Unit Outline
KGG307
Geodesy: Observing Our Changing Planet
Semester 1, 2026
Christopher Watson
School of Geography, Planning, and Spatial Sciences
Sciences and Engineering (Portfolio)
CRICOS Provider Code: 00586B
Unit Coordinator
Christopher Watson
Email: Christopher.Watson@utas.edu.au
 
What is the Unit About?
Unit Description
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 modern geodetic observation techniques.
2
Explain the use of geodetic observations to observe and understand Earth processes.
3
Analyse geodetic data to investigate a range of Earth processes.
4
Communicate the results of geodetic analyses using appropriate scientific conventions.
Requisites
REQUISITE TYPE
REQUISITES
Pre-requisite
Any 2 intermediate (level 200) science / geospatial science units
Alterations as a result of student feedback
No significant changes to the unit were required in response to feedback from the previous student cohort. There have however been small changes to the unit given the shift to a 12 week semester. The format of some of the assessment tasks have also been changed to ensure 'assurance of learning' throughout the unit. 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 unit evaluation surveys following your completion of the unit
 
 
Teaching arrangements
ATTENDANCE MODE
TEACHING TYPE
LEARNING ACTIVITY
CONTACT HOURS
FREQUENCY
On Campus
Lecture (Online)
Online, synchronous lecture/seminar (1 x 1 hour per week, held each week of semester).
1
Weekly
Practical
In-person, on-campus practical of 3 hours duration, held each week of semester in the computer laboratory.
3
Weekly
Attendance / engagement expectations
If your unit is offered On campus, it is expected that you will attend all on-campus and onsite learning activities. This is to support your own learning and the development of a learning community within the unit. If you are unable to attend regularly, please discuss the situation with your course coordinator and/or our UConnect support team.

If your unit is offered Online or includes online activities, it is expected you will engage in all those activities as indicated in the Unit Outline or MyLO, including any self-directed learning.

If you miss a learning activity for a legitimate reason (e.g., illness, carer responsibilities) teaching staff will attempt to provide alternative activities (e.g., make up readings) where it is possible.
 
Students are reminded that this unit includes two 'assurance of learning' hurdle tasks (poster presentation and invigilated written exam) which must be completed in person, on campus.
 
 
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:
Written report (sea level module)
Week 7
20 %
LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
Assessment Task 2:
Video presentation (crustal motion module)
Week 10
20 %
LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
Assessment Task 3:
Poster presentation (crustal motion module)
Week 13
20 %
LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
Assessment Task 4:
Invigilated Written Exam
Exam Period
40 %
LO1, LO2, LO4
 
Assessment details
Assessment Task 1: Written report (sea level module)
Task Description:
The assessment task requires a written report that will be the culmination of practical sessions throughout module 3 (sea level). The report requires the analysis of geodetic data to address specific questions. The report will include written responses supported by quantitative data, scientific quality figures and tables, and references to the literature.
Task Length:
~4-8 pages.
Due Date:
Week 7 (13/Apr/2026)
Weight:
20 %
 
CRITERION #
CRITERION
MEASURES INTENDED
LEARNING OUTCOME(S)
1
Application of Geodetic Observation Techniques
LO1
2
Understanding of Earth Processes
LO2
3
Data Analysis and Interpretation
LO3
4
Scientific Communication in Written Format
LO4
 
Assessment Task 2: Video presentation (crustal motion module)
Task Description:
This assessment task requires the presentation of a powerpoint video that will be the culmination of practical sessions throughout module 4 (ice sheets). The video will address aspects of your analysis of geodetic data to address specific questions. The video will include quantitative data, scientific quality figures and tables, and references to the literature.
Task Length:
5 slides. 10 min duration.
Due Date:
Week 10 (04/May/2026)
Weight:
20 %
 
 
CRITERION #
CRITERION
MEASURES INTENDED
LEARNING OUTCOME(S)
1
Application of Geodetic Observation Techniques
LO1
2
Understanding of Earth Processes
LO2
3
Data Analysis and Interpretation
LO3
4
Scientific Communication and Engagement
LO4
 
Assessment Task 3: Poster presentation (crustal motion module)
Task Description:
This assessment task requires the preparation and presentation of an A3 poster that will be the culmination of practical sessions throughout module 5 (crustal motion). The poster will include outputs from analysis of geodetic data to address specific questions. The poster will be presented, in person, to the Unit Coordinator who will ask you questions following your presentation. The Unit Coordinator will advise regarding how to print your poster prior to the assessment. This assessment contributes to the assurance of learning assessments in this unit.

Students will be provided with further details including individual assessment time and room location in the week prior to the assessment.
Task Length:
1 A3 poster. 15 min presentation (including questions).
Due Date:
Week 13 (25/May/2026)
Weight:
20 %
 
CRITERION #
CRITERION
MEASURES INTENDED
LEARNING OUTCOME(S)
1
Application of Geodetic Observation Techniques
LO1
2
Understanding of Earth Processes
LO2
3
Data Analysis and Interpretation
LO3
4
Scientific Communication and Engagement
LO4
 
Assessment Task 4: Invigilated Written Exam
Task Description:
In person, invigilated, written exam involving short answer questions. This assessment contributes to the assurance of learning assessments in this unit.

The exact date of this assessment will be advised during semester by the Examinations Office.
Task Length:
2 hrs
Due Date:
Exam Period
Weight:
40 %
 
CRITERION #
CRITERION
MEASURES INTENDED
LEARNING OUTCOME(S)
1
Knowledge of Geodetic Observation Techniques
LO1
2
Understanding of Earth Processes
LO2
3
Application of Concepts to Problem-Solving
LO1, LO2
4
Scientific Communication in Written Format
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. Please note that this unit includes two 'assurance of learning' hurdle tasks (poster presentation and invigilated written exam) which must be completed in person and on campus.
Academic progress review
The results for this unit may be included in a review of your academic progress. For information about progress reviews and what they mean for all students, see Academic Progress Review in the Student Portal.
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.
Academic integrity
Academic integrity is about acting responsibly, honestly, ethically, and collegially when using, producing, and communicating information with other students and staff members.

In written work, you must correctly reference the work of others to maintain academic integrity. To find out the referencing style for this unit, see the assessment information in the MyLO site, or contact your teaching staff. For more detail about Academic Integrity, see Important Guidelines & Support.
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.
 
Recommended reading materials
Recommended readings are provided as part of each module reader. 
 
Other required resources
Students are expected to have a good problem solving and scientific report writing skills, an understanding of mathematical approaches used to analyse data, an understanding of coordinate systems and basic computer programming skills. Matlab will be used throughout the unit - prior experience with this software is not required. Students will be advised how to obtain a student license for Matlab.