Earth Sciences
The demand for experts in Earth Sciences continues to grow as we look to better manage our soil, water, minerals, energy and coastal and marine resources, as well as understand natural hazards such as floods, earthquakes, tsunami, landslides and volcanic eruptions.
The University of Waikato is uniquely placed to offer a thorough grounding in all aspects of the Earth Sciences. We are situated close to both North Island coasts, a short drive from the active Taupo Volcanic Zone, at the heart of the richest New Zealand farming region, and have New Zealand's longest river on our doorstep.
We are a leader in teaching and research related to the Earth’s environment, and offer you a learning experience that goes beyond the laboratory and lecture room - and out into the world.
The Earth Sciences major at Waikato consists of four main sub-disciplines: geology, soil science, hydrology and coastal processes. The first two years concentrate on fundamental knowledge and skills across all subdisciplines. In your final year, you’ll have the option to specialise in a specific area.
Facilities
As an Earth Sciences student at the University of Waikato, you will have access to the University's well-equipped laboratories, and will have the opportunity to examine features in the field and undertake field investigations using a wide range of techniques. You'll be working alongside, and learning from, well-respected researchers, industry professionals and academics.
Build a successful career
As a graduate you will gain the knowledge and skills to pursue a wide range of careers. Earth Sciences graduates are spread across New Zealand and around the world, working in careers ranging from Earth resources' exploration to environmental management and planning, and from scientific research to teaching.
Key information
| Study Locations: | Hamilton; Tauranga |
|---|---|
| Faculty: |
Study Earth Sciences in these qualifications
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Communication Studies
- Bachelor of Computing and Mathematical Sciences with Honours
- Bachelor of Health, Sport and Human Performance
- Bachelor of Laws
- Bachelor of Management Studies with Honours
- Bachelor of Media and Creative Technologies
- Bachelor of Music
- Bachelor of Science
- Bachelor of Science (Technology)
- Bachelor of Social Sciences
- Bachelor of Tourism
- Certificate
- Diploma
- Doctor of Philosophy
- Graduate Certificate
- Graduate Diploma
- Master of Arts
- Master of Arts (Applied)
- Master of Laws
- Master of Management Studies
- Master of Māori and Pacific Development
- Master of Philosophy
- Master of Science
- Master of Science (Research)
- Master of Science (Technology)
- Master of Social Sciences
- Postgraduate Certificate
- Postgraduate Diploma
Earth Sciences as a specialisation of
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Communication Studies
- Bachelor of Computing and Mathematical Sciences with Honours
- Bachelor of Health, Sport and Human Performance
- Bachelor of Laws
- Bachelor of Management Studies with Honours
- Bachelor of Media and Creative Technologies
- Bachelor of Music
- Bachelor of Science
- Bachelor of Science (Technology)
- Bachelor of Social Sciences
- Bachelor of Tourism
- Certificate
- Diploma
- Doctor of Philosophy
- Graduate Certificate
- Graduate Diploma
- Master of Arts
- Master of Arts (Applied)
- Master of Laws
- Master of Management Studies
- Master of Māori and Pacific Development
- Master of Philosophy
- Master of Science
- Master of Science (Research)
- Master of Science (Technology)
- Master of Social Sciences
- Postgraduate Certificate
- Postgraduate Diploma
Career opportunities
- Coastal Engineer
- Coastal Resource Manager
- Engineering Geologist
- Environmental Consultant
- Geologist
- Hydrologist
- Soil Conservator
- Volcanologist
- Water Resource Manager
- Hazard Manager
Papers
Papers available within this subject
Available Earth Sciences papers
Prescriptions for the GradCert(EarthSc) and GradDip(EarthSc)
A Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma are available to graduates who have not included Earth Sciences at an advanced level in their first degree.
For further details, contact the School of Science.
Prescriptions for the PGCert(EarthSc), PGDip(EarthSc), BSc(Hons), MSc, MSc (Research) and MSc(Tech)
Students in masters degrees are normally required to take a thesis and a selection of papers. Normally, only 30 points from ENVS coded paper may be taken as part of an Earth Sciences graduate qualification. Enrolment in papers towards the BSc(Hons) is only by invitation of the Graduate Convenor. Candidates for these graduate qualifications should select their papers in consultation with the Graduate Convenor.
To complete a BSc(Hons) in Earth Sciences, students must complete 120 points at 500 level, including at least 60 points from the papers listed for Earth Sciences, of which at least 30 points must be of research (normally ERTH591).
Prescriptions for the MPhil
The Master of Philosophy is a one year research-based degree in which students undertake a programme of approved and supervised research that leads to a thesis that critically investigates an approved topic of substance and significance, demonstrates expertise in the methods of research and scholarship, displays intellectual independence and makes a substantial original contribution to the subject area concerned, and is of publishable quality.
Prescriptions for the PhD
The Doctor of Philosophy is a three syear research-based degree in which students undertake a programme of approved and supervised research that leads to a thesis that critically investigates an approved topic of substance and significance, demonstrates expertise in the methods of research and scholarship, displays intellectual independence and makes a substantial original contribution to the subject area concerned, and is of publishable quality.
100 Level
| Code | Paper Title | Occurrence / Location |
|---|---|---|
| EARTH101 | Introduction to Earth System Sciences | 18A (Hamilton) |
| A lecture and laboratory paper that explores the interacting processes that affect the surface of the Earth, producing landforms and resources, with a focus on physical processes. Topics covered include coastal processes and hazards; climate change; weathering; erosion and mass movement; soil formation; the hydrological cycle; rive... | ||
| EARTH102 | Discovering Planet Earth | 18B (Hamilton) |
| This paper explores the Earth's interior and its dynamic interaction with the crust, including: the major rocks and minerals; interpreting the rock record and geologic maps; the geological time scale and fossils; plate tectonics; volcanism; earthquakes. | ||
| ENVS101 | Environmental Science | This paper will not be taught in 2018 |
| This paper will not be taught in 2018 | ||
| ERTH103 | Discovering Planet Earth | This paper will not be taught in 2018 |
| This paper will not be taught in 2018 | ||
| ERTH104 | Earth and Ocean Environments | This paper will not be taught in 2018 |
| This paper will not be taught in 2018 | ||
200 Level
| Code | Paper Title | Occurrence / Location |
|---|---|---|
| CHEM200 | Analytical Tools for the Life and Environmental Sciences | This paper will not be taught in 2018 |
| This paper will not be taught in 2018 | ||
| EARTH211 | Earth Resources and Materials | 18A (Hamilton) |
| An introduction to the nature, composition and origin of earth resources and materials. Topics covered include: minerals in society and their properties; origin of igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks; volcanological and sedimentary processes and the importance of earth materials as sources for resources used by society. | ||
| EARTH221 | Soil Science | 18B (Hamilton) |
| An introduction to the nature, formation, and classification of soils, their physical, chemical, mineralogical, and biological properties, and issues of soil quality, land degradation and sustainable management. | ||
| EARTH231 | Water Resources, Weather and Climate | 18A (Hamilton) |
| New Zealand's water resources are coming under increasing pressure for human use, while their management requires that they also provide for healthy freshwater ecosystems. This paper describes the key physical processes that influence the distribution of water in space and time from a New Zealand perspective. Topics covered include... | ||
| EARTH241 | Oceanography | 18B (Hamilton) |
| This paper introduces students to the broad scale properties, issues, and research importance of the global ocean via the main disciplines of oceanography: particularly biological, chemical, geological and physical oceanography | ||
| EARTH251 | Spatial Analysis in Geosciences | 18A (Hamilton) |
| An introduction to quantitative spatial analysis in the geosciences, including production of maps and cross-sections of geomorphology and Earth materials from field and aerial image interpretation, use of 3D models of Earth materials, and an appreciation of volumes and stresses in the Earth's crust. | ||
| ERTH221 | Earth Materials and Processes | This paper will not be taught in 2018 |
| This paper will not be taught in 2018 | ||
| ERTH222 | Stratigraphy, Structure and Field Methods | This paper will not be taught in 2018 |
| This paper will not be taught in 2018 | ||
| ERTH233 | Soils in the Landscape | This paper will not be taught in 2018 |
| This paper will not be taught in 2018 | ||
| ERTH234 | Soil Properties and their Management | This paper will not be taught in 2018 |
| This paper will not be taught in 2018 | ||
| ERTH242 | Oceanography | This paper will not be taught in 2018 |
| This paper will not be taught in 2018 | ||
| ERTH245 | Weather and Climate | This paper will not be taught in 2018 |
| This paper will not be taught in 2018 | ||
| ERTH246 | Introduction to Hydrology | This paper will not be taught in 2018 |
| This paper will not be taught in 2018 | ||
| ERTH251 | Engineering Geomorphology | This paper will not be taught in 2018 |
| This paper will not be taught in 2018 | ||
| ERTH284 | Introduction to Environmental Monitoring | This paper will not be taught in 2018 |
| This paper will not be taught in 2018 | ||
| SCIE279 | Preparation for the Professional Workplace | This paper will not be taught in 2018 |
| This paper will not be taught in 2018 | ||
300 Level
| Code | Paper Title | Occurrence / Location |
|---|---|---|
| ERTH321 | Volcanology | 18A (Hamilton) |
| A study of pyroclastic rocks, physical volcanology, volcanic hazards, the origin of magmas, crystallisation of rock-forming minerals and phase equilibria, petrology and trace element geochemistry of volcanic rocks, and geothermal and mineral resources. | ||
| ERTH322 | Sedimentary and Petroleum Geology | 18B (Hamilton) |
| A study of sedimentary processes, depositional environments, sedimentary basins and associated resources (petroleum and coal). Introduction to sequence stratigraphy, seismic reflection mapping and wireline logging as used in the petroleum exploration industry. | ||
| ERTH333 | Pedology and Land Evaluation | 18B (Hamilton) |
| Soil genesis and spatial variability, quantitative soil survey and soil-landscape modelling, soil taxonomy, and the interpretation of soil and land data in a form applicable to land-use planning and management. | ||
| ERTH334 | Soil and Land Management | 18A (Hamilton) |
| Analysis and interpretation of soil properties relating to land and environmental management. Soil fertility, soil water management, land treatment of wastes, soil degradation and remediation, soil nitrogen and phosphorus cycling. | ||
| ERTH343 | Coastal Geomorphology and Management | 18B (Hamilton) & 18B (Tauranga) |
| A study of the geomorphic development of coastal features. Topics include qualitative and semi-quantitative assessments of coastal hazards, impacts of sea-level rise, dredge spoil disposal, stability of coasts, coastal protection and mitigation of hazards. | ||
| ERTH344 | Coastal Oceanography and Engineering | 18A (Hamilton) |
| A study of water movement in estuarine and shelf environments. Methodologies for quantifying processes and responses for coastal planning and management. Evaluation of design conditions for engineering purposes. Introduction to numerical modelling. | ||
| ERTH345 | Catchment Hydrology | 18A (Hamilton) |
| A study of the measurement, analysis and modelling of surface hydrological processes at the catchment scale, emphasising river flow, evaporation, interception loss and hillslope runoff processes. | ||
| ERTH346 | Freshwater Resources and Hazards | 18B (Hamilton) |
| Overview of freshwater resources and their analysis, with some emphasis on groundwater resources; introduction to hydrological hazards including flood hazard analysis and river contamination modelling. | ||
| ERTH352 | Engineering Geology | 18A (Hamilton) |
| Study of the nature and mechanics of soil instability, slope erosion processes and the physical properties of earth materials. Mitigation and avoidance of hazards resulting from slope instability and associated erosion processes. | ||
| ERTH384 | Advanced Environmental Monitoring | This paper will not be taught in 2018 |
| This paper will not be taught in 2018 | ||
| SCIE371 | Science Work Placement 1 | This paper will not be taught in 2018 |
| This paper will not be taught in 2018 | ||
| SCIE372 | Science Work Placement 2 | 18C (Hamilton) |
| This paper requires a period of work experience in an appropriate and approved industry or applied field. Assessment is by written reports and employer feedback. | ||
| SCIE373 | Science Work Placement 3 | 18C (Hamilton) |
| This paper requires a period of work experience in an appropriate and approved industry or applied field. Assessment is by written reports and employer feedback. | ||
| SCIE374 | Science Work Placement 4 | 18C (Hamilton) |
| This paper requires a period of work experience in an appropriate and approved industry or applied field. Assessment is by written reports and employer feedback. | ||
| SCIE379 | Reflection on Professional Workplace Experience | 18A (Hamilton) |
| This paper will encapsulate post-placement reflection and will focus on reflective learning from the placement experience, self-assessment outcomes initiated in the pre-workplace paper, portfolio completion, skill-gap revisited, career mentoring/direction, CV update, next placement selection process. | ||
500 Level
| Code | Paper Title | Occurrence / Location |
|---|---|---|
| ENVS524 | Environmental Evaluation | This paper will not be taught in 2018 |
| This paper will not be taught in 2018 | ||
| ERTH512 | Special Topic | 18A (Hamilton), 18B (Hamilton) & 18C (Hamilton) |
| Guided individual study on an aspect of Earth sciences. | ||
| ERTH513 | Special Topic | 18A (Hamilton), 18B (Hamilton) & 18C (Hamilton) |
| Guided individual study on an aspect of Earth sciences. | ||
| ERTH524 | Volcanic Processes and Hazards | 18A (Hamilton) |
| A study of volcanic landforms, physical characteristics of volcanic deposits, processes associated with eruption, transport and deposition of volcanic products, and volcanic hazards in active volcanic regions. | ||
| ERTH525 | Hydrothermal Mineral and Energy Systems in New Zealand | 18A (Hamilton) |
| A study of geochemical approaches and methods to solve various problems in the Earth Sciences including volcanic environments, with particular attention to hydrothermal systems, geothermal energy, and the formation of hydrothermal ore deposits. | ||
| ERTH526 | Field Analysis of Sedimentary Basins | This paper will not be taught in 2018 |
| This paper will not be taught in 2018 | ||
| ERTH527 | Sedimentary and Petroleum Geology | This paper will not be taught in 2018 |
| This paper will not be taught in 2018 | ||
| ERTH528 | Quaternary: Past Environments | 18A (Hamilton) |
| This paper examines environmental change during the Quaternary - the last 2.6 million years - and analyses some important methods and evidence used in reconstructing past environments using a stratigraphic framework and geochronology. | ||
| ERTH533 | Soil and Greenhouse Gases | 18B (Hamilton) |
| This paper examines the role that soils and their management play in the production and consumption of greenhouse gases, including a specific focus on the importance of solid carbon. | ||
| ERTH535 | Land and Soil Evaluation | 18A (Hamilton) |
| This paper examines how soil and land may be evaluated to provide an improved understanding of sustainable land management, taking into account productivity and environmental goals. | ||
| ERTH547 | Introduction to Hydrological Modelling | 18B (Hamilton) |
| Optimal use of water resources is an essential part of national economic development. Hydrological science is considered with emphasis on techniques of water resource studies through hydrological model construction and simulations. | ||
| ERTH548 | Ecohydrology | 18A (Hamilton) |
| Ecohydrology is the interdisciplinary study of the interactions between water and ecosystems. It views water, carbon and energy as essential ingredients for living systems, and recognises that ecosystems may modify the hydrological systems of which they are a part. This paper bridges the gap between hydrological, soils, ecological ... | ||
| ERTH552 | Rock Slope Engineering | 18B (Hamilton) |
| This paper considers rock mechanics within engineering geology, including the strength of intact rocks and rock joints, engineering geological hazards, slope stability modelling, and an applied site investigation project. | ||
| ERTH562 | Coastal Sedimentation | 18A (Hamilton) |
| This paper addresses modern contentious issues of coastal sedimentation and sedimentary processes within a range of sedimentary environments. Both fundamentals and applied contexts are examined. | ||
| ERTH563 | Coastal and Estuarine Processes | 18A (Hamilton) |
| This paper provides an understanding of processes controlling movement of water in the ocean, including longwaves, baroclinic and barotropic circulation, wind-driven processes, surf-zone waves and currents, and nearbed currents in the coastal ocean. | ||
| ERTH564 | Coastal and Freshwater Modelling: Physical Approaches | 18C (Hamilton) |
| This paper examines the use of conceptual, empirical and numerical models of coastal systems. | ||
| ERTH565 | Time Series Analysis for Environmental Scientists | This paper will not be taught in 2018 |
| This paper will not be taught in 2018 | ||
| ERTH590 | Directed Study | 18A (Hamilton), 18B (Hamilton) & 18Y (Hamilton) |
| Students have the opportunity to pursue a topic of their own interest under the guidance of academic staff. | ||
| ERTH591 | Dissertation | 18C (Hamilton) |
| A report on the findings of a theoretical or empirical investigation. | ||
| ERTH592 | Dissertation | 18C (Hamilton) |
| A report on the findings of a theoretical or empirical investigation. | ||
| ERTH593 | Earth Sciences Thesis | 18C (Hamilton) |
| An externally examined piece of written work that reports on the findings of supervised research. | ||
| ERTH594 | Earth Sciences Thesis | 18C (Hamilton) |
| An externally examined piece of written work that reports on the findings of supervised research. | ||
| ERTH595 | Earth Sciences Thesis | 18C (Hamilton) |
| An externally examined piece of written work that reports on the findings of supervised research. | ||
| SCIE501 | Research Methods in the Sciences | 18B (Hamilton) |
| This paper will enable students to develop the necessary communication skills and familiarity with research methods and practice to allow them to progress to the thesis component of a masters degree in the sciences, or to extend communication and research skills in those not taking a full research degree. | ||
| SCIE502 | Introductory R Statistics for Scientists | This paper will not be taught in 2018 |
| This paper will not be taught in 2018 | ||
800 Level
| Code | Paper Title | Occurrence / Location |
|---|---|---|
| ERTH800 | Earth Sciences MPhil Thesis | 18C (Hamilton) |
| No description available. | ||
900 Level
| Code | Paper Title | Occurrence / Location |
|---|---|---|
| ERTH900 | Earth Sciences PhD Thesis | 18C (Hamilton) & 18D (Hamilton) |
| No description available. | ||
Smaller class sizes, enthusiastic lecturers and field trips to exciting North Island locations has made Earth Sciences study at Waikato a top experience for student Billy Bodger.
Read stories from other students
Scholarships and Prizes
Selected scholarships for Earth Sciences students.
New to Waikato? The International Excellence Scholarship is worth up to $10,000.
Broad Memorial Fund Closed
For students who are enrolled in the thesis year of a MSc, MSc(Research), MPhil or PhD qualification in Earth Sciences. The value of the scholarship will vary.
DairyNZ Masters Scholarship Closed
For students who are enrolled in the final year or have completed a Bachelors degree in Science, agricultural science, agricultural business or economics and are eligible to enrol in a masters degree at a New Zealand University. Up to three scholarships of $30,000 will be available each year + tuition fees.
Science and Engineering Masters Fees Awards Closed
For students enrolling full-time in the first year MSc (research), MSc, MSc (Tech) ME or MEnvSci programme in the faculty of Engineering. Part-time applicants may be considered but any scholarship awarded will be on a pro-rata basis. The Scholarship will have a value of up to $2,000.
Terry Healy Memorial Award Open
For students who are enrolled or are intending to enrol, part- or full-time in a masters or doctoral degree in Earth Sciences, and who are not receiving other awards providing significant funds or substantial financial assistance under a research contract. The value of the award will vary.
Closing Date: 31 Oct 2018
University of Waikato Research Masters Scholarship Open
For students intending to enrol full-time in a 500-level thesis of 90 points or more as part of their first master's degree at the University of Waikato. International students must have completed at least 120 points of study at a New Zealand university in order to be eligible for this Scholarship.
Closing Date: 31 Oct 2018
Looking for more scholarships?
Contacts
Faculty of Science & Engineering
Phone: +64 7 838 4625 / 0800 438 254
Email: science@waikato.ac.nz
Website: sci.waikato.ac.nz
Facebook: facebook.com/WaikatoScienceEngineering