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What is Earth Sciences?

Earth Sciences, the science of the Earth, is concerned with understanding:

• The earth's internal structure and composition, its dynamic character (earthquakes, volcanoes, plate tectonics), and the processes that occur within it
• The processes that shape the surface of the Earth, and the materials that constitute its surface layers
• The origin, occurrence, extraction and conservation of the Earth's natural resources - minerals, fossil fuels, soils, water
• The place of the Earth within the Solar System
• The history of life on Earth

Earth Sciences puts the human race in planetary perspective within space and time. As our awareness of human interactions with the environment increases, our need for better understanding of the way the earth works becomes more urgent.

Increasingly, a grounding in Earth Sciences is seen as essential for those concerned with care of the environment and assessment of natural hazards, as well as for those involved with utilising Earth's resources. Solutions to problems of pollution and waste disposal, to major civil engineering problems such as those encountered at dam sites, and to the effects of global change arising from human impact on the environment, must all be sought within the framework of Earth Sciences.

Course Combinations and Degrees

Almost all science subjects can be combined with Earth Sciences courses to gain a wide variety of degrees, from B.Sc. through to Ph.D., which lead to a number of different fields of employment.

Career Opportunities

A degree in Earth Sciences opens the door to many careers. Most jobs entail a varied mixture of travel and work in the field, in the laboratory, and in the office. Possible careers include:

• Assessment of natural hazards (earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides, floods), environmental planning and monitoring
• Conservation and management of soil and ground-water resources
• Exploration for energy and mineral resources
• Teaching careers at secondary and university level
• Site investigations for engineering projects
• Research into Earth processes and history

 

 

 

 

 

 

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