Graduate Coursework

Master of Science (Earth Sciences)

Course code: MC-SCIEAR

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Domestic students
domestic
International students
international
Duration
2 years full time / 4 years part time
Mode (Location)
On campus (Parkville)
Intake

January, July

Key dates

Fees

Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) available

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Entry schemes

Access Melbourne is available

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Duration
2 years full time
Mode (Location)
On campus (Parkville)
Intake

January, July

Key dates

Fees

AUD $60,992 (2026 indicative first year fee)

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English language requirements

IELTS 6.5: with no band less than 6.0

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CRICOS code
094596M
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Course structure

Overview

Course structure

The Master of Science (Earth Sciences) is a 200-point course, made up of:

Two streams are available: Atmospheric Science and Geology.

You’ll be able to choose your discipline core and elective subjects from a broad range available.

We know that you’ll need professional skills to give you the edge in the workplace, so you’ll be able to select from a wide range of high-level professional subjects, including scientific communication, business, modelling, programming, and more.

All students undertake a research project over four semesters, working on a real-world Earth sciences research question. You'll be supported by one of our expert researchers, who'll also provide direction. At the end of the process, you’ll be encouraged to submit your report for publication in a journal. Our current areas of research activity include climate variability and change, sedimentary geology, archaeological science, and the physics and chemistry of Earth's deep interior.

Sample course plan

View some sample course plans to help you select subjects that will meet the requirements for this coursework.

200-Point program

Year 1

100 pts

Semester 1 · 50 pts
  • 6.25 pts
  • 6.25 pts
  • 6.25 pts
  • 6.25 pts
  • Earth Sciences Research Project Pt1 – ERTH90036 – 25 pts
Semester 2 · 50 pts
  • 6.25 pts
  • 6.25 pts
  • Science Communication – SCIE90012 – 12.5 pts
  • Earth Sciences Research Project Pt2 – ERTH90040 – 25 pts

Year 2

100 pts

Semester 1 · 50 pts
  • 6.25 pts
  • 6.25 pts
  • Earth Sciences Research Project Pt3 – ERTH90045 – 37.5 pts
Semester 2 · 50 pts
  • 12.5 pts
  • Earth Sciences Research Project Pt4 – ERTH90049 – 37.5 pts

Explore this course

Explore the subjects you could choose as part of this degree.

Atmospheric Science stream

Complete 50 points of the following subjects. Additionally, select a further 12.5 points from level 9 Earth Sciences subjects, Professional Skills subjects, or 300-level Science subjects. One elective from another stream within the Master of Science, Master of Environment or the Master of Energy Systems may also be approved on a case-by-case basis.

Accordion
Current Topics in Climate Science · 12.5 pts

This subject will address current topics in the area of physical climate science. Topics will vary from year to year depending on developments in the field but may focus on new research discoveries, areas of scientific debate, or recent climate events. The subject brings together knowledge from previous studies in climate science and related areas to discuss and critically analyse up to date knowledge of the field and its application to the world around us.

View detailed information in the Handbook

Atmosphere Ocean Interaction and Climate · 12.5 pts

This course aims to introduce the student to processes of atmosphere-ocean interaction, their importance in the climate system and its variability, with a particular emphasis on tropical meteorology. Specific topics will include: wind and buoyancy driven ocean circulation, atmospheric convection, atmospheric and oceanic wave phenomena, SST and atmospheric circulation, El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO), decadal to centennial scale variability and large scale modelling.

View detailed information in the Handbook

Climate Analysis and Modelling · 12.5 pts

The course introduces students to the philosophy and techniques of the quantitative analysis of weather and climate data, and modelling the large-scale atmospheric system. Among the topics to be covered are the maintenance of the general circulation of the atmosphere, a discussion of the global energy balance and momentum balance, and the role of baroclinic eddies and the meridional circulation. The subject will also cover the growth of error in numerical models and its implications for predictability and climate simulation, as well as an introduction to the structure of General Circulation Models (GCMs) and an appraisal of their simulations of climate. Other parts will include an examination of the philosophy of the design and implementation of climate sensitivity experiments with GCMs. Also covered will be an introduction to the statistical foundations for the analysis of observed and simulated data (including spectral methods, Principal Component Analysis, Monte-Carlo testing, non-parametric tests, trend analysis, the t-test). Other topics to be covered will include the climatology of ozone and the ozone hole, and the mechanics and variability of the ‘semi-annual oscillation’ and the ‘southern annular mode’ and the relevance of these to climate change.

View detailed information in the Handbook

Mesoscale Atmospheric Dynamics · 12.5 pts

This subject will examine the fundamental dynamics controlling the behaviour of atmospheric processes on the mesoscale, including convection, atmospheric waves, mountain meteorology, and frontal systems. In addition, the two-way interactions between mesoscale and larger scale processes will be discussed. These discussions will be augmented by a detailed presentation of methodologies used to develop models of the atmosphere that are used for research and operational weather prediction.

View detailed information in the Handbook

Statistics in Climate Dynamics · 12.5 pts

The subject will discuss some basic statistical methods for analysing climate dynamics with the aim of understanding the physical mechanisms driving the observed structures (statistics). The subject will emphasise how these methods can be applied and will explore the potential pitfalls in interpreting statistical results. The subject will start with a discussion on the basics of probability theory, time series analysis, stochastic models and multivariate data (pattern) analysis. It will then focus on the principles of decision making in statistical analysis (significance tests), which is followed by a discussion of the pitfalls and general strategies in statistical analysis.

This subject is taught as part of the Victorian Institute of Earth and Planetary Sciences (VIEPS), a collaboration between various Australian universities that share the teaching of graduate subjects in geoscience and atmospheric science.

This subject is taught by Monash University, and students will be expected to participate in person at Monash University during the teaching period. In order to complete this subject, you will need to enrol via your University of Melbourne study plan, as well as register your enrolment with the home teaching institution.

You can find information regarding this subject, including important participation requirements and how to register as an external student, via the VIEPS website here: https://www.monash.edu/science/schools/earth-atmosphere-environment/honours/vieps

View detailed information in the Handbook

Convective Clouds and Storms · 12.5 pts

The aim of this subject is to explore processes governing convection in the atmosphere, with a particular emphasis on severe convective storms and tropical cyclones. Specific topics covered include buoyancy, local convection, cellular convection, stability, severe storms - including supercell storms and squall lines, tornadoes, and tropical cyclones.

View detailed information in the Handbook

Advanced Dynamical Meteorology · 12.5 pts

The aim of the subject is to explore the basic dynamical principles governing flow in a rotating frame of reference (the Earth's frame of reference), and to use these principles to understand the large-scale dynamics of the atmosphere.

This subject is taught as part of the Victorian Institute of Earth and Planetary Sciences (VIEPS), a collaboration between various Australian universities that share the teaching of graduate subjects in geoscience and atmospheric science.

This subject is taught by Monash University, and students will be expected to participate in person at Monash University during the teaching period. In order to complete this subject, you will need to enrol via your University of Melbourne study plan, as well as register your enrolment with the home teaching institution.

You can find information regarding this subject, including important participation requirements and how to register as an external student, via the VIEPS website here: https://www.monash.edu/science/schools/earth-atmosphere-environment/honours/vieps

View detailed information in the Handbook

Atmospheric Modelling · 12.5 pts

The aim of this unit is to describe the design of global atmospheric models as they are used in Numerical Weather Prediction, seasonal prediction and climate simulation. The unit aims to provide a basic understanding of all aspects of global atmospheric modelling. It will describe modelling techniques required to apply the fundamental equations that govern atmospheric flow in the settings of a modern General Circulation Model.

This subject is taught as part of the Victorian Institute of Earth and Planetary Sciences (VIEPS), a collaboration between various Australian universities that share the teaching of graduate subjects in geoscience and atmospheric science.

This subject is taught by Monash University, and students will be expected to participate in person at Monash University during the teaching period. In order to complete this subject, you will need to enrol via your University of Melbourne study plan, as well as register your enrolment with the home teaching institution.

You can find information regarding this subject, including important participation requirements and how to register as an external student, via the VIEPS website here: https://www.monash.edu/science/schools/earth-atmosphere-environment/honours/vieps

View detailed information in the Handbook

General Circulation of the Atmosphere · 12.5 pts

This subject provides an introduction to the large-scale circulation features of the atmosphere and the processes that maintain them. Students will be introduced to a set of mathematical tools that will be used to analyse the transport of energy, momentum and moisture through the atmosphere and to build a conceptual picture for how these transports are achieved by the atmospheric circulation. Topics covered will include:

  • Review of the governing equations
  • Reynolds decomposition and atmospheric transports
  • Atmospheric reanalysis
  • The Hadley circulation
  • Monsoons
  • Midlatitude eddies and jet formation
  • The Ferrel Cell
  • Isentropic and transformed Eulerian mean circulations

This subject is taught as part of the Victorian Institute of Earth and Planetary Sciences (VIEPS), a collaboration between various Australian universities that share the teaching of graduate subjects in geoscience and atmospheric science.

This subject is taught by Monash University, and students will be expected to participate in person at Monash University during the teaching period. In order to complete this subject, you will need to enrol via your University of Melbourne study plan, as well as register your enrolment with the home teaching institution.

You can find information regarding this subject, including important participation requirements and how to register as an external student, via the VIEPS website here: https://www.monash.edu/science/schools/earth-atmosphere-environment/honours/vieps

View detailed information in the Handbook

Air Quality Monitoring · 12.5 pts

The air is an undervalued environmental resource - subject at times to catastrophic and chronic pollution events. 'What constitutes good air?' 'What environmental protections are in place?' and 'How do we know the air quality?' are all questions addressed in this subject. Major infrastructure projects require air quality assessments and emergency/health service providers need to assess air quality data to advise the public. Working with industry professionals working in the air quality space and exploring low-cost sensor technology interfaced with python code students will build their own air monitoring sensor and design an experiment to evaluate the air we breathe - synthesizing the findings into an air action plan.

View detailed information in the Handbook

Climate Modelling and Climate Change · 12.5 pts

This subject describes the physics of the climate system, and how the system is represented in numerical models.

Key aspects include:

  • Radiation balance and heat balance of the earth
  • Carbon dioxide, water vapour and other Greenhouse Gas absorption spectra
  • Other key climate drivers including solar variability, aerosols and clouds
  • The global carbon cycle and the modelling of other greenhouse gases
  • Impacts of climate change including sea level rise and extreme events

It covers aspects of uncertainty and chaos to understand why climate models are imperfect but invaluable tools. Students will build a simple climate model and run numerical experiments with different greenhouse gases. Existing knowledge in python programming is recommended but can be acquired throughout the course. The subject will also briefly discuss the processes of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNCCC) and Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

The 12 lectures cover the following themes: 1. Introduction; 2. Radiative forcing; 3. Climate feedbacks; 4. Carbon & gas cycles; 5. Oceans & sea level rise; 6. Aerosols & Clouds; 7. Variability and El Nino*; 8. Water Cycle and Extremes; 9. Ensemble & probabilistic projections, D&A; 10. Scenarios, carbon dioxide removal and solar radiation management; 11. Climate Targets, carbon budgets and the Paris Agreement*; 12. Wrap Up

The lectures are accompanied with weekly exercises that provide students with hands-on conceptual learning, modelling and data analysis experience.

View detailed information in the Handbook

Geology stream

Select 50 points of the following subjects. Out of this 50 points, 25 points must correspond to your thesis topic. Additionally, select a further 12.5 points from these subjects, Professional Skills subjects, or from 300-level geology subjects. Electives from another stream within the Master of Science, Master of Environment or Master of Energy Systems may also be approved on a case-by-case basis.

Accordion
Environmental Geochemistry · 6.25 pts

This course will cover a variety of aspects of environmental geochemistry, including equilibrium processes (thermodynamics, solubility, mineral precipitation, redox reactions), kinetics and rates of reactions, application of geochemical and isotopic tracers to understanding environmental processes, and environmental mineralogy. Applications will include hydrology and hydrogeology, contaminants, weathering and CO2 sequestration, and acid-mine drainage. The course will develop the geochemical tools required to understand processes in these environments.

View detailed information in the Handbook

Regolith Geoscience · 6.25 pts

This course is focussed on regolith, a vital part of Australian landscapes that is becoming increasingly important in mineral exploration and land management. We begin by presenting basic and advanced concepts in the formation and evolution of regolith, including its physical and chemical characteristics, the physical and biogeochemical processes that affect its structure and composition, and the dispersion and concentration of elements. We follow with concepts and applications focussed specifically on geochemical and geophysical exploration methods that are used to assess mineralisation potential within and underneath the regolith. Field excursions will help to consolidate knowledge and understanding developed in lectures and practical exercises.

View detailed information in the Handbook

Interpretation of Satellite Images · 6.25 pts

This subject will show how to use two computer programs (Global Mapper and ENVI) to process satellite images in order to obtain geological and environmental data. The subject is almost entirely practical, and involves processing a variety of images from a particular area, including digital elevation models, Landsat, radiometric and aeromagnetic data, to construct a geological map and geomorphic history. In addition, the use of hyperspectral imagery will be covered.

View detailed information in the Handbook

Geology from Geophysics · 6.25 pts

The course is designed to provide practical experience in the processing of regional geophysical datasets or the purpose of undertaking geological interpretation. The course is designed to allow the student to go through step-by-step methodologies of processing data, interpretation techniques, and modelling of geophysical data.

This subject is taught as part of the Victorian Institute of Earth and Planetary Sciences (VIEPS), a collaboration between various Australian universities that share the teaching of graduate subjects in geoscience and atmospheric science.

This subject is taught by Monash University, and students will be expected to participate in person at Monash University during the teaching period. In order to complete this subject, you will need to enrol via your University of Melbourne study plan, as well as register your enrolment with the home teaching institution.

You can find information regarding this subject, including important participation requirements and how to register as an external student, via the VIEPS website here: https://www.monash.edu/science/schools/earth-atmosphere-environment/honours/vieps

View detailed information in the Handbook

Hydrogeology/Environmental Geochemistry · 12.5 pts

This subject will investigate, both qualitatively and quantitatively, the fundamental physical and chemical processes governing groundwater flow and composition, including aquifer properties, regional geology, hydrology and water-rock interactions. Field and laboratory methods such as well tests, water analysis in the field and in the laboratory and data analysis are demonstrated and used to characterise hydraulic conductivity and mixing, water types and potential contamination. A one-week field excursion to the Newer Volcanic Province and the Limestone Coast will draw together many of these concepts and will emphasise surface and groundwater connectivity and groundwater supported ecosystems.

This subject will have a 1-week intensive field trip that will be delivered in the week prior to the start of Semester 1 (pre-teaching period) and 6 weeks of teaching during weeks 1-6 of Semester 1.

View detailed information in the Handbook

Advanced Structural Mapping · 6.25 pts

Students are taught to map out the structures and complex geometries within a series of multiply-deformed turbite sequence. The course teaches the concepts of key locality and provides strategies to correlate between key localities to produce consistent maps and cross-sections over outcrops at Bermagui Heads and Pt Dickinson in Bermagui in a structurally complex area within a poly-deformed terrane.

This subject is taught as part of the Victorian Institute of Earth and Planetary Sciences (VIEPS), a collaboration between various Australian universities that share the teaching of graduate subjects in geoscience and atmospheric science.

This subject is taught by Monash University, and involves a field trip in New South Wales. In order to complete this subject, you will need to enrol via your University of Melbourne study plan, as well as register your enrolment with the home teaching institution.

You can find information regarding this subject, including important participation requirements and how to register as an external student, via the VIEPS website here: https://www.monash.edu/science/schools/earth-atmosphere-environment/honours/vieps

View detailed information in the Handbook

Geochronology and Thermochronology · 6.25 pts

The course covers the basic principles of Ar-Ar, Rb-Sr, Sm-Nd, U-Pb (conventional Pb-Pb, U-Pb, SHRIMP, LA-ICPMS, CHIME), Lu-Hf and Re-Os, as well as fission track and (U-Th)/He thermochronology. The application of these geochronology/thermochronology and isotopic tracing methods to a variety of geological problems will be presented. Afternoon sessions will be devoted to pracs (calculating ages, meaning of errors, plotting data e.g. isochrons, U-Pb plots, histograms using the computer package ISOPLOT and modelling thermal histories).

View detailed information in the Handbook

Geology of Gold · 6.25 pts

The course provides a broad coverage of gold geology and exploration, as well as some of the latest research ideas and how they apply to mineral exploration. The course covers all major types of gold deposits with emphasis on Archaean deposits of Western Australia and slate-belt deposits of the Victorian gold province. Geochemistry, structural geology, regolith and deposit geology are covered at a level to enable participants to take their place in industry and government teams and make a contribution in all of these areas. An emphasis of the course is on a holistic approach that uses all applicable fields of geology to address issues pertaining to gold.

View detailed information in the Handbook

Coastal Environmental Geomorphology · 6.25 pts

Field observations and tasks include: nature and origin of the coastal materials, geomorphic processes, environmental history, coastal management topics such as hazard/risk assessment, steep coast dynamics, beach maintenance and nourishment, impact of marinas and other engineering structures, indications and implications of sea-level rise, and conservation of significant and sensitive geoscience sites.

View detailed information in the Handbook

Ore Reserve Estimation · 6.25 pts

This unit covers the identification of target minerals, its exploration, sampling methods, methods of estimating tonnage and grades and reporting of resources and reserves. This unit also covers the financial evaluation of mining projects.

This subject is taught as part of the Victorian Institute of Earth and Planetary Sciences (VIEPS), a collaboration between various Australian universities that share the teaching of graduate subjects in geoscience and atmospheric science.

This subject is taught online by Federation University. In order to complete this subject, you will need to enrol via your University of Melbourne study plan, as well as register your enrolment with the home teaching institution.

You can find information regarding this subject, including important participation requirements and how to register as an external student, via the VIEPS website here: https://www.monash.edu/science/schools/earth-atmosphere-environment/honours/vieps

View detailed information in the Handbook

Introduction to Mineralogy · 6.25 pts

This is a 5-day course of lectures, practical sessions, and laboratory visits focused on modern mineral identification techniques. The course will include demonstrations of X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and electron microprobe analysis (EMPA). A revision of basic mineralogy concepts will be provided, before visiting Melbourne Museum to use some of the museum's mineralogy facilities (including the XRD) and a tour of the museum's mineral collection provided by the museum's senior geoscience curator. At the University of Melbourne, students will be introduced to in-house analysis techniques (e.g. SEM, EMPA, ICP-MS, micro-CT), taught how to evaluate the quality of resultant data, and how such data should be presented.

View detailed information in the Handbook

Mine Safety and Engineering · 6.25 pts

The unit is designed to give a basis for understanding the various elements that make up the mine environment, and how to control and regulate it to achieve a safe, healthy and comfortable workplace conducive to performance and efficiency.

This subject is taught as part of the Victorian Institute of Earth and Planetary Sciences (VIEPS), a collaboration between various Australian universities that share the teaching of graduate subjects in geoscience and atmospheric science.

This subject is taught online by Federation University. In order to complete this subject, you will need to enrol via your University of Melbourne study plan, as well as register your enrolment with the home teaching institution.

You can find information regarding this subject, including important participation requirements and how to register as an external student, via the VIEPS website here: https://www.monash.edu/science/schools/earth-atmosphere-environment/honours/vieps

View detailed information in the Handbook

Practical Igneous Petrology · 6.25 pts

The course is intended for Honours students and other Post-Graduate students with an interest in the formation and evolution of basic and ultrabasic magmas and their relationship to magmatic ore deposits.

This subject is taught as part of the Victorian Institute of Earth and Planetary Sciences (VIEPS), a collaboration between various Australian universities that share the teaching of graduate subjects in geoscience and atmospheric science.

This subject is taught by Monash University, and students will be expected to participate in person at Monash University during the teaching period. In order to complete this subject, you will need to enrol via your University of Melbourne study plan, as well as register your enrolment with the home teaching institution.

You can find information regarding this subject, including important participation requirements and how to register as an external student, via the VIEPS website here: https://www.monash.edu/science/schools/earth-atmosphere-environment/honours/vieps

View detailed information in the Handbook

Geodynamics · 6.25 pts

In this course you will gain a basic introduction to geodynamics and planetary physics. We will undertake an overview of the structure of all the solid planets of the solar system and the techniques used to probe their structure. You will learn about the evolutionary processes within the solid planets and moons of the solar system which produce the wealth of distinctive "geology" observed in planetary missions. You will appreciate the ubiquitous nature of geological processes, and the distinctive expression of those processes on each planetary body. You will have a good understanding of the continuum mechanics of slow deformation and the rheology of rocks and ice under planetary conditions. We will introduce the techniques of seismic imaging, and how to download information and begin the process of interpreting earthquake data.

View detailed information in the Handbook

Australian Coal Basins · 6.25 pts

The course provides an in-depth understanding of how and why coal basins develop, and how coal is utilised. Included in the course are location, stratigraphy and age, depositional environments, and tectonic setting of each major coal basin. Practicals involve an evaluation of coal types and rank, and how this impacts on understanding coal quality and marketing. A focus will be on how geological history impacts on coal behaviour during mining, processing and utilisation.

View detailed information in the Handbook

Igneous Geodynamics and Ore Deposits · 6.25 pts

The course will provide an overview of the geology of major Ni-Cu-(PGE) sulphide deposits, PGE deposits, and diamond deposits with an emphasis on the processes controlling their genesis and how this information can be applied in exploration. The course will also introduce some of the theoretical concepts involved in ore formation such as the factors controlling sulphur solubility in mafic magmas and the roles of partial melting and crustal contamination in the genesis of Ni-Cu-(PGE) sulfide deposits.

View detailed information in the Handbook

Fundamentals of Geological CO2 Storage · 6.25 pts

The assessment and development of deep subsurface CO2 l storage sites requires a diverse range of technical skills as well as a good understanding of regulatory and environmental protection requirements and objectives, and socio-political advocacy. This course comprises five days of lectures and practical exercises covering the workflow of technical / scientific assessments, discussing common problems and industry best-practice to achieve safe and secure geological storage of CO2. Following an introductory ‘back-story’ to carbon capture and carbon utilisation, the work flow will commence with basin and play scale analyses and rapidly focus onto portfolio management for storage site screening, storage site selection and site analysis for future appraisal and development operations.

View detailed information in the Handbook

Ore Deposit Models · 6.25 pts

This course provides an introduction to the key features of several major classes of economically important mineral deposits. Each deposit style will be discussed in terms of geological and tectonic framework, mineralisation, alteration, genetic models and exploration criteria. Lectures covering each deposit type will be complemented with exercises or practical classes which examine sample sets of typical ores and host rocks.

View detailed information in the Handbook

Exploration Field Skills · 6.25 pts

Geological mapping, core logging and the recognition of ore-related hydrothermal alteration mineral assemblages are essential skills for all mining industry geologists. This field-based course will examine core and surface exposures of a mixed volcano-sedimentary succession in the highly mineralised Cambrian Mount Read Volcanics and Dundas Group of western Tasmania.

This subject is taught as part of the Victorian Institute of Earth and Planetary Sciences (VIEPS), a collaboration between various Australian universities that share the teaching of graduate subjects in geoscience and atmospheric science.

This subject is taught by the University of Tasmania, and involves a field trip in Tasmania. In order to complete this subject, you will need to enrol via your University of Melbourne study plan, as well as register your enrolment with the home teaching institution.

You can find information regarding this subject, including important participation requirements and how to register as an external student, via the VIEPS website here: https://www.monash.edu/science/schools/earth-atmosphere-environment/honours/vieps

View detailed information in the Handbook

Environmental Geology Field Techniques · 6.25 pts

This module outlines the fundamental theory and techniques of field work in environmental geology. It aims to give students the essential tools for the assessment of environmental hazards associated with mining operations and how to measure their effects.

This subject is taught as part of the Victorian Institute of Earth and Planetary Sciences (VIEPS), a collaboration between various Australian universities that share the teaching of graduate subjects in geoscience and atmospheric science.

This subject is taught by the University of Tasmania, and involves a field trip in Tasmania. In order to complete this subject, you will need to enrol via your University of Melbourne study plan, as well as register your enrolment with the home teaching institution.

You can find information regarding this subject, including important participation requirements and how to register as an external student, via the VIEPS website here: https://www.monash.edu/science/schools/earth-atmosphere-environment/honours/vieps

View detailed information in the Handbook

Python for Earth Sciences · 6.25 pts

This course will provide an introduction to simple procedural programming in python with applications to Earth Data Sciences. We will teach you how to manipulate and transform data in simple ways, plotting, mapping, visualisation, interpolation, gridding, function fitting, and exporting data / images into common, interchangeable data formats.

We will learn how to orchestrate common earth science python software applications including plate reconstruction (pygplates), seismic data set acquisition and analysis (obspy), meshing and interpolation (stripy).

We will learn how to use the many publicly available extensions and modules to python, particularly those which allow efficient computation and scientific analysis, for example numpy and scipy.

We will learn how to solve very simple differential equations with application to geothermal energy and ground water flow, statistical analysis of data sets, online data repository

View detailed information in the Handbook

Advanced Hydrogeology · 6.25 pts

Subject content includes: Physical Hydrogeology, Chemical Hydrogeology, Field Study/Methods and Management and Assessment.

View detailed information in the Handbook

Geographic Information Systems · 6.25 pts

This course will introduce the concept of a GIS as a problem solving technology within the geosciences, and through hands-on practical classes and lectures will provide the basic hands-on skills needed to design and implement a GIS project. Specific topics will include map projections and georeferencing, distortions in image data, raster and vector data models, incorporating digital terrain models and geophysical data, introduction to boolean logic and functions, data accuracy and access issues and limitations of GIS. The course will include examination of case histories of GIS projects and students will also build a GIS project of their own to solve a simulated exploration problem using MapInfo and other open-source software and a real world data set.

This subject is taught as part of the Victorian Institute of Earth and Planetary Sciences (VIEPS), a collaboration between various Australian universities that share the teaching of graduate subjects in geoscience and atmospheric science.

This subject is taught by Monash University, and students will be expected to participate in person at Monash University during the teaching period. In order to complete this subject, you will need to enrol via your University of Melbourne study plan, as well as register your enrolment with the home teaching institution.

You can find information regarding this subject, including important participation requirements and how to register as an external student, via the VIEPS website here: https://www.monash.edu/science/schools/earth-atmosphere-environment/honours/vieps

View detailed information in the Handbook

Basin Evolution & Sequence Stratigraphy · 6.25 pts

This 6-day field workshop visits spectacular outcrops along Victoria’s Otway Coast in SE Australia between Port Campbell and Anglesea. The field geology is integrated with seismic, remote sensing, potential field, well and thermal history data and the workshop includes lectures on basin evolution, stratigraphy and structure. The aim is to teach exploration and development geologists, geophysicists and engineers the skills needed to analyse the evolution, stratigraphy, structure and petroleum systems of a basin, and to assess its hydrocarbon potential. The sequence stratigraphy and depositional environments of outcrops are examined, including stratigraphic sections measured in the field. The outstanding extension, inversion and strike-slip structures observed are analysed to determine the nature and timing of events and their influence on deposition. Each area utilises nearby seismic sections to illustrate key aspects of the structure, stratigraphy and basin evolution.

View detailed information in the Handbook

Introduction to Structural Geology · 6.25 pts

This course will be run as a hands-on workshop introducing the main structural geometries seen on seismic data and in outcrop in the oil industry. The emphasis is on developing a workflow to allow exploration and production geologists and geophysicists to assess structural style and produce valid structural interpretations as well as consider alternative interpretations. The course will introduce the structural styles associated with extension, compression, inversion, strike-slip and salt diapirism. Shale diapirism and fractures are an optional extra. Examples will be shown from both seismic data and outcrop. Frequent short exercises, interpreting seismic data and outcrop images, will reinforce the theory presented.

The workshop will concentrate on practical methods to define the relationships between faults, folds, sedimentary packages and regional elevation and how they can be used predictively to validate an interpretation and prospect. Emphasis is placed on the ‘Structural Family’ present in an area, which depends strongly on the basement architecture and tectonic history. Seismic and field examples are drawn from the Timor Sea, Bass Strait, Borneo, the Gulf of Suez, the Apennines, the Taranaki Basin, New Guinea, Indonesia, Watchet, the Otway Basin, Cape Liptrap, the Pyrenees and the Canadian Rockies amongst others.

View detailed information in the Handbook

Sedimentary Basins and Resource Analysis · 12.5 pts

This subject will show how to assess sedimentary basins for their resource potential, particularly those resources dependent upon porosity and permeability, such as geothermal energy, water, hydrocarbons and gas/CO2-storage. The skills taught come primarily from the petroleum industry, including seismic interpretation, borehole analysis, core-logging and temperature measurement, but are applied to assess all resources. Students will assess the ESE (economic, social and environmental) value of the resources. Students will each present and promote a farm-out investment opportunity and will be given an investment portfolio. Each student will be required to rank the opportunities against their portfolio. Practically, this will be achieved by comparing and contrasting eastern Australia basins of different types; the Palaeozoic Drummond Basin in Queensland, and the Mesozoic-Tertiary Gippsland-Otway Basins in Victoria. The key assignment will be to analyse the origin, fill, sediment properties and tectonic history of each basin and to assess its resource potential. The subject will include a one-day field excursion to Peninsula Hot Springs geothermal bathing and spa resort on the Mornington Peninsula. This subject involves the completion of a field trip, which will incur an incidental cost. Further information regarding any incidental field trip costs (as well as key information regarding the field trip) can be found via the School of Geography, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences Field Trip website here: https://sgeas.unimelb.edu.au/study/field-trips

View detailed information in the Handbook

Field Geology of New Zealand · 12.5 pts

This is an intensive 12-day field trip to New Zealand, one of the best natural laboratories in which to learn about geology. Apart from being dramatically different to Australia in terms of modern day geological activity, it is a ribbon continent with a complex assembly of allochthonous terranes, part of which was formerly part of Australia. It has hyperactive back arc volcanism, spectacular geothermal activity, very active seismicity and is one of the few countries in the world with glaciers at sea level. Some of the main concepts to be covered will be:

  • Arcs and back-arc architecture, seismicity and volcanism
  • Transpressional fault systems
  • Geothermal springs and geothermal power
  • The relationship of these to ore deposits
  • Glaciers as a record of Holocene climate change
  • Seismic hazards and engineering responses

This subject is taught as part of the Victorian Institute of Earth and Planetary Sciences (VIEPS), a collaboration between various Australian universities that share the teaching of graduate subjects in geoscience and atmospheric science.

This subject is taught by Monash University, and involves a field trip to New Zealand. In order to complete this subject, you will need to enrol via your University of Melbourne study plan, as well as register your enrolment with the home teaching institution.

You can find information regarding this subject, including important participation requirements and how to register as an external student, via the VIEPS website here: https://www.monash.edu/science/schools/earth-atmosphere-environment/honours/vieps

View detailed information in the Handbook

Professional skills

Select 12.5-25 points of the following subjects:

Accordion
Business Tools: Money People & Processes · 12.5 pts

This subject will give an overview of the tools required to operate successfully in an organisational environment. The focus of the subject is the internal workings of an organisation and specifically addresses three main areas: working with people, managing budgets and understanding basic accounting, and managing processes and projects.

View detailed information in the Handbook

Systems Modelling and Simulation · 12.5 pts

Modern science and business makes extensive use of computers for simulation, because complex real-world systems often cannot be analysed exactly, but can be simulated. Using simulation we can perform virtual experiments with the system, to see how it responds when we change parameters, which thus allows us to optimise its performance. We use the language R, which is one of the most popular modern languages for data analysis.

View detailed information in the Handbook

Ethics and Responsibility in Science · 12.5 pts

What is conflict of interest? What should a scientist do when they find fraud is occurring on a scientific research team? How does a scientist write and defend an animal ethics submission and get it approved? What are the ethical issues associated with peer review? This subject is intended to give students a broad overview of research ethics in a scientific context. It will include topics on scientific integrity; conflicts of interest; data recording management; authorship and peer review; animal experimentation and regulations; privacy and confidentiality of records; and, finally, research in humans.

View detailed information in the Handbook

Thinking and Reasoning with Data · 12.5 pts

What conclusion can be drawn from a pool of data? How can a scientist draw meaningful conclusions while not overreaching? How can modelling help the scientist interpret data? This subject will address these questions by teaching students critical thinking and data analysis skills. After completing this subject students will understand the basic principles of sampling and experimental design, how the results of statistical analyses are reported, the statistical thinking behind common statistical procedures and will be able to carry out a range of standard statistical techniques.

View detailed information in the Handbook

Statistics for Research Workers · 12.5 pts

This subject is designed to provide students with detailed training in statistical methods as applied to the design and analysis of projects undertaken by postgraduate students, across all disciplines.

View detailed information in the Handbook

Communication for Research Scientists · 12.5 pts

As a scientist, it is not only important to be able to experiment, research and discover, it is also vital that you can communicate your research effectively in a variety of ways. Even the most brilliant research is wasted if no one knows it has been done or if your target audience is unable to understand it.

In this subject you will develop your written and oral communication skills to ensure that you communicate your science as effectively as possible. We will cover effective science writing and oral presentations across a number of formats: writing a thesis; preparing, submitting and publishing journal papers; searching for, evaluating and citing appropriate references; peer review, making the most of conferences; applying for grants and jobs; and using social media to publicise your research.

You will have multiple opportunities to practice, receive feedback and improve both your oral and written communication skills.

Please note: students must be undertaking their own research in order to enrol in this subject.

View detailed information in the Handbook

Science in Schools · 12.5 pts

This subject will provide an understanding of your university studies within Victorian schools through a substantial school based experience.

The subject includes a placement of up to 20 hours within a Victorian school classroom, offering an opportunity to collaborate as a Tertiary Student Assistant (TSA) under the guidance of a qualified teacher.

View detailed information in the Handbook

Science and Technology Internship · 12.5 pts

This subject involves completion of an 80-100 hour science or technology work placement integrating academic learning in science areas of study, employability skills and attributes and an improved knowledge of science and technology organisations, workplace culture and career pathways. The placement is supplemented by pre- and post-placement classes designed to develop an understanding of science and technology professions, introduce skills for developing, identifying and articulating employability skills and attributes and linking them to employer requirements in the science and technology domains. Work conducted during the placement will be suitable for a graduate level of expertise and experience. While immersed in a work environment, students will be expected to challenge themselves by accepting roles and responsibilities that stretch their existing capabilities. They will interrogate the requirements of specific careers and continually monitor their own progress towards developing the necessary knowledge, skills and attributes to thrive in these roles.

Students will be responsible for identifying a suitable work placement prior to the semester. Application for credit need to be submitted via the Internships Portal at least 3 weeks prior to internship commencement and within the Key Dates mentioned on the website. More information is available on the subject webpage here: https://science.unimelb.edu.au/students/plan-your-study/internship-subjects. If you have questions on how and where to find internship, you should contact the Careers and Industry team in the Faculty of Science at hyperlink: https://forms.your.unimelb.edu.au/4747166?SID=a3xOY000000018z

On completion of the subject, students will have completed and reported on a course-related project in a science or technology workplace. They will also have enhanced employability skills including communication, interpersonal, analytical and problem-solving, organisational and time-management, and an understanding of career planning and professional development.

View detailed information in the Handbook

Science Communication · 12.5 pts

Why is it essential that scientists learn to communicate effectively to a variety of audiences? What makes for engaging communication when it comes to science? How does the style of communication need to change for different audiences? What are the nuts and bolts of good science writing? What are the characteristics of effective public speaking?

Weekly seminars and tutorials will consider the important role science and technology plays in twenty-first century society and explore why it is vital that scientists learn to articulate their ideas to a variety of audiences in an effective and engaging manner. These audiences may include school students, agencies that fund research, the media, government, industry, and the broader public. Other topics include the philosophy of science communication, talking about science on the radio, effective public speaking, writing press releases and science feature articles, science performance, communicating science on the web and how science is reported in the media.

Students will develop skills in evaluating examples of science and technology communication to identify those that are most effective and engaging. Students will also be given multiple opportunities to receive feedback and improve their own written and oral communication skills.

Students will work in small teams on team projects to further the communication skills developed during the seminar programme. These projects will focus on communicating a given scientific topic to a particular audience using spoken, visual, written or web-based communication.

View detailed information in the Handbook

Introduction to Programming · 12.5 pts

AIMS

This subject introduces the fundamental concepts of computing programming, and how to solve simple problems using high-level procedural language, with a specific emphasis on data manipulation, transformation, and visualisation of data.

INDICATIVE CONTENT

Fundamental programming constructs; fundamental data structures; abstraction; basic program structures; algorithmic problem solving; use of modules.

The subject assumes no prior knowledge of computer programming and is not suitable for students with prior programming experience.

View detailed information in the Handbook

The Art of Scientific Computation · 12.5 pts

The physical, social and engineering sciences make widespread use of numerical simulations and graphical representations that link underlying their theoretical foundations with experimental or empirical data. These approaches are routinely designed and conducted by researchers with little or no formal training in computation, assembling instead the necessary skills from a variety of sources. There is an art to assembling computational tools that both achieve their goals and make good effective use of the available computational resources.

This subject introduces students to a wide range of skills that are commonly encountered in the design and construction of computational tools in research applications:

  • Formulation of the task as a sequence of operations or procedures that express the context of the assigned problem in a form accessible to digital computing (Mathematica).
  • Implementation of this formulation using computer languages appropriate for numerically intensive computation (C, C++, Fortran)
  • Modularization of computationally intensive tasks, either as user-written procedures or existing libraries (for example BLAS, lapack)
  • Documentation of the code to explain both its design, operation and limitations (LaTeX)
  • Instrumentation of the code to verify its correct operation and monitor its performance (gprof)
  • Optimization of the code, including the use of parallelization (OpenMPI)
  • Visualization of data using graphical packages or rendering engines (Geomview, OpenGL)
  • Interaction with the code through a graphical user interface (Python, Matlab)

These skills are introduced to the student by undertaking a short project that is selected in consultation with the Subject Coordinator.

View detailed information in the Handbook

Introduction to Quantum Computing · 12.5 pts

This subject will introduce students to the world of quantum information technology, focusing on the fast developing area of quantum computing. The subject will cover basic principles of quantum logic operations in both digital and analogue approaches to quantum processors, through to quantum error correction and the implementation of quantum algorithms for real-world problems. In lab-based classes students will learn to use state-of-the-art quantum computer programing and simulation environments to complete a range of projects.

View detailed information in the Handbook

Research project

Complete parts 1, 2 3 and 4 (125 points in total):

Accordion
Earth Sciences Research Project Pt1 · 12.5 pts

This subject is part of a sequence of four parts (or five parts for part-time) taken in successive semesters that together constitute the 125-point research project offered through the MSc Earth Sciences.

The School of Earth Sciences is home to a large and diverse range of research programs. Our interests include the solid Earth, the fluid Earth (including our atmosphere and oceans) and processes that operate at the interface between these upon which all life on our planet depends. Current research activities include: Climate Variability and Change, Atmosphere and Ocean Dynamics, Synoptic and Mesoscale Meteorology, Hydrogeology and Aqueous Biogeochemistry, Sedimentary Geology and Palaeontology, Palaeoclimate and Palaeoenvironmental Reconstruction, Thermochronology, Neotectonics and Landscape Evolution, Ore Deposit Geology, Geochemistry and Geochronology, Structural Geology, Tectonics and Geodynamics, Thermodynamics of Metamorphic Systems (THERMOCALC), Geochemistry and Geochronology of Magmatic Systems, Noble Gas Geochronology and Geochemistry, Computer Simulation of Geological and Geophysical Fluid Dynamics, Physics and Chemistry of the Earth's Deep Interior, and Energy: Resources and Futures.

This subject comprises a major piece of original supervised research on a topic as agreed by the student and their supervisor. A literature review is conducted in the first six months of candidature and includes a research proposal describing the aims, significance and approach of the project.

It is anticipated that students will generate an original piece of research comparable to that produced for a paper submitted to a scientific journal, and will be encouraged to do so.

View detailed information in the Handbook

Earth Sciences Research Project Pt1 · 25 pts

This subject is part of a sequence of four parts (or five parts for part-time) taken in successive semesters that together constitute the 125-point research project offered through the MSc Earth Sciences.

The School of Earth Sciences is home to a large and diverse range of research programs. Our interests include the solid Earth, the fluid Earth (including our atmosphere and oceans) and processes that operate at the interface between these upon which all life on our planet depends. Current research activities include: Climate Variability and Change, Atmosphere and Ocean Dynamics, Synoptic and Mesoscale Meteorology, Hydrogeology and Aqueous Biogeochemistry, Sedimentary Geology and Palaeontology, Palaeoclimate and Palaeoenvironmental Reconstruction, Thermochronology, Neotectonics and Landscape Evolution, Ore Deposit Geology, Geochemistry and Geochronology, Structural Geology, Tectonics and Geodynamics, Thermodynamics of Metamorphic Systems (THERMOCALC), Geochemistry and Geochronology of Magmatic Systems, Noble Gas Geochronology and Geochemistry, Computer Simulation of Geological and Geophysical Fluid Dynamics, Physics and Chemistry of the Earth's Deep Interior, and Energy: Resources and Futures.

This subject comprises a major piece of original supervised research on a topic as agreed by the student and their supervisor. A literature review is conducted in the first six months of candidature and includes a research proposal describing the aims, significance and approach of the project.

It is anticipated that students will generate an original piece of research comparable to that produced for a paper submitted to a scientific journal, and will be encouraged to do so.

View detailed information in the Handbook

Earth Sciences Research Project Pt1 · 37.5 pts

This subject is part of a sequence of four parts (or five parts for part-time) taken in successive semesters that together constitute the 125-point research project offered through the MSc Earth Sciences.

The School of Earth Sciences is home to a large and diverse range of research programs. Our interests include the solid Earth, the fluid Earth (including our atmosphere and oceans) and processes that operate at the interface between these upon which all life on our planet depends. Current research activities include: Climate Variability and Change, Atmosphere and Ocean Dynamics, Synoptic and Mesoscale Meteorology, Hydrogeology and Aqueous Biogeochemistry, Sedimentary Geology and Palaeontology, Palaeoclimate and Palaeoenvironmental Reconstruction, Thermochronology, Neotectonics and Landscape Evolution, Ore Deposit Geology, Geochemistry and Geochronology, Structural Geology, Tectonics and Geodynamics, Thermodynamics of Metamorphic Systems (THERMOCALC), Geochemistry and Geochronology of Magmatic Systems, Noble Gas Geochronology and Geochemistry, Computer Simulation of Geological and Geophysical Fluid Dynamics, Physics and Chemistry of the Earth's Deep Interior, and Energy: Resources and Futures.

This subject comprises a major piece of original supervised research on a topic as agreed by the student and their supervisor. A literature review is conducted in the first six months of candidature and includes a research proposal describing the aims, significance and approach of the project.

It is anticipated that students will generate an original piece of research comparable to that produced for a paper submitted to a scientific journal, and will be encouraged to do so.

View detailed information in the Handbook

Earth Sciences Research Project Pt1 · 50 pts

This subject is part of a sequence of four parts (or five parts for part-time) taken in successive semesters that together constitute the 125-point research project offered through the MSc Earth Sciences.

The School of Earth Sciences is home to a large and diverse range of research programs. Our interests include the solid Earth, the fluid Earth (including our atmosphere and oceans) and processes that operate at the interface between these upon which all life on our planet depends. Current research activities include: Climate Variability and Change, Atmosphere and Ocean Dynamics, Synoptic and Mesoscale Meteorology, Hydrogeology and Aqueous Biogeochemistry, Sedimentary Geology and Palaeontology, Palaeoclimate and Palaeoenvironmental Reconstruction, Thermochronology, Neotectonics and Landscape Evolution, Ore Deposit Geology, Geochemistry and Geochronology, Structural Geology, Tectonics and Geodynamics, Thermodynamics of Metamorphic Systems (THERMOCALC), Geochemistry and Geochronology of Magmatic Systems, Noble Gas Geochronology and Geochemistry, Computer Simulation of Geological and Geophysical Fluid Dynamics, Physics and Chemistry of the Earth's Deep Interior, and Energy: Resources and Futures.

This subject comprises a major piece of original supervised research on a topic as agreed by the student and their supervisor. A literature review is conducted in the first six months of candidature and includes a research proposal describing the aims, significance and approach of the project.

It is anticipated that students will generate an original piece of research comparable to that produced for a paper submitted to a scientific journal, and will be encouraged to do so.

View detailed information in the Handbook

Earth Sciences Research Project Pt2 · 12.5 pts

This subject is part of a sequence of four parts (or five parts for part-time) taken in successive semesters that together constitute the 125-point research project offered through the MSc Earth Sciences.

The School of Earth Sciences is home to a large and diverse range of research programs. Our interests include the solid Earth, the fluid Earth (including our atmosphere and oceans) and processes that operate at the interface between these upon which all life on our planet depends. Current research activities include: Climate Variability and Change, Atmosphere and Ocean Dynamics, Synoptic and Mesoscale Meteorology, Hydrogeology and Aqueous Biogeochemistry, Sedimentary Geology and Palaeontology, Palaeoclimate and Palaeoenvironmental Reconstruction, Thermochronology, Neotectonics and Landscape Evolution, Ore Deposit Geology, Geochemistry and Geochronology, Structural Geology, Tectonics and Geodynamics, Thermodynamics of Metamorphic Systems (THERMOCALC), Geochemistry and Geochronology of Magmatic Systems, Noble Gas Geochronology and Geochemistry, Computer Simulation of Geological and Geophysical Fluid Dynamics, Physics and Chemistry of the Earth's Deep Interior, and Energy: Resources and Futures.

This subject comprises a major piece of original supervised research on a topic as agreed by the student and their supervisor. A literature review is conducted in the first six months of candidature and includes a research proposal describing the aims, significance and approach of the project.

It is anticipated that students will generate an original piece of research comparable to that produced for a paper submitted to a scientific journal, and will be encouraged to do so.

View detailed information in the Handbook

Earth Sciences Research Project Pt2 · 25 pts

This subject is part of a sequence of four parts (or five parts for part-time) taken in successive semesters that together constitute the 125-point research project offered through the MSc Earth Sciences.

The School of Earth Sciences is home to a large and diverse range of research programs. Our interests include the solid Earth, the fluid Earth (including our atmosphere and oceans) and processes that operate at the interface between these upon which all life on our planet depends. Current research activities include: Climate Variability and Change, Atmosphere and Ocean Dynamics, Synoptic and Mesoscale Meteorology, Hydrogeology and Aqueous Biogeochemistry, Sedimentary Geology and Palaeontology, Palaeoclimate and Palaeoenvironmental Reconstruction, Thermochronology, Neotectonics and Landscape Evolution, Ore Deposit Geology, Geochemistry and Geochronology, Structural Geology, Tectonics and Geodynamics, Thermodynamics of Metamorphic Systems (THERMOCALC), Geochemistry and Geochronology of Magmatic Systems, Noble Gas Geochronology and Geochemistry, Computer Simulation of Geological and Geophysical Fluid Dynamics, Physics and Chemistry of the Earth's Deep Interior, and Energy: Resources and Futures.

This subject comprises a major piece of original supervised research on a topic as agreed by the student and their supervisor. A literature review is conducted in the first six months of candidature and includes a research proposal describing the aims, significance and approach of the project.

It is anticipated that students will generate an original piece of research comparable to that produced for a paper submitted to a scientific journal, and will be encouraged to do so.

View detailed information in the Handbook

Earth Sciences Research Project Pt2 · 37.5 pts

This subject is part of a sequence of four parts (or five parts for part-time) taken in successive semesters that together constitute the 125-point research project offered through the MSc Earth Sciences.

The School of Earth Sciences is home to a large and diverse range of research programs. Our interests include the solid Earth, the fluid Earth (including our atmosphere and oceans) and processes that operate at the interface between these upon which all life on our planet depends. Current research activities include: Climate Variability and Change, Atmosphere and Ocean Dynamics, Synoptic and Mesoscale Meteorology, Hydrogeology and Aqueous Biogeochemistry, Sedimentary Geology and Palaeontology, Palaeoclimate and Palaeoenvironmental Reconstruction, Thermochronology, Neotectonics and Landscape Evolution, Ore Deposit Geology, Geochemistry and Geochronology, Structural Geology, Tectonics and Geodynamics, Thermodynamics of Metamorphic Systems (THERMOCALC), Geochemistry and Geochronology of Magmatic Systems, Noble Gas Geochronology and Geochemistry, Computer Simulation of Geological and Geophysical Fluid Dynamics, Physics and Chemistry of the Earth's Deep Interior, and Energy: Resources and Futures.

This subject comprises a major piece of original supervised research on a topic as agreed by the student and their supervisor. A literature review is conducted in the first six months of candidature and includes a research proposal describing the aims, significance and approach of the project.

It is anticipated that students will generate an original piece of research comparable to that produced for a paper submitted to a scientific journal, and will be encouraged to do so.

View detailed information in the Handbook

Earth Sciences Research Project Pt2 · 50 pts

This subject is part of a sequence of four parts (or five parts for part-time) taken in successive semesters that together constitute the 125-point research project offered through the MSc Earth Sciences.

The School of Earth Sciences is home to a large and diverse range of research programs. Our interests include the solid Earth, the fluid Earth (including our atmosphere and oceans) and processes that operate at the interface between these upon which all life on our planet depends. Current research activities include: Climate Variability and Change, Atmosphere and Ocean Dynamics, Synoptic and Mesoscale Meteorology, Hydrogeology and Aqueous Biogeochemistry, Sedimentary Geology and Palaeontology, Palaeoclimate and Palaeoenvironmental Reconstruction, Thermochronology, Neotectonics and Landscape Evolution, Ore Deposit Geology, Geochemistry and Geochronology, Structural Geology, Tectonics and Geodynamics, Thermodynamics of Metamorphic Systems (THERMOCALC), Geochemistry and Geochronology of Magmatic Systems, Noble Gas Geochronology and Geochemistry, Computer Simulation of Geological and Geophysical Fluid Dynamics, Physics and Chemistry of the Earth's Deep Interior, and Energy: Resources and Futures.

This subject comprises a major piece of original supervised research on a topic as agreed by the student and their supervisor. A literature review is conducted in the first six months of candidature and includes a research proposal describing the aims, significance and approach of the project.

It is anticipated that students will generate an original piece of research comparable to that produced for a paper submitted to a scientific journal, and will be encouraged to do so.

View detailed information in the Handbook

Earth Sciences Research Project Pt3 · 12.5 pts

This subject is part of a sequence of four parts (or five parts for part-time) taken in successive semesters that together constitute the 125-point research project offered through the MSc Earth Sciences.

The School of Earth Sciences is home to a large and diverse range of research programs. Our interests include the solid Earth, the fluid Earth (including our atmosphere and oceans) and processes that operate at the interface between these upon which all life on our planet depends. Current research activities include: Climate Variability and Change, Atmosphere and Ocean Dynamics, Synoptic and Mesoscale Meteorology, Hydrogeology and Aqueous Biogeochemistry, Sedimentary Geology and Palaeontology, Palaeoclimate and Palaeoenvironmental Reconstruction, Thermochronology, Neotectonics and Landscape Evolution, Ore Deposit Geology, Geochemistry and Geochronology, Structural Geology, Tectonics and Geodynamics, Thermodynamics of Metamorphic Systems (THERMOCALC), Geochemistry and Geochronology of Magmatic Systems, Noble Gas Geochronology and Geochemistry, Computer Simulation of Geological and Geophysical Fluid Dynamics, Physics and Chemistry of the Earth's Deep Interior, and Energy: Resources and Futures.

This subject comprises a major piece of original supervised research on a topic as agreed by the student and their supervisor. A literature review is conducted in the first six months of candidature and includes a research proposal describing the aims, significance and approach of the project.

It is anticipated that students will generate an original piece of research comparable to that produced for a paper submitted to a scientific journal, and will be encouraged to do so.

View detailed information in the Handbook

Earth Sciences Research Project Pt3 · 25 pts

This subject is part of a sequence of four parts (or five parts for part-time) taken in successive semesters that together constitute the 125-point research project offered through the MSc Earth Sciences.

The School of Earth Sciences is home to a large and diverse range of research programs. Our interests include the solid Earth, the fluid Earth (including our atmosphere and oceans) and processes that operate at the interface between these upon which all life on our planet depends. Current research activities include: Climate Variability and Change, Atmosphere and Ocean Dynamics, Synoptic and Mesoscale Meteorology, Hydrogeology and Aqueous Biogeochemistry, Sedimentary Geology and Palaeontology, Palaeoclimate and Palaeoenvironmental Reconstruction, Thermochronology, Neotectonics and Landscape Evolution, Ore Deposit Geology, Geochemistry and Geochronology, Structural Geology, Tectonics and Geodynamics, Thermodynamics of Metamorphic Systems (THERMOCALC), Geochemistry and Geochronology of Magmatic Systems, Noble Gas Geochronology and Geochemistry, Computer Simulation of Geological and Geophysical Fluid Dynamics, Physics and Chemistry of the Earth's Deep Interior, and Energy: Resources and Futures.

This subject comprises a major piece of original supervised research on a topic as agreed by the student and their supervisor. A literature review is conducted in the first six months of candidature and includes a research proposal describing the aims, significance and approach of the project.

It is anticipated that students will generate an original piece of research comparable to that produced for a paper submitted to a scientific journal, and will be encouraged to do so.

View detailed information in the Handbook

Earth Sciences Research Project Pt3 · 37.5 pts

This subject is part of a sequence of four parts (or five parts for part-time) taken in successive semesters that together constitute the 125-point research project offered through the MSc Earth Sciences.

The School of Earth Sciences is home to a large and diverse range of research programs. Our interests include the solid Earth, the fluid Earth (including our atmosphere and oceans) and processes that operate at the interface between these upon which all life on our planet depends. Current research activities include: Climate Variability and Change, Atmosphere and Ocean Dynamics, Synoptic and Mesoscale Meteorology, Hydrogeology and Aqueous Biogeochemistry, Sedimentary Geology and Palaeontology, Palaeoclimate and Palaeoenvironmental Reconstruction, Thermochronology, Neotectonics and Landscape Evolution, Ore Deposit Geology, Geochemistry and Geochronology, Structural Geology, Tectonics and Geodynamics, Thermodynamics of Metamorphic Systems (THERMOCALC), Geochemistry and Geochronology of Magmatic Systems, Noble Gas Geochronology and Geochemistry, Computer Simulation of Geological and Geophysical Fluid Dynamics, Physics and Chemistry of the Earth's Deep Interior, and Energy: Resources and Futures.

This subject comprises a major piece of original supervised research on a topic as agreed by the student and their supervisor. A literature review is conducted in the first six months of candidature and includes a research proposal describing the aims, significance and approach of the project.

It is anticipated that students will generate an original piece of research comparable to that produced for a paper submitted to a scientific journal, and will be encouraged to do so.

View detailed information in the Handbook

Earth Sciences Research Project Pt3 · 50 pts

This subject is part of a sequence of four parts (or five parts for part-time) taken in successive semesters that together constitute the 125-point research project offered through the MSc Earth Sciences.

The School of Earth Sciences is home to a large and diverse range of research programs. Our interests include the solid Earth, the fluid Earth (including our atmosphere and oceans) and processes that operate at the interface between these upon which all life on our planet depends. Current research activities include: Climate Variability and Change, Atmosphere and Ocean Dynamics, Synoptic and Mesoscale Meteorology, Hydrogeology and Aqueous Biogeochemistry, Sedimentary Geology and Palaeontology, Palaeoclimate and Palaeoenvironmental Reconstruction, Thermochronology, Neotectonics and Landscape Evolution, Ore Deposit Geology, Geochemistry and Geochronology, Structural Geology, Tectonics and Geodynamics, Thermodynamics of Metamorphic Systems (THERMOCALC), Geochemistry and Geochronology of Magmatic Systems, Noble Gas Geochronology and Geochemistry, Computer Simulation of Geological and Geophysical Fluid Dynamics, Physics and Chemistry of the Earth's Deep Interior, and Energy: Resources and Futures.

This subject comprises a major piece of original supervised research on a topic as agreed by the student and their supervisor. A literature review is conducted in the first six months of candidature and includes a research proposal describing the aims, significance and approach of the project.

It is anticipated that students will generate an original piece of research comparable to that produced for a paper submitted to a scientific journal, and will be encouraged to do so.

View detailed information in the Handbook

Earth Sciences Research Project Pt4 · 12.5 pts

This subject is part of a sequence of four parts (or five parts for part-time) taken in successive semesters that together constitute the 125-point research project offered through the MSc Earth Sciences.

The School of Earth Sciences is home to a large and diverse range of research programs. Our interests include the solid Earth, the fluid Earth (including our atmosphere and oceans) and processes that operate at the interface between these upon which all life on our planet depends. Current research activities include: Climate Variability and Change, Atmosphere and Ocean Dynamics, Synoptic and Mesoscale Meteorology, Hydrogeology and Aqueous Biogeochemistry, Sedimentary Geology and Palaeontology, Palaeoclimate and Palaeoenvironmental Reconstruction, Thermochronology, Neotectonics and Landscape Evolution, Ore Deposit Geology, Geochemistry and Geochronology, Structural Geology, Tectonics and Geodynamics, Thermodynamics of Metamorphic Systems (THERMOCALC), Geochemistry and Geochronology of Magmatic Systems, Noble Gas Geochronology and Geochemistry, Computer Simulation of Geological and Geophysical Fluid Dynamics, Physics and Chemistry of the Earth's Deep Interior, and Energy: Resources and Futures.

This subject comprises a major piece of original supervised research on a topic as agreed by the student and their supervisor. A literature review is conducted in the first six months of candidature and includes a research proposal describing the aims, significance and approach of the project.

It is anticipated that students will generate an original piece of research comparable to that produced for a paper submitted to a scientific journal, and will be encouraged to do so.

View detailed information in the Handbook

Earth Sciences Research Project Pt4 · 25 pts

This subject is part of a sequence of four parts (or five parts for part-time) taken in successive semesters that together constitute the 125-point research project offered through the MSc Earth Sciences.

The School of Earth Sciences is home to a large and diverse range of research programs. Our interests include the solid Earth, the fluid Earth (including our atmosphere and oceans) and processes that operate at the interface between these upon which all life on our planet depends. Current research activities include: Climate Variability and Change, Atmosphere and Ocean Dynamics, Synoptic and Mesoscale Meteorology, Hydrogeology and Aqueous Biogeochemistry, Sedimentary Geology and Palaeontology, Palaeoclimate and Palaeoenvironmental Reconstruction, Thermochronology, Neotectonics and Landscape Evolution, Ore Deposit Geology, Geochemistry and Geochronology, Structural Geology, Tectonics and Geodynamics, Thermodynamics of Metamorphic Systems (THERMOCALC), Geochemistry and Geochronology of Magmatic Systems, Noble Gas Geochronology and Geochemistry, Computer Simulation of Geological and Geophysical Fluid Dynamics, Physics and Chemistry of the Earth's Deep Interior, and Energy: Resources and Futures.

This subject comprises a major piece of original supervised research on a topic as agreed by the student and their supervisor. A literature review is conducted in the first six months of candidature and includes a research proposal describing the aims, significance and approach of the project.

It is anticipated that students will generate an original piece of research comparable to that produced for a paper submitted to a scientific journal, and will be encouraged to do so.

View detailed information in the Handbook

Earth Sciences Research Project Pt4 · 37.5 pts

This subject is part of a sequence of four parts (or five parts for part-time) taken in successive semesters that together constitute the 125-point research project offered through the MSc Earth Sciences.

The School of Earth Sciences is home to a large and diverse range of research programs. Our interests include the solid Earth, the fluid Earth (including our atmosphere and oceans) and processes that operate at the interface between these upon which all life on our planet depends. Current research activities include: Climate Variability and Change, Atmosphere and Ocean Dynamics, Synoptic and Mesoscale Meteorology, Hydrogeology and Aqueous Biogeochemistry, Sedimentary Geology and Palaeontology, Palaeoclimate and Palaeoenvironmental Reconstruction, Thermochronology, Neotectonics and Landscape Evolution, Ore Deposit Geology, Geochemistry and Geochronology, Structural Geology, Tectonics and Geodynamics, Thermodynamics of Metamorphic Systems (THERMOCALC), Geochemistry and Geochronology of Magmatic Systems, Noble Gas Geochronology and Geochemistry, Computer Simulation of Geological and Geophysical Fluid Dynamics, Physics and Chemistry of the Earth's Deep Interior, and Energy: Resources and Futures.

This subject comprises a major piece of original supervised research on a topic as agreed by the student and their supervisor. A literature review is conducted in the first six months of candidature and includes a research proposal describing the aims, significance and approach of the project.

It is anticipated that students will generate an original piece of research comparable to that produced for a paper submitted to a scientific journal, and will be encouraged to do so.

View detailed information in the Handbook

Earth Sciences Research Project Pt4 · 50 pts

This subject is part of a sequence of four parts (or five parts for part-time) taken in successive semesters that together constitute the 125-point research project offered through the MSc Earth Sciences.

The School of Earth Sciences is home to a large and diverse range of research programs. Our interests include the solid Earth, the fluid Earth (including our atmosphere and oceans) and processes that operate at the interface between these upon which all life on our planet depends. Current research activities include: Climate Variability and Change, Atmosphere and Ocean Dynamics, Synoptic and Mesoscale Meteorology, Hydrogeology and Aqueous Biogeochemistry, Sedimentary Geology and Palaeontology, Palaeoclimate and Palaeoenvironmental Reconstruction, Thermochronology, Neotectonics and Landscape Evolution, Ore Deposit Geology, Geochemistry and Geochronology, Structural Geology, Tectonics and Geodynamics, Thermodynamics of Metamorphic Systems (THERMOCALC), Geochemistry and Geochronology of Magmatic Systems, Noble Gas Geochronology and Geochemistry, Computer Simulation of Geological and Geophysical Fluid Dynamics, Physics and Chemistry of the Earth's Deep Interior, and Energy: Resources and Futures.

This subject comprises a major piece of original supervised research on a topic as agreed by the student and their supervisor. A literature review is conducted in the first six months of candidature and includes a research proposal describing the aims, significance and approach of the project.

It is anticipated that students will generate an original piece of research comparable to that produced for a paper submitted to a scientific journal, and will be encouraged to do so.

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