Undergraduates in Earth Sciences are encouraged to be involved in various student chapters such as AusIMM (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy), undertake research projects in third year and honours and source vacation work placement.
We will be updating this page on upcoming events, seminars and job advertisements throughout semester. Subscribe to the Earth Science blog to receive regular updates on what’s going on and coming up in the department.
EARTH SCIENCE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF NEWCASTLE
Why study with us?
The blend of the traditional fields of physical geography, geology, oceanography, climatology and soil science, makes earth sciences so unique and interesting. You are able to specialise in either geology or environmental geoscience, depending on the courses you choose and career path you want to pursue.
What you will study
In your first year you will be introduced to the Earth’s dynamic systems before having the chance to specialise in second and third year, depending on your area of interest. Areas such as climatology and soils, through to geology of fuels and coastal dynamics are a few of the possible areas of specialisation.
GEOS1040 Earth’s Dynamic Systems Course Info
GEOS1050 Earth Processes and Products Course Info
ENVS1001 Environmental Science Concepts and Methods Course Info
GEOS2170 Optical Mineralogy and Igneous Petrology Course Info
GEOS2080 Earth Science Field Course Course Info
GEOS2050 River Basin Processes Course Info
GEOS2200 Earth’s Sedimentary Rocks and Environments Course Info
GEOS2190 Structural and Field Geology Course Info
GEOS2161 GIS and Remote Sensing Course Info
PHYS2300 Energy and the Environment Course Info
GEOS3170 Resource and Exploration Geology Course Info
GEOS3330 Metamorphic and Field Geology Course Info
GEOS3160 Geology of Fuels Course Info
GEOS3320 Work Integrated Learning Course Info
GEOS3250 Geographic Information Systems Course Info
GEOS2161 GIS and Remote Sensing Course Info
ENVS3007 Environmental Remediation Course Info
GEOS3220 Coastal Dynamics Evolution and Protection Course Info
GEOS3110 Petrology and Crustal Evolution Course Info
GEOS3150 Basin Analysis Course Info
GEOS3260 Field Course in Carbonate Environments Course Info
Practical experience
The earth science major incorporates fieldwork and laboratory components. You will have the opportunity to attend field trips to a variety of destinations throughout the state in order to gain real-world experience.
We encourage students to source work experience within the mining and environmental sectors and complete the work placement course offered in third year which incorporates practical real-world working experience as well as problem solving skills and invaluable report writing skills.
Career opportunities
A Bachelor of Science degree in earth science can open up a wide range of career opportunities both in Australia and overseas. As a graduate, you may go on to find employment in areas such as:
- Energy resources
- Environmental consultancies
- Government agencies
- Mineral exploration and mining
- Schools and universities
- Scientific agencies
Career Information
- AusIMM – Minerals Industry Careers and Career Paths
- AMOS – Job alerts and upcoming events
- Mining Careers – Career paths
- Earth Science Education – Career as a Geologist
- Australian Institute of Geoscientists – AIG’s National Graduate Group
- Society of Exploration Geophysicists Career Centre
- Geoscience Australia Careers
- Environmental Earth Science Careers
RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS
A number of research opportunities exist for Honours and Research Higher Degree projects. Please contact specific research group members for more information.
Students are also able to complete a research project as part of their third year of studies. This helps students determine practical research and report writing skills, and can assist in determining whether students want to continue into Honours, RHD or Academia.
Take a look at our recently finished 2015 project students final presentations:
2015 Project Students
Several Earth Science and Environmental Science students have recently completed a research project as part of their third year of studies. This research project helps students develop essential skills in practical research and report writing, and can also assist in determining whether students want to continue into Honours, RHD or Academia. Click on each of […]
UNDERGRADUATE NEWS
GEOS3250 GIS Poster Presentations
GEOS3250: Geographic Information Systems students recently engaged in a poster session where they presented a given poster topics to their peers. The topics focused on exploring the world of GIS and remote sensing. Students were required to present their posters as well as mark other students posters. This gave everybody the opportunity to answer […]
PhD Scholarship: Rural Mental Health and the Environment
A PhD scholarship opportunity is available for a student to study rural mental health and the environment under the supervision of Professor Brian Kelly. We are seeking an enthusiastic applicant to be part of a team of researchers at the Centre for Resources Health and Safety, to undertake a PhD involving rural mental health and the […]
ENVS3007 Environmental Remediation Field Trip 2017
On May 5th 2017, ENVS3007 Environmental Remediation students visited a former “town gas” work site in Clyde St, Hamilton. Students were shown around the site by a member of Jemena, the company which is currently responsible for monitoring and remediating contaminates left over at the site from its days as a gasworks. Even though […]
GCER Potential Honours Topics for 2017
GCER are offering a range of exciting and interesting Honours topics for students interested in starting Honours throughout 2017. For information on each of these topics and who to contact see the information flyer below. GCER Honours information handout with projects blog
ACE CRC Summer Internships for Undergraduates
Applications are now open for two paid summer internships for Australian undergraduates to work on ACE CRC projects. Applicants please note that the deadline for submission is 5:00pm, Friday 09 October 2015. The Antarctic Climate and Ecosystems CRC has announced a new annual Summer Internship program based in Hobart, commencing in 2015/16. Two internships will be offered each […]
STUDENT CHAPTERS
AMOS Student Chapter
AMOS VISION STATEMENT ABOUT AMOS AMOS is an independent Australian society that supports and fosters interest in meteorology, oceanography and other related sciences. This is done by providing a forum for people with a common interest, and by publishing relevant material. The Society helps all those with an interest in the environment including research workers […]
AusIMM Student Chapter
PROVIDING OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS TO NETWORK AND SHARE KNOWLEDGE WITH PEERS, MEMBERS AND INDUSTRY Student Chapters enable those studying minerals related courses to participate in The AusIMM. They provide the opportunity for students to mix with each other and industry professionals through technical and social functions. Run by an elected committee of students, Student Chapters […]