Geosciences - Faculty of Science

Coordinators: Listed below for each level

The discipline

Geosciences is a multidisciplinary science that seeks to understand the Earth's dynamic systems. The geosciences program provides students with an insight into both present-day processes and how the Earth has changed over geological time, including an understanding of how its chemical, physical and biological systems (eg plate tectonics, volcanoes, mountain belts, ocean basins, earthquakes, groundwater and surface water, the biosphere and the atmosphere) are interrelated, and how they have shaped the planet on which we live. Additionally, units in environmental geosciences, mineral and petroleum exploration, and geophysics provide applied geosciences applications relevant for sustainable use of the Earth's resources. Speciality streams within the geosciences include geology, environmental geosciences, geophysics, geochemistry, volcanology and palaeontology. In addition, the discipline draws on, and has links with, numerous allied sciences such as physics, chemistry, biology, geography, information technology, mathematics and atmospheric science.

The core geosciences program examines the major geological processes on planet Earth within a plate tectonic framework. All units are multidisciplinary and reflect both the broad scope and the interaction between the different Earth systems. Further, the units develop transferable skills such as logical thinking, data manipulation, problem solving, team building, research and communication. Careers in geosciences are varied and include mineral and petroleum exploration, marine science, groundwater and surface water resources, teaching, geological engineering and geotechnical surveys, environmental consulting, and resource evaluation. There are also opportunities for geosciences research and development in the university, government, and private sectors. Additionally, the transferable skills developed are in wide demand within the science and non-science sectors of the economy.

Units offered

Level one

ESC1011 Planet Earth and its environment: The cosmic connection
ESC1022 Planet Earth: Dynamic systems, environmental change and resources

Level two

ESC2032 The dynamic biosphere: Changing fauna through geological time
ESC2132 Field geology
ESC2111 The dynamic Earth I: Building of continents and the environment
ESC2122 The dynamic Earth II: Global processes

Level three

ESC3162 Ore deposit geology and global metallogeny
ESC3170 Field geology of New Zealand
ESC3180 Field mapping
ESC3190 Hydrogeology and environmental geophysics
ESC3200 Earth sciences project
ESC3201 Deformation and metamorphism of the crust
ESC3232 The dynamic biosphere: Changing fauna and flora through geological time
ESC3291 Climates in geological time
ESC3311 Geophysics: Regional mapping
ESC3332 Global dynamics and crustal evolution
ESC3410 Earth sciences special studies 1
ESC3411 Sediments, basins and resources
ESC3420 Earth sciences special studies 2
ESC3421 Volcanology and igneous petrology

Sequence requirements

Minor sequence in geosciences (24 points)

At least one of ESC1011, ENV1011 or ESC1022
The remaining 12 or 18 points from the ESC units at level two or three

Major sequence in geosciences (48 points)

At least one of ENV1011, ESC1011 or ESC1022
ESC2111 and ESC2122
The remaining 24 or 30 points from the ESC units at level two or three, including at least 18 points at level three

Recommendations

Level one

Coordinator: Ms Marion Anderson (School of Geosciences)

First-year students studying geosciences should include the 12-point combination ESC1011/ENV1011 and ESC1022 along with SCI1020 (Introduction to statistical reasoning) or STA1010 (Statistical methods for science), and at least one of chemistry, physics, biology, mathematics, computer science or physical geography. Students aiming to specialise in palaeontology should also take biology. Similarly those with interests in environmental science are advised to take two of biology, chemistry and geography, while those with interests in geophysics are advised to take physics and/or mathematics. First-year students who intend to major in geosciences are strongly advised to discuss their program with members of staff.

ESC1011 is of interest to students seeking a broad overview of earth and environmental sciences. ESC1022 provides a continued overview of geosciences, in particular the processes that have shaped the Earth's crust through its evolution.

Level two

Coordinator: To be advised

Students planning to complete a major in geosciences are required to complete ESC2111 and ESC2122; ESC2192 is also strongly recommended.

Geoscience students enrolled in the Bachelor of Environmental Science are advised to complete the major in geosciences to complement their other areas of study. Students who have not taken ESC1011, ENV1011 or ESC1022 may apply to the head of school for permission to enrol in these level-two units.

At least one other coherent package of 12 points at level two from another area of study (chemistry, physics, mathematics and statistics, biological sciences, computer science, geography) should be taken.

ESC2032, ESC2111, ESC2122, ESC2192, ESC2131 are also available to students wishing to take them as independent units to support other studies. Students not intending to proceed to level-three studies in geosciences may take any combination of level-two geosciences units.

Level three

Coordinator: Dr Roberto Weinberg (School of Geosciences)

The level-three program in geosciences consists of several 6-point units in geology, geophysics and environmental geosciences that may be taken in any combination depending on the student's interests and the units completed at level two. Students interested in continuing with geosciences at honours or masters level or becoming professional geologists, geophysicists or environmental geoscientists should take 48 points of geosciences units at level three. While there are no required units at level three, students should choose combinations of units with regard to their interests, experience and future aspirations. Advice on suitable combinations of units for various geosciences streams is available from the School of Geosciences and all students are urged to seek advice before choosing sequences of units. Students interested in the geosciences project unit (ESC3200) must obtain permission from the third-year coordinator before enrolling.

Bachelor of Environmental Science students and others interested in environmental geosciences should include ESC3190 and ESC3291. Students interested in geophysics should combine the three relevant level three units (ESC3410, ESC3311, ESC3332) with other level-three units from geosciences, mathematics or physics.

Level four

Coordinator: Professor Ray Cas (School of Geosciences)

At fourth-year level, students may choose to do either a one-year honours program or the Master of Science preliminary (MScPrelim) program. The honours program involves limited coursework, seminars and a major research project. Entry into the honours program or the MSc preliminary will be based on a distinction grade average in four relevant level-three units. A case can be made for applicants applying several years after graduation, provided it can be demonstrated they have sufficient aptitude for research in the proposed field.

Entry into either the honours or masters preliminary program may take place either in first semester or second semester.