Earth Science is an all-embracing term for the science related to the study of our planet and brings together aspects of chemistry, physics, mathematics and biology to understand the processes that shape it. Earth and Marine Sciences are central to many pressing issues of our time such as the supply of resources including energy and water, climate change and natural hazards.
The minor in Earth and Marine Sciences provides an overview of the multidisciplinary approaches taken to understanding complex Earth systems. The evolution through time of rocks, the oceans and the atmosphere, and how this made life on Earth possible are discussed.
The minor addresses the fundamental mechanisms driving global plate tectonics and how this is manifested in earthquakes, mountain belts and volcanoes. An increasingly important aspect of Earth Science is the understanding of past and present climate systems through integrated studies of the interactions between the lithosphere, oceans, atmosphere and biosphere.
Studying the Earth involves “getting out” and testing hypotheses, and many opportunities arise in the minor for field studies. A minor in Earth and Marine Sciences can complement a major in any Science discipline and will broaden the skills and knowledge in dealing with complex systems.
Learning Outcomes
Develop theoretical and practical skills required for Earth Sciences.
Interpret data from a wide range of Earth Science disciplines and relate them to current issues such as the supply of resources, climate change and natural hazards.
Apply an understanding of time (evolution of continents, oceans and life over billions of years) and space (nano to planetary scales) to a variety of contexts.
Analyse complex Earth systems by combining evidence from different science disciplines
Other Information
What 1st year courses should you enrol in? EMSC1006 and EMSC1008. Some later year courses may require CHEM1101 or a 1000 level MATH course (check individual course entries for specific prerequisites).
A minor in Earth and Marine Sciences can be taken in conjunction with any major offered through the College of Science. A minor in Earth and Marine Sciences can complement a major in any Science discipline and will broaden the skills and knowledge in dealing with complex systems.
For example, students with an interest in Chemistry could select EMSC2024 Geochemical Cycles and EMSC2023 Fundamentals of Geology. Students with an interest in Biology could select EMSC3019 Coral Reef Field Studies and EMSC3020 Geobiology and Evolution of Life on Earth. Students with an interest in Maths and/or Physics could select EMSC2021 Fundamentals of Climate Science.
Students should seek further course advice from the academic convener of this Earth and Marine Science minor.
Back to the topRequirements
This minor requires the completion of 24 units, of which:
12 units must come from completion of the following compulsory courses:
EMSC1006 The Blue Planet: An Introduction to Earth System Science (6 units)
EMSC1008 EARTH: The Chemistry and Physics of our Planet (6 units)
12 units must come from completion of the courses from the following list:
EMSC2021 Fundamentals of Climate Science (6 units)
EMSC2022 Introduction to Global Geophysics (6 units)
EMSC2023 Fundamentals of Geology (6 units)
EMSC2024 Geochemical Cycles (6 units)
EMSC3020 Geobiology and Evolution of Life on Earth (6 units)
EMSC3019 Coral Reef Field Studies - (6 units)
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