Introduction to Earth System Science

Description

This course provides an introduction to Earth Systems Science, a field of science that investigates how chemical, physical, and biological processes interact to shape and regulate Earth’s environment. To understand the science behind climate change or the extent current global environmental change is being forced by natural processes and human activities, one should understand the Earth System. Students from both science and non-science backgrounds are welcome. In addition, this is a foundation course for students interested in or wanting to pursue earth, marine or water sciences. ‘The Blue Planet’ will build your understanding of how each part of the Earth system - the atmosphere, hydrosphere, geosphere and biosphere - works and interacts over time. You will learn how energy and matter are transferred around the Earth system through the water, carbon, oxygen, nutrient, geologic and solar cycles, and you will be introduced to feedback mechanisms that can amplify or dampen change. A tour of global change through Earth's history is used to provide context for understanding the modern Earth, including the scientific evidence for global warming. Methods for predicting the future path of global warming and its detrimental effects will be examined. A field trip and practicals provide opportunities for learning via direct observation. Learning Outcomes Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to: Use systems thinking to describe the chemical, physical and biological processes that occur on Earth, and especially those processes that drive large-scale environmental change Explain how the past changes in Earth's environment provide a basis for scientific understanding of human impacts on and interactions with the environment. Describe how the atmosphere, the land, biology and the oceans interact and how feedback mechanisms operate within the Earth system. Work constructively both independently and collaboratively. Test hypotheses and perform appropriate experiments, collect key observations, analyse data and apply quantitative approaches to basic Earth Systems problems. Communicate effectively about Earth Systems Science issues and ideas using language that can be understood by the public and scientists. Other Information This course contains a field trip. For details see the published class summary. Students are required to pay a contribution of towards the cost of the trip of ~$30. Payment may be made online at Science Shop: https://scienceshop.anu.edu.au/