Earth Sciences

Earth Sciences is about understanding the planet and processes that affect and have affected the planet over its 4,500,000,000 year history.

Geologists and geophysicists investigate the earth, from its surface, through its crust and to its deep mantle using rocks that outcrop on the surface, boreholes and geophysical remote sensing. From cataclysmic earthquakes and volcanic eruptions to imperceptibly slow surface weathering, geologists and geophysicists investigate the processes that have shaped the planet, its resource endowment and its environment throughout its 4.5 billion year history. The focus of research in Earth Sciences is on continental evolution, biogeoscience, near surface geophysics, regolith geoscience and mineral exploration.

Earth Sciences at The University of Adelaide has a mineral resources focus and very strong links with the South Australian minerals and petroleum industry. Postgraduates and staff have an international network of research links and an outstanding record of achievement witnessed by publications, prestigious conference presentations, prizes and extensive funding from government agencies such as the ARC (Australian Research Council) and Department of Manufacturing, Innovation, Trade, Resources and Energy (DMITRE).

Earth Sciences can be studied in a number of ways at The University of Adelaide. Many students study undertake the Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Science (Advanced) degree programs and major in ‘Geology’ and/or ‘Geophysics and Applied Geology’. The Bachelor of Science allows a lot of flexibility and entry pathways into geology and geophysics that are illustrated in this printable.

We also offer a highly regarded Honours program. For many students, the decision to do Honours is a natural choice at the end of their Bachelor of Science degree. The major goal of our Honours programs is to equip you with a wide range of skills that will allow you to tackle graduate employment programs of further postgraduate research with confidence!