Earth Sciences
What is Earth Sciences?
The Earth Sciences are a unique blend of the traditional fields of Physical Geography, Geology, Oceanography, Climatology and Soil Science. Skilled Earth Scientists, whether they are working in the more traditional fields of mineral and resource extraction, or in environmental fields involving site rehabilitation and monitoring, are in high demand as the population of the Earth expands and its resources decrease.
Earth Science is more than just identifying and categorising rocks. It is the science of the Earth itself and the processes which have shaped our landscapes and environment, and which continue to affect our continued presence on the planet. Those who study Earth Science are practical professionals equipped to address the environmental, social and economic impacts associated with resource use and management.
Why study Earth Sciences?
If you are looking for a rewarding career, interested in the world around you and prepared to face the challenges of the future, Earth Science may be the career for you!
Earth Sciences is about understanding the big picture concerning the origin of the Earth and the Solar System. It is about recording the evolution of life through studying fossils and about understanding why massive mountain ranges form and why volcanoes erupt. It is about predicting earthquakes and their aftershocks.
It also deals with a number of the processes which operate on the surface of the Earth in the geosphere, the hydrosphere and the atmosphere. These processes are responsible for many of the landforms we see on Earth today.
Anyone who enjoys being outdoors should study Earth Science. We all enjoy a beautiful landscape, but few of us understand it. How did Ayers Rock develop? When did the Great Divide form? Why are there no active volcanoes in Australia today? What happened to the dinosaurs? Is the climate of the Earth changing? Earth Scientists can help you to answer these questions.
NSW Institute for Frontier Geoscience
The NSW Institute for Frontier Geoscience (NSW IFG) is a partnership of the University of Newcastle with the NSW Department of Trade and Investment, Regional Infrastructure and Services and Doyles Creek Mining with a view to strategically develop research and teaching linkages with industry. The Institute will showcase research capacity in Earth Sciences from the University and leverage these strengths to expand regional capacities in minerals processing & exploration, carbon capture & storage, geology and geochemistry. It will provide leadership to optimise sustainability and viability of the minerals and mining sectors in NSW.
