Earth Sciences - 2008

Earth Sciences - The Global Environment and The Earth, Atmosphere and Oceans

Introduction

The Earth Sciences encompass a wide range of subjects concerning the solid Earth, hydrosphere and atmosphere, including geology, geophysics, hydrogeology and atmospheric science, as well as aspects of geography and environmental science. An Earth Scientist needs to understand the processes operating within, on and above the Earth's surface. Thus, the Earth Sciences concern the environment in which we all live. The School of Earth Sciences offers two major disciplines at the undergraduate level: Geology and Atmospheric and Ocean Sciences.

Geology concerns the solid Earth, in particular the rocks and their constituent minerals and fossils. The geological record of rocks, formed over much of the Earth's 4500 million year history are the raw materials of geology. The study and interpretation of the geological record is of paramount importance in the search for natural resources like gold, coal, oil, groundwater and rock material used for construction work.

Atmospheric and ocean sciences concern the atmosphere and the Earth's surface, for example, the oceans in that they affect the atmosphere. Understanding is sought of the basic mechanisms underlying the ever-changing problems of weather and climate and how human activities produce significant changes in these mechanisms, and thus in the patterns of weather and climate. Examples of applied oceanography are studying how commercial fishing may be influenced by ocean circulation and properties, coastal pollution and the impact of waves and currents along shorelines.

Career Opportunities

A career in the Earth Sciences opens up a wide range of opportunities to graduates, in Australia and overseas. Geologists and geophysicists are the backbone of resource income earned in Australia. Employment sources include the mineral and petroleum industries or government agencies such as the CSIRO, Geological Surveys, Rural Water Commission and the Department of Natural Resources & Environment. Elsewhere, opportunities include site investigation for dams, tunnels, roads and railways, the development of underground water resources, studies of coastal processes and their impact, earthquake and landslide risk assessment, environment impact studies, teaching, and field and laboratory research programs.

VCE Prerequisites

Completion of Maths Methods 3/4 and one of Chemistry, Biology or Physics 1/2 in Year 11; or enrolment in Maths Methods 3/4 and one of Chemistry, Biology or Physics 3/4 in Year 12. Students must obtain an A/A+ average in the subject areas mentioned, and a B+ average across non prerequisite subjects.

Teaching Location

All classes are taught at the University of Melbourne.

Contact Hours

• Total class hours per week: 5*
• Total days per week: 1-3

* Some flexibility in Earth Sciences attendance requirements may be negotiated between Extension Program students and staff from the School of Earth Sciences. Final arrangements will depend on the number of students interested in the Earth Science program and their availability to attend scheduled classes. Interested students are encouraged to submit an application.

Subject Descriptions

Both subjects must be successfully completed in order to gain the ENTER increment.

Semester 1

625-101 Earth Sciences - The Global Environment

Semester 2

625-104 The Earth, Atmosphere and Oceans

Credit Arrangements

See Credit Policy for further information.

More Information

Associate Professor Janet Hergt
Tel: 8344 9866

School of Earth Sciences
McCoy Building
Corner Swanston Street & Elgin Street
The University of Melbourne Victoria 3010

Web: www.earthsci.unimelb.edu.au