Co-requisite majors: Earth Science (EART-MAJ) or Marine Science (MARS-MAJ)
Environmental geology is concerned with the interactions between humans and the geologic environment. It provides a way to apply earth science knowledge to identify, remediate, and prevent environmental problems from occurring due to natural and man-made causes.
Environmental geologists must have a solid understanding of currently occurring and historical geologic events, such as past earthquakes and floods. This knowledge of the past is important because it helps us to get a better idea of what types of geologic events repeat themselves, with what frequency they might occur, and what types of damage occurred because of those events. Environmental geologists are concerned with how the past relates to the present.
Likewise, environmental geologists also protect people from environmental factors beyond their control (like suggesting that they not build a home in an active flood plain), and evaluate and remediate groundwater and surficial pollution.
The specialisation in Environmental Geology, taken in conjunction with a major in Earth Science or a major in Marine Science will prepares students for further study or work in Environmental science, hydrology, government agencies and science education.
Learning Outcomes
- describe how water reacts on the surface of the earth.
- comprehend analytical methods used to measure water quality and elemental properties.
- learn to assess natural and man-made risks and attempt to remediate risks.
- combine observations with theory on case studies that are elaborated individually or in small groups and defend resulting working hypotheses in class.
present research outcomes in scientific reports and seminars to inform expert and non-expert audiences on surficial processes of the Planet Earth.
Other Information
What 1st year courses should you enrol in? EMSC1006 and EMSC1008. Some later year courses also require some Chemistry.
An Environmental Geology specialisation must be taken with an Earth Science or Marine Science Major and will broaden the skills and knowledge in dealing with complex systems.
For example students with an interest in Water Science could select EMSC3019 Coral Reef Studies, and EMSC3025 Groundwater. Students with an interest in Biology could select EMSC3014 Global Stratigraphy and EMSC3020 Geobiology and Evolution of Life on Earth.
Students should seek further course advice from the academic convener of this Environmental Geology specialisation.
Requirements
This specialisation requires the completion of 24 units, which must include:
12 units from completion of the following course(s):
EMSC3023 Marine Biogeochemistry
EMSC3025 Groundwater
12 units from completion of the following course(s):
EMSC3001 Field Geology
EMSC3019 Coral Reef Studies
EMSC3020 Geobiology and Evolution of Life on Earth
Please disregard the following table. The technical issue has been notified and will be sorted out shortly.
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