Courses - Faculty of Science
Earth Sciences
Stage I
Earth’s Natural Hazards
New Zealand experiences many natural hazards caused by the Earth’s natural processes through earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, weather bombs, storm surge, tsunami, flooding and wildfires. Focuses on spatial and temporal occurrences of disasters, hazard preparedness and recovery, and societal responses that affect and, sometimes, compound the magnitude of disasters. Case studies are drawn from contemporary and ancient societies.
Stage II
4.5 Billion Years of Earth and its Life
Earth’s surface is dynamic, constantly interacting with the oceans and atmosphere while recycling its rocks. Rocks contain Earth’s physical and biologic history, recording life-changing events such as mass extinctions and global glaciations. Through the introduction of multidisciplinary techniques, the course explores how rocks are used to reveal Earth’s long history, and how they help give a glimpse into its future.
Prerequisite: 60 points passed or 30 points from ENV 100-103
Earth’s Resources and Future
Humans depend on Earth’s mineral and energy resources, but they are finite and their use creates environmental wastes. The course focuses on mineral and rock formation, and how they can be interpreted to understand the natural processes operating in the Earth System. Examines the expanding and changing use of resources and the need for stewardship of Earth for our future.
Prerequisite: 60 points passed or 30 points from ENV 100-103
Buckled and Broken: Our Stressed Planet
Introduces techniques used to analyse and understand folds, faults and stresses within the Earth. Focuses on how to interpret and extract useful information from geologic maps, construct geologic cross-sections, and synthesise analytical results into a coherent structural history, while gaining an appreciation of the relevance of such studies to modern society.
Prerequisite: 60 points passed or 30 points from ENV 100-103
Restriction: EARTHSCI 204
Practice in Earth Sciences 1
A practical and field based course that introduces and develops theory and work flows to enable students to read, document and interpret landforms and landscapes in 4-D. Students will be required to participate in a residential field experience and undertake independent field work.
Prerequisite: 60 points passed or 30 points from ENV 100-103
Restriction: EARTHSCI 201, 260
Stage III
Sedimentary Systems
An advanced course that critically examines ancient and contemporary sedimentary systems. State of the art techniques and technologies (sedimentology, geomorphology, modelling) are used to examine the physical and biological processes in freshwater and marine environments. The application of sedimentary systems in the context of Earth’s resources and the current energy transition are highlighted.
Earth's Changing Climate
An exploration of long-term climatic and environmental variability from deep time to the present - all placed in the context of our warming world. Emphasis is on the nature and drivers of climate change, and the tools used for analysis of past climate impacts on Earth landscapes, the hydrosphere and the biosphere.
Prerequisite: 45 points at Stage II, including 15 points from EARTHSCI 201, 202, 220, GEOG 260-263, or equivalent
Tectonic and Magmatic Systems
Explores the tectonic and magmatic evolution of Earth and planetary systems, including their formation, composition, and how they deform. Students are exposed to seminal literature covering the various geological, geochemical, geophysical, and modelling tools and methods used for deciphering Earth deformation and magmatism, and the critical feedbacks between these processes. Recommended preparation: EARTHSCI 203, 208
Restriction: EARTHSCI 304, 305
Analytical Skills in Geology
A laboratory and field-based course expanding a student’s ability to collect, synthesise and analyse the range of datasets encountered in Earth Sciences, in disciplines such as geochemistry, sedimentology, structural geology and geophysics. Activities focus around a residential geological field-trip, where students develop advanced quantitative field skills in geologically diverse settings, and provide a report synthesising and interpreting their collected data.
Prerequisite: EARTHSCI 220, 30 points from EARTHSCI 202, 203, 208, 262 and a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher
Practice in Earth Sciences 2
A practical and field based course that embeds theory and work flows to enable students to read, document and interpret complex and vulnerable landforms and landscapes in 4-D. Students will be required to participate in a residential field experience and undertake independent field work.
Prerequisite: EARTHSCI 220
Restriction: EARTHSCI 301, GEOG 330
Imaging the Subsurface
Geophysical imaging of the subsurface utilises contrasting rock and fluid properties. Applications include environmental, engineering, resource, hazard, and tectonic studies. Students will acquire and interpret geophysical data by attending a one-day field trip and through laboratory sessions.
Prerequisite: 15 points at Stage II in Earth Sciences, Environmental Physics, Geophysics
Restriction: GEOLOGY 361, GEOPHYS 361
Engineering Geology
An integration of quantitative and qualitative concepts in geology as applied to engineering projects. Fundamentals of soil and rock mechanics will be introduced. Topics covered in the course include landslides, dewatering schemes, contaminant transport, foundations, mines (open-pit and underground), dams, tunnels, urban geology, and transportation infrastructures. Case studies are used in lectures to demonstrate the importance of geology and water to engineering projects. Fieldwork is required.
Restriction: CIVIL 726, GEOLOGY 372
Capstone: Earth Sciences
Conducting an Earth Science investigation involving a range of skills, as practised in research and industry careers. Students will undertake an independent research project involving field, desktop and/or laboratory work, and communicate the results in written and oral formats. Skills gained include ability to design a research project, collect and analyse qualitative and quantitative Earth Science data, and research communication.
Prerequisite: 30 points at Stage III in Earth Sciences
Postgraduate 700 Level Courses
Hydrothermal Systems
Active hydrothermal systems are dynamic and significant to national energy requirements, hazards assessment and understanding planetary evolution. Geologic, hydrologic, and geochemical features of hydrothermal systems are considered with an emphasis on hydrothermal systems, sustainable geothermal energy extraction, mechanisms underpinning hydrothermal eruptions, and the potential role of hydrothermal systems in origin of/early life scenarios and the search for extra-terrestrial life.
Geohazards
Contemporary methods used to identify and assess natural hazards, techniques used for the probabilistic forecasting, spatial representation and communication of hazards. How the relationship between hazard information, risk mitigation and emergency management is addressed. There will be a strong focus on the use of case studies.
Faults and Fluids
Fault-fluid interaction is critical in earthquake dynamics and hydrothermal systems that have implications for geothermal energy, ore mineralisation and, via hydrothermal alteration, land stability. We will explore the fundamentals of these interactions and their relevance to hazard and resource challenges of society today. This course will be anchored by a strong in-person field component.
Restriction: EARTHSCI 706
Environmental Geochemistry
Provides a broad overview of applications of geochemistry across multiple disciplines. In addition, this course will help determine the suitability of different analytical techniques to different problems while providing practical experience in collecting and evaluating geochemical data. Subject areas are wide-reaching and include, geology, environmental science, biology, archaeology, and forensic sciences. No formal prerequisite but knowledge of introductory chemistry will be assumed.
Exploring Environmental Change
Sedimentary and biological records show that extreme, rapid and short-lived climatic and environmental changes occurred in the past. Case studies are used to introduce the tools used to identify and interpret abrupt environmental changes during the Last Glacial Period and Holocene that may have implications for the present and our future.
Volcanoes
Volcanoes were an important part in the formation of Earth’s crust and atmosphere and influenced the evolution of life. Today, volcanoes play an important role in society from hazards and resources to recreation. This course covers how and why volcanoes erupt from magma processes in the mantle to eruption at the surface.
Integrated Sedimentology and Tectonics
Develops an advanced and practical understanding of how sedimentary and tectonic processes relate to one another. Case studies, field work, guest lectures and discussions will allow critical examination of the latest research into the dynamics of tectonic and sedimentary environments.
Engineering Geological Mapping
A field-based course which provides hands-on experience in outcrop mapping, geomorphic mapping, and simple field testing of rocks and soils for geotechnical purposes.
Advanced Engineering Geology
Advanced engineering geology focused on engineering practice. Interpretation of in-situ testing and laboratory test data (including groundwater) for the derivation of design parameters for input into numerical modeling software. The topics covered include, but are not limited to, design and analysis of site investigation, advanced core logging, slope stability analysis, rock fall assessment, introduction to numerical modeling, liquefaction and seismic hazard assessment for engineering design.
Hydrogeology
Introduces aquifers and aquifer properties; the various processes and techniques utilised in the discovery, development and assessment of groundwater resources; groundwater in construction; groundwater contamination.
BAdvSci(Hons) Dissertation in Geology - Level 9
Prerequisite: Approval of Programme Director or Major/Specialisation Lead
To complete this course students must enrol in EARTHSCI 785 A and B, or EARTHSCI 785
Honours Research Project - Level 9
To complete this course students must enrol in EARTHSCI 789 A and B, or EARTHSCI 789
Thesis in Engineering Geology - Level 9
To complete this course students must enrol in EARTHSCI 794 A and B