It also involves the study of Earth's natural and physical resources, and incorporates interdisciplinary subjects across the traditional disciplines of geography, geology, geophysics, oceanography and biological sciences.

The course focuses on applying knowledge of these disciplines to understanding and solving problems. The subject?s growth has been in response to changing demands in industry and the practical needs of interdisciplinary scientific research, together with the needs arising from an increased community awareness of the Earth, its environment stresses and patterns of change.

The BSc in Earth Science is taught jointly by the School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences (BEES), and the School of Geography and Archaeology, with primary inputs from staff across both schools, as well as some teaching from other schools in the College of Science, Engineering and Food Science. Year 1 is part of the common first year foundation course in science taken by all students within the Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences.

Subjects areas studied in year 1 include geography and geology, biology, chemistry, physics and maths. From year 2, there is much greater specialisation in geography, geology and Earth science, with the study of key thematic areas including geomorphology; atmospheres; oceans, Earth?s resources; rocks, minerals and fossil; applied geology and environmental management. Years 3 and 4 allow further specialisation in areas of interest to students, with advanced studies in Earth systems science and environmental fields.

This specialisation results in an independent research project which you begin to design during year 3, and is submitted as a 10,000 word thesis in March of Year 4. Topics chosen by students often involve summer work with research institutes and consultancy firms, providing work experience, job skills and useful links for potential employment opportunities. From Year 1, fieldwork is a key element of Earth Science, with both day trips in the local area, as well as residential visits in Ireland and abroad. These trips encourage you to put into practice the theory and knowledge learned in university and to develop techniques of field measurement and interpretation