Earth Sciences (Integrated Earth and Marine Sciences), Bachelor

The Bachelor of Earth Sciences is ideal for students who are curious about the complex system that comprises the solid Earth, its oceans and atmosphere, and the place of Earth in the solar system and beyond. Earth Scientists focus on deciphering the processes that have shaped our planet from its origin, to its changes through time recorded by rocks and fossils, through to modern-day processes. This diversity creates many exciting opportunities for scientific discovery and professional careers. Knowledge of modern-day terrestrial and marine environments help earth scientists interpret ancient data to build 3D syntheses of past Earth environments for a range of applications, e.g. exploring new mineral resources, understanding groundwater flow, and predicting natural hazards and changes in Earth's climate. Increasingly sophisticated technology is used to gain insights into Earth materials and processes using principles and techniques from chemistry, physics, biology and maths. An Earth Sciences degree from UWA will provide you with knowledge and skills that are highly valued by employers of geoscientists. Emphasis is placed on practical skills gained in the laboratory and through fieldwork and can be applied to a diverse range of employment opportunities in industry, consultancies and government. Frequent use of real-world datasets and problem-solving techniques throughout the degree will strengthen your employability, as will the development of generic skills in analysing and synthesising data, communication and teamwork. Earth Scientists have a key role to play in understanding environmental challenges in a changing world and sustainability of resources, e.g. critical metals for renewable technologies, marine and coastal management for habitation, industry and tourism, and energy and water resource management for healthy societies.

A holistic understanding of Earth and its oceans is needed for a more sustainable future. This extended major offers you a research-led experience in studying Earth: from the planet's early history to its foreseeable future, and from the ocean floors to the high mountains. You will learn key skills in the collection and interpretation of geoscientific data, in both terrestrial and marine settings, as well as data analysis and synthesis techniques. These skills will equip you for a future career in federal, state and local government agencies, consultancy and private industry related to minerals, petroleum, groundwater or coastal zone management.