Overview

Earth Scientists study the nature and evolution of the structure of our planet, covering everything from natural crystals and fossils to the powerful forces that drive earthquakes and volcanoes and move continents across the globe. Almost everything we do involves the Earth in some way. Tuition covers environmental geology, geochemistry, … For more content click the Read More button below.

Learning Outcomes

1.
Recognise common Earth materials (sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic minerals and rocks) and structures and place basic geologic observations (e.g. rock type, structure, seismicity, and volcanism) to their tectonic setting.
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2.
Explain the major features in the solid Earth (crust, mantle and core).
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3.
Describe the broad attributes, structures (faults, folds, fabrics), interactions and processes relevant to Earth Science (e.g. sedimentation and erosion, deformation, landscape evolution).
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4.
Access, evaluate and apply current literature, theories and practices regarding the evolution of life and the development of the physical environment in deep time and how Earth scientists construct the geological time scale.
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5.
Interpret a geologic map, collect and synthesize field observations of Earth materials and structures, and formulate and test hypotheses to explain these observations.
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6.
Recognise, apply and appreciate the role of modern analytical and exploratory techniques in various Earth Science endeavours, including relevant techniques of geophysics, remote sensing, GIS and geo-statistics.
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7.
Use laboratory techniques and approaches to generate meaningful data and use maps, geologic cross-sections, stratigraphic columns and mapping tools to evaluate the geologic history of a region, and interpret structure and tectonic setting.
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Graduate Capabilities

For more information on Graduate Capabilities please click on this link

Available in Program(s)
Single degree program(s) in which this specialisation is available:

Bachelor of Science and Business - BSc&Bus3925 - Science and Business
Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours) - BAdvSci(Hons)3962 - Advanced Science (Honours)
Bachelor of Environmental Management - BEnvMgmt3965 - Environmental Management
Bachelor of Science - BSc3970 - Science
Bachelor of Science (International) - BSc(International)3987 - Science (International)

Specialisation Structure

Students must complete 78 UOC.

Level 1 Core Courses24 Units of Credit:
Level 2 Core Courses24 Units of Credit:
Level 3 Core Courses12 Units of Credit:
Level 2 Prescribed Electives6 Units of Credit:
Level 3 Prescribed Electives12 Units of Credit:
Recommended Electives

Enrolment Disclaimer

Please note that this Handbook is a comprehensive catalogue of our offerings and includes courses that can be taken to satisfy program requirements irrespective as to their availability for a particular year. Availability of courses is best checked using filters on this site or on the class timetable site.

You are responsible for ensuring that you enrol in courses according to your program requirements and by following the advice of your Program Authority. myUNSW enrolment checks that you have met enrolment requirements such as pre-requisites for individual courses but not that you are enrolling in courses that will count towards your program requirements.

Additional Information

Notes

  1. The School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences maintain enrolment guides for many sub-disciplines of Earth Science: these are available from the School of BEES website (under Current Students).

Honours

Students seeking to enrol into Honours in Earth Science should refer to program 4500 - Science (Honours) and the plan page for Geology (Honours) in this Handbook.

Pre-2019 Handbook Editions

Access past handbook editions (2018 and prior)
Pre-2019 Handbook Editions