Overview
What is Geoscience?
Geoscience is a multi-disciplinary course designed by leading research scientists in response to critical challenges facing the earth system in the 21st century. It combines the study of geology, geography, chemistry, physics and biology, to develop a complete understanding of how the Earth works. Geoscientists analyse the changing climate, predict earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, find supplies of energy and raw materials, maintain clean air and water, measure the motion of the earth’s crust and oceans, and reconstruct the evolution of rocky planets and life.
Do you enjoy…
- Finding out how our planet works?
- Exploring the natural world outdoors?
- Discovering how we can manage our natural resources more sustainably?
Geoscience: The course for you?
If you like science, enjoyed taking science and geography at school, care about the Earth, are fascinated by the natural world and enjoy working outdoors, then consider geoscience. Geoscience attracts people who wish to study the dynamics of our planet, to understand environmental changes past, present and future, and to manage Earth’s resources in an economic and sustainable manner.
Geoscience at Trinity
At Trinity, you will learn from internationally renowned geoscientists whose teaching is informed by current research at the frontiers of knowledge. Our staff investigate topical issues including climate and environmental change, the origins and evolution of life, and Earth resources. Research and teaching combines field-observation, sophisticated laboratory analysis and numerical modelling to develop the quantitative understanding of our planet needed to address applied, real-world problems.
Graduate skills and career opportunities
There is currently a global shortage of geoscientists. Geoscience prepares students to work on many of society’s most important challenges whilst unlocking lucrative and personally rewarding careers in industry, academia, research and government. Careers leading directly from geoscience include work in: environmental, engineering and geological consultancies; mineral exploration companies; environmental planning; government geological surveys; teaching and research. Geoscience graduates are also highly valued in more generalised fields of employment due to their adaptability, their many transferable skills and their experience at dealing with complex but incomplete data sets.
Your degree and what you’ll study
First and second years
The first two years provide a solid grounding in geoscience with modules covering geology, physical and human geography and foundation modules in mathematics, statistics and computation. You will tailor your experience by selecting optional modules from the chemical, physical and biological sciences, and human geography.
Third and fourth years
In third and fourth years you will deepen your knowledge in particular aspects of geoscience, whilst honing practical and technical skills though a combination of classroom lectures, seminars, and laboratory-based practicals. Topics covered include climate and environmental change, igneous and metamorphic processes, sedimentology, tectonics, geochemistry, exploration for natural resources (water, minerals and hydrocarbons), palaeontology and evolution.
You will complete a significant piece of independent research on your chosen specialism, which may take the form of a written dissertation or a geological mapping project.
Click here for further information on modules/subjects.
Study abroad
Trinity is committed to training field scientists who have practical experience of field research in a range of environments and this programme includes several residential field courses in Ireland and overseas. Further information on study abroad opportunities can be found at: www.tcd.ie/study/study-abroad/outbound/options
Trinity College Dublin and Columbia University Dual B.A. Programme
Geoscience may also be studied as part of the Dual B.A. Programme between Trinity College Dublin and Columbia University (USA). For more details see https://tcd.gs.columbia.edu
