Geoscience

Did you know that Earth’s long-term climate is controlled by geological processes? Or that geoscientists are leading the search for life on Mars? Do you want to learn practical applications of science for the real-world challenges that we face on Earth? 

Geoscience integrates fundamental information across the breadth of science to understand our planet, its evolution and our current world.  

With a major in Geoscience, you will unravel the planetary processes that control Earth’s core all the way through to our oceans and climate. Geoscience is scientific detective-work, using clues from micro-scale minerals up to satellites and the solar system; from detailed observations to big-data approaches. Using the rock record, you will develop critical problem-solving skills and practical experience in reading the history of the Earth and life. 

These approaches are fundamental for any career in science that wants to make a real difference to our planet. Careers in geoscience can be wide-ranging and include environmental consulting, environmental management, major infrastructure projects, government, research, minerals exploration and working in the energy industry. Graduates will be prepared for these pathways through a practical, hands-on degree which integrates geological information across a wide range of disciplines. 

This major will develop knowledge from lab- and field-based studies through to more theoretical aspects of rocks, minerals and their behaviour during Earth processes. Students will use these techniques to solve outstanding questions about how the Earth works, including the competing problems of resource consumption (water, minerals, energy) and the environment. 

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of this major, students should be able to:

• Apply knowledge from a range of core disciplines in geology including structural geology, tectonics, igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary petrology, field geology, sedimentology, stratigraphy, mineralogy, geodynamics and palaeontology as developed from a sequence of specialist and integrated subjects
• Use petrology, geological mapping, geological modelling, and the critical evaluation of scientific literature, in order to make contributions in research, education or in the minerals, mining, petroleum or environmental industries
• Value the role of the cultures in science that are practiced in the investigation of geology, and specifically the role of observations, analysis, and experimental design, models of various types, theory, and mathematics
• Synthesize geological knowledge from a wide variety of sources and data types
• Apply knowledge and skills in order to develop an understanding of Earth history and climate change, at time scales ranging from decadal to billions of years as well as expertise relevant to finite natural resources like oil, gas, minerals and groundwater
• Work effectively in a team environment with an appreciation of cultural and discipline diversity that comes from a diverse of student cohort in group learning experiences and challenging field situations
• Communicate effectively with other scientists and with non-scientists.