Welcome from the Head of School

Welcome to the School of Geosciences, a dynamic and varied group of disciplines made up of Geography, Geology & Geophysics, Marine Science and Environmental Studies. The 2006 release in the United Kingdom of the Stern Review on the anticipated costs of climate-change impacts has forced unprecedented attention of governments and industry onto scientific issues in which Geosciences plays a central role; global issues such as these will touch each of you in an appreciable way over the next few years. A major in our discipline areas can be included within various degree programs across the University, including Science, Arts, Liberal Studies, Land and Water Science, Economics and Social Sciences. These studies will reward you with valuable skills to launch a professional career commonly involving international travel, out-of-doors work in exotic locations and the ability to contribute to better environmental futures.

Geography is the study of earth as the home of people. It addresses recent changes in the physical environment, human environmental relations and the spatial organization of human activity. Geology & Geophysics investigates all aspects of our physical Earth from its origins and earliest evolution through its four and a half billion-year history, to the dynamics of how it is currently evolving. Marine Science is co-taught with the School of Biological Sciences and investigates the largest domain on the planet-the oceans, seabed and surrounding coast, including their physical, biological and dynamic attributes. Environmental Studies spans several disciplines at the University of Sydney and addresses how various sciences and the environment are related, and how science can be employed to effectively manage and solve our wide range of environmental issues. Study in these disciplines can be combined with many other branches of science, engineering, economics and the arts.

Please explore our website to find information concerning our programmes of study, the facilities we have to offer, and outlines of the requirements expected of you as a student. By virtue of its commitment to providing professional training and enjoyable courses, fieldwork constitutes an integral part of training in the Geosciences. The School takes great pride in the fact that it is a pleasant and friendly place to learn and students are encouraged to enhance their training by taking Units of Study in all the disciplines that we offer. The teaching staff, technical staff and postgraduate students are there to help you and to share their enthusiasm. Don’t hesitate to talk to them and to make your interests known. In addition to the lecturers and teaching assistants for specific courses, there is an academic coordinator for each year of the undergraduate program.

Associate Professor Dietmar Müller
Head of School