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Undergraduate
Information
What is Earth Sciences?
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 Science/Oceanography.
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 Science
and Oceanography concerns the atmosphere and the Earth's
surface, e.g., 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.
Geology and Atmospheric
Science/Oceanography can be taken together or separately, with
other appropriate subjects, preparing the graduate for a career
in a wide range of fields.
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Careers in Earth Sciences
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.
Geologists work in all
parts of Australia, from the temperate zones to the deserts, the
tropics and to oceans beyond our coastline. Many Australian geologists
work overseas, including Antarctica, Europe, the Americas and the
Asia-Pacific region. There are also opportunities to work in a head
office or mine site environment, or with computers, electron microscopes
and other high-tech equipment in laboratories. Geology students
generally obtain work experience during university vacation periods,
helping to ease the transition from study to the work force.
Atmospheric Scientists/Oceanographers
can work in the fastest growing area in the Earth Sciences: climate.
Students with a science degree that includes an atmosphere component,
and in particular, those students who have completed Honours or
a higher degree in atmospheric science/oceanography, are in demand
for a variety of careers, both in private industry (eg: mining companies)
and in Government agencies such as CSIRO, the EPA or the Bureau
of Meteorology. Such students can look forward to working in important
and challenging fields, as people strive to come to terms with the
opportunities and problems associated with our atmospheric and marine
environment.
As their careers develop,
graduates in Earth Sciences can gain employment in other disciplines
where their knowledge of the Earth, its processes and resources
is important. Graduates can be found in stockbroking, investment
analysis, information technology management, government administration,
and private and government environmental groups.
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Some Specific Careers
Finds and evaluate new
deposits such as gold or platinum, or energy sources such as coal
or petroleum, using geological techniques,information from field
studies, geophysical surveys and remote sensing.
Investigates the nature
of existing deposits using similar techniques, and works closely
with other specialists like mining engineers and geophysicists to
determine the most effective way to extract resources in the mining
operation.
Investigates the location
and movement of water beneath the ground surface using geological
techniques. Investigates contaminated sites and salinity. Advise
farmers, planners and other authorities on the best way to manage
and develop groundwater resources.
Studies weather, climate
and the oceans using complex modern tools such as radar and satellites,
in combination with computer modelling.
Assesses the effects
of mining, farming and other activities on the environment and advises
on the rehabilitation of damaged areas. Works on hazard prediction
and management.
Uses sophisticated technology
to measure and interpret the Earth's physical properties and makes
specialist contributions to many applied geology studies.
Educates students in
geology, environmental science, geography and general science.
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Courses in Earth Sciences
The Earth Sciences Majors (for students starting in 2008)
For non-science students: how to satisfy your breadth requirement with Earth Science
Normally the choice
of first year subjects is not prescribed for a particular course
of study. Enrolling in Earth Sciences at this stage does not cut
you off from other course or career options, making it the ideal
first year subject for a range of majors.
Earth Sciences can be fitted in as an elective in any of the Science
Faculty's first year "packages".
The School offers specialisations
in Geology, in Atmospheric and Ocean Sciences, and in Environmental
Earth Sciences within the Earth Sciences major.
In the first semester
of first year at the University of Melbourne, students in the Earth
Sciences take subject 625-101
The Global Environment. This course is a broad-based interdisciplinary
introduction to the Earth Sciences and serves as a prerequisite
for the second semester subjects in the Earth Sciences, 625-102
Understanding Planet Earth and 625-103
Atmosphereic and Ocean Science. Students continuing into second
year in Geology take 625-101 and 625-102 in their first year, while
those continuing into second year atmospheric sciences and oceanography
take 625-101 and 625-103.
Later Year Subjects
in Geology
In second year (200
level), students intending to major
in geology take four subjects representing half of a years work
for a normal second year student; students take other science subjects
for the remaining time. At 300 level, students can take the majority
of their subjects in geology, or take other subjects with them,
perhaps as a co-major. It is worth noting that in addition to the
usual formal methods of teaching - lectures and laboratory classes
- geology features several field
excursions. These are the best format for teaching a practical
subject, and it is on these excursions that a good camaraderie is
established between students and with staff.
Whereas completion of
300 level geology is the minimum education necessary to become a
professional geologist, usually a student is expected to have done
a fourth (Honours) year. The Honours year involves a research project,
usually involving mapping, data acquisition, interpretation and
laboratory work. In addition, further course work is undertaken.
Entry
to Honours requires at least 50 points to be taken in Earth
Sciences at 300 level.
Later Year Subjects
in Atmospheric Science/Oceanography
In second year students
intending to major
in this area take Weather and Climate Systems (625-227)
and Atmospheric Environment Processes (625-228).
In third year students can take a majority of their subjects in
atmospheric science, or if they are doing a "semi major" in this
area, would combine these with other subjects chosen from physics,
chemistry, mathematics and computer science.
As in geology and geophysics,
students who intend to follow a career in atmospheric science/oceanography
need to undertake an Honours
year, and the format of this year is very similar that of the geology
stream.
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Planning Your VCE Course
It is not necessary
for students who wish to enrol in the Earth Sciences to have studied
these subjects previously. The first year Earth Science course,
625-101 has no VCE (matriculation) prerequisites.
As Earth Sciences
is in the Faculty of Science, you need the usual VCE prerequisites
for entry
into the Bachelor of Science degree.
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Combined Courses
The Earth Sciences are
popular as a major component in combined degrees, for example, in
Science/Law, Science/Engineering, Science/Geomatics and Arts/Science.
Such interdisciplinary studies are normally only open to students
with very good VTAC entry scores.
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Conclusion
It is essential that
decision makers and the general public be informed about matters
of growing concern like global
warming, earthquakes,
volcanic hazards, and
soil salinity.
Careers in fields like physics, chemistry, environmental science,
information technology and even stockbroking may be enhanced by
a sound knowledge of Earth Sciences. Earth Sciences is a rapidly
evolving field, full of excitement for the curious and enquiring
mind, and the University of Melbourne is a great place to study
it! A wide range of career options is open to students who study
the Earth Sciences. Even if your career lies elsewhere, an Earth
Science subject will ensure that you are well informed about the
world in which you live.
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What
if I have other questions?
Please contact Kerry Grieser, by:
Phone (+61 3 8344 9866)
Fax (+61 3 8344 7761)
Email (kerryh@unimelb.edu.au)
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