Future students

The first chemists were geochemists. Studying geochemistry will give you an understanding of the building blocks of our planet, from minerals to mountains and from our ever changing environment to the beginning of our solar system.

Geochemistry is an important part of modern Earth Sciences with ample applications in industry and scientific  research. At the School of Earth, Atmosphere and Environment, we study the chemistry of rocks, sediments, soils and waters so we can expand our understanding of our environment, how and when rocks or ores form, and processes to  make use of geomaterials. We use geochemical fingerprinting in fluids, crystals or massive crustal blocks, ranging from the nano-scale to continental-wide studies.

Ever wondered why we can make accurate weather forecasts? Do you want to know how a tornado works? What does the science really say about human-induced climate change?

The answers lie in physics, and every day you are witnessing it in action in our atmosphere! Whether it is the torrential rain from a thunderstorm, or an unrelenting summer heatwave, all are the result of physical processes occurring in the air around us. By studying atmospheric science in the School of Earth, Atmosphere and Environment, you will be able to understand how the atmosphere works to make our weather and climate. You will learn the skills to do anything from weather forecasting to untangling the intricacies of climate science for decision making in an era of human-induced climate change.

Did you know that the Earth behaves as one big magnet?

Have you ever considered that the Earth's resources are a consequence of the interaction between the deep mantle interior of the Earth and the movement of thin plates that form the skin of the Earth? These same plate movements are responsible for many of the natural disasters that affect  modern society.

The planet we live on is controlled by the Earth's physical properties, yet, we have only tapped the surface.  By studying the Physics of the Earth in the School of Earth, Atmosphere and Environment, you will be able to understand the world you live on and what lies below our feet. You can use your curiosity to become part of one of the great scientific challenges - how we manage our magnificent planet and its natural resources for future generations.

Physical, chemical and biological processes have worked together to make the surface of our planet what it is today. But how do these landscapes form and how and why do they change? You can find out by studying Geographical Science.

You’ll learn about the processes that form characteristic climates, move water and influence water quality, impact soil fertility which affects how we grow food, restore forests after a fire and use advanced spatial mapping tools to identify these changes.

You’ll also discover how we can use this knowledge to understand human interactions with the land, water and atmosphere and how we can best manage Earth’s precious resources.

Combine your love of Biology with Earth Science to understand how life and planets develop together. The biology of the Earth embraces the investigation of all life (animals, plants, microorganisms) and its dynamic ecosystems, from our first record of fossils ~3.7 billion years ago to the present.

By studying the Biology of the Earth, you’ll examine how and why ecosystems move and change. You will search for signs of early life in the far reaches of the planet through fossil records, painting a vivid picture of ancient and unfamiliar worlds. You’ll also learn how plants and microorganisms can restore damaged and contaminated environments and how life in extreme environments on Earth informs our ongoing search for biology elsewhere in our Solar System.