Unit Outline

Geodesy is the study of the Earth's dynamic shape, size, and gravitational field. Modern space geodetic observations underpin not only our ability to determine precise location on Earth and in orbit, but a broad number of scientific fields that address questions of direct societal relevance; the study of regional and global changes in mean sea level, quantifying changes to polar ice caps, determining the velocity of tectonic plates, measurement of surface deformation associated with geo-hazards and understanding changes in hydrology based on time variable gravity and associated ground deformation. The unit is comprised of 4 problem-based modules that each address a particular application of geodetic science in understanding our dynamic planet. In completing the learning modules, you will learn about the modern geodetic observation techniques including GNSS, VLBI, SLR, altimetry and space gravity. The practical component of the unit provides you with hands-on experience in analysing real-world data to investigate processes including sea level change, climate signals, glacial motion, plate tectonics and Earth deformation.

Intended Learning Outcomes

As per the Assessment and Results Policy 1.3, your results will reflect your achievement against specified learning outcomes.

On completion of this unit, you will be able to:


1.	Explain the use of geodetic observations to observe, understand and monitor Earth processes.
2.	Explain modern geodetic observation techniques.
3.	Analyse geodetic data to investigate changes in a range of Earth processes.
4.	Communicate the results of geodetic analyses.

Requisites


REQUISITE TYPE	REQUISITES
Pre-requisite	Any 2 intermediate (level 200) science / geospatial science units

Alterations as a result of student feedback

No changes to this unit were required in response to the feedback from the previous student cohort. As always, the teaching team will greatly appreciate your feedback both informally during the delivery of the unit, and formally through the University of Tasmania’s eVALUate surveys following your completion of the unit.

How will I be Assessed?

For more detailed assessment information please see MyLO.

Assessment schedule


ASSESSMENT TASK #	ASSESSMENT TASK NAME	DATE DUE	WEIGHT	LINKS TO INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES
Assessment Task 1:	Exam	Exam Period	35 %	LO1, LO2, LO4
Assessment Task 2:	Quizzes (x5)	Refer to Assessment Description	20 %	LO1, LO2
Assessment Task 3:	Practical Reports (x3)	Refer to Assessment Description	45 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4

Assessment details

Assessment Task 1: Exam

Task Description:

2-hour, closed book, written exam.
Handheld non-programmable calculators are permitted.

Task Length:

2 hrs

Due Date:

Exam Period

Weight:

35 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Criterion 1.1: Explain what can be inferred from geodetic observations.	LO1
2	Criterion 1.2: Identify the role of different geodetic techniques in understanding Earth processes.	LO1
3	Criterion 2.1: Explain the operation of geodetic techniques.	LO2
4	Criterion 4.2: Use appropriate written conventions to make a scientific conclusion.	LO4

Assessment Task 2: Quizzes (x5)

Task Description:

One MyLO quiz for each module, five in total. Each quiz is in the form of multiple choice questions. Each quiz will open on the Monday of the final week of each module and close on the following Sunday at midnight (weeks 2, 4, 7, 10 and 13). There are five quizzes, each quiz is worth 4% for a total of 20%.

Task Length:

Each quiz comprises of 15- 20 questions requiring approximately 30 minutes to complete.

Due Date:

Refer to Assessment Description

Weight:

20 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Criterion 1.1: Explain what can be inferred from geodetic observations	LO1
2	Criterion 1.2: Identify the role of different geodetic techniques in understanding Earth processes.	LO1
3	Criterion 2.1: Explain the operation of geodetic techniques.	LO2

Assessment Task 3: Practical Reports (x3)

Task Description:

Practical reports are assessed covering material presented in modules 3, 4 and 5. Reports require the analysis of geodetic data to address specific questions. The reports include written responses supported by quantitative data, scientific quality figures and tables, and references to the literature.
Reports are due on the Monday following the completion of each respective module (i.e. Monday of weeks 8, 11 and 14). Three reports must be submitted. Each report is worth 15% for a total of 45%.

Task Length:

Each report is ~4-6 pages in length.

Due Date:

Refer to Assessment Description

Weight:

45 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Criterion 1.1: Explain what can be inferred from geodetic observations.	LO1
2	Criterion 1.2: Identify the role of different geodetic techniques in understanding Earth processes.	LO1
3	Criterion 2.1: Explain the operation of geodetic techniques.	LO2
4	Criterion 3.1: Analyse data using appropriate techniques.	LO3
5	Criterion 4.1: Produce scientific figures and/or tables to support an argument.	LO4
6	Criterion 4.2: Use appropriate written conventions to make a scientific conclusion.	LO4

How your final result is determined

To pass this unit, you need to demonstrate your attainment of each of the Intended Learning Outcomes, achieve a final unit grade of 50% or greater, and pass any hurdle tasks.

Submission of assignments

Where practicable, assignments should be submitted to an assignment submission folder in MYLO. You must submit assignments by the due date or receive a penalty (unless an extension of time has been approved by the Unit Coordinator). Students submitting any assignment in hard copy, or because of a practicum finalisation, must attach a student cover sheet and signed declaration for the submission to be accepted for marking.

Requests for extensions

If you are unable to submit an assessment task by the due date, you should apply for an extension.

A request for an extension should first be discussed with your Unit Coordinator or teaching support team where possible. A request for an extension must be submitted by the assessment due date, except where you can provide evidence it was not possible to do so. Typically, an application for an extension will be supported by documentary evidence: however, where it is not possible for you to provide evidence please contact your Unit Coordinator.

The Unit Coordinator must notify you of the outcome of an extension request within 3 working days of receiving the request.

Late penalties

Assignments submitted after the deadline will receive a late penalty of 5% of the original available mark for each calendar day (or part day) that the assignment is late. Late submissions will not be accepted more than 10 calendar days after the due date, or after assignments have been returned to other students on a scheduled date, whichever occurs first. Further information on Late Penalties can be found on the Assessments and Results Procedure.

Review of results and appeals

You are entitled to ask for a review of the marking and grading of your assessment task if there is an irregularity in the marking standards or an error in the process for determining the outcome of an assessment. Details on how to request a review of a mark for an assignment are outlined in the Review and Appeal of Academic Decisions Procedure.

Required Resources

Required reading materials

All reading materials required are provided in MyLo. Each module has a dedicated reader and a list of additional readings.