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Engineering, Mathematics and Science
162
Is this the right course for you?
In an increasingly interconnected and complex world, employers
are seeking graduates who can combine analytical rigour with
an understanding of real-world problems that are not limited
to a single discipline. The Earth sciences degree at Trinity
College, positioned on the interface between geography,
geology, environmental sciences, physics and chemistry,
provides an insight into the complexities of physical processes
influencing the inhabited surface of the Earth and its atmosphere
and oceans. The degree is both highly challenging and also
potentially hugely rewarding: not only do the earth sciences
underpin many of the problems currently faced by humankind,
they are also a source of many of the solutions!
Course overview
In the Junior Freshman (first) year students take six modules:
Geology; Introduction to geography I (physical); Introduction to
geography II (human-environment); Maths; Foundation physics,
and Introduction to physical chemistry.
In the Senior Freshman (second) year, students take courses in
Geology (Mineralogy, Palaeontology and stratigraphy, Petrology,
Structural geology and Mapwork, plus a module of Fieldwork);
Geography (Changing worlds and Collection and analysis of
geographical data); Geochemistry for earth scientists; Physics
for earth scientists and a module from the Broad Curriculum
(see page 13).
The Sophister (third and fourth) years enable students to take
a variety of modules from the existing Geography and Geology
degree programmes (see pages 149-150). In their Senior
Sophister year, students also have the opportunity to take
some modules drawn from outside the Earth sciences degree
programme.
Assessment
Most modules are assessed by a combination of continuous
assessment and end-of-year examinations.
Study abroad
The School of Natural Sciences has exchange agreements
with a large number of other universities where students may
carry out part or all of the Junior Sophister (third) year of the
degree. In addition, the Earth sciences degree includes at least
one
overseas field course, together with opportunities
for students to base their research project work outside
Ireland
.
Career opportunities
Areas such as environmental consultancy, environmental
planning, overseas assistance, the assessment, exploitation and
management of resources, including mineral reserves such as
oil and gas, risk assessment, environmental analysis, teaching,
and research all potentially offer careers for graduates from the
Earth sciences degree.
Further information
www.naturalscience.tcd.ie/undergraduate/earth-science.php
E-mail:
edwardsr@tcd.ie
Tel: +353 1 896 1713