Courses - Faculty of Science
Earth Sciences
Stage I
Foundation for Earth Sciences
Exploring and understanding the complexities of Earth systems requires earth scientists to engage with a range of quantitative techniques and tools. Introduces students to contemporary approaches for analysing and interpreting earth science data. Covers mathematical, physical, computational, and chemical methods used in the earth sciences. Emphasises practical application to a variety of earth science topics.
Restriction: EARTHSCI 263
Natural Hazards in New Zealand
New Zealanders are exposed to extreme natural events and processes including earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, weather bombs, storm surge, tsunami, flooding, landslides and erosion. The physical context for each hazard is provided, drawing on the disciplines of geology, geomorphology and climatology. The frequency and magnitude of natural hazards for New Zealand are considered using different sources. Impacts on modern society are discussed using case studies and scenario modelling.
Planet Earth
Examination of geologic processes that have shaped Earth and life through time, and their impact on modern society. Topics include: earthquakes, plate tectonics, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, landslides, meteorites and planets, mass extinctions and evolution of life. A practical introduction to rocks, minerals and fossils provides insights into Earth's past and important modern resources.
Restriction: EARTHSCI 103
Stage II
Earth History
Explores the evolution of the Earth from its molten beginnings to the dynamic planet we live on today. Topics include: stratigraphy (litho-, bio-, cyclo-, magneto-); evolution; paleoecology; Precambrian Earth (formation, first continents and beginnings of life); development of the Earth and life through the Phanerozoic Eon. Knowledge of geological mapping equivalent to EARTHSCI 201 or 220 will be assumed.
Prerequisite: 75 points, including at least 15 points from EARTHSCI 103, 120
Rock and Minerals
The formation of igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks, the minerals they contain, and how they can be used to interpret major Earth Science processes such as crustal evolution, volcanism, mountain building, deformation, and sedimentation.
Prerequisite: 15 points from EARTHSCI 103, 120
New Zealand: Half a Billion Years on the Edge
Take a 500 million year journey through time following the geologic and biologic development of New Zealand from humble beginnings on the edge of the ancient supercontinent Gondwana to the present day geologically dynamic land mass beset by volcanic eruptions, earthquakes and massive erosion as a consequence of being located on the edge of the Earth's largest tectonic plate.
Prerequisite: 75 points passed
Earth Structure
A foundation course that introduces students to descriptive and analytical methods in structural geology. Geological maps are used to help students analyse structural features (e.g., folds, faults, contacts). On completion of this course, students should be able to interpret geological maps, construct cross-sections, and synthesise analytical results into a structural history.
Prerequisite: 15 points at Stage I in Earth Sciences
Restriction: EARTHSCI 204
Practice in Earth Sciences 1
A practical and field based course that introduces and develops theory and work flows to enable students to read, document and interpret landforms and landscapes in 4-D. Students will be required to participate in a residential field experience and undertake independent field work.
Prerequisite: 15 points from EARTHSCI 120, GEOG 101
Restriction: EARTHSCI 201, 260
Climate and Society
Exploration of themes in climatology, meteorology, hydro-climatology and oceanography with a focus on the nature and role of key processes. These will be examined in relation to key issues for society such as extreme weather events, drought, floods, air pollution and climate change.
Prerequisite: GEOG 101
Restriction: GEOG 261
Geomorphology
Introduces fundamental concepts in geomorphology for geologists and physical geographers. Key aspects of geomorphology, sedimentology, and earth surface processes are introduced by studying the temporal and spatial development of coastal and river landforms. Applied techniques for earth and environmental sciences, including field, remote sensing, GIS mapping, and modelling.
Prerequisite: GEOG 101
Restriction: GEOG 262
Stage III
Sedimentary Systems
An advanced course that critically examines sedimentary systems from the mineral to basin scale. Highlights the latest research and techniques used to interpret carbonate and clastic sedimentary systems, including petrological techniques, paleoenvironment facies analysis, sequence stratigraphy, basin analysis and geophysics. Real-life case studies will also show how hydrocarbon systems work in a sedimentary system context.
Prerequisite: Any 30 points at Stage II in Earth Sciences or Biological Sciences, plus an understanding equivalent to EARTHSCI 202 will be assumed
Dynamic Quaternary Environments
An exploration of the evolution of climatic and environmental variability over the past 2.6 million years in the context of our present warming world. The topic is multi-disciplinary and examines aspects of paleoceanography, sea-level change, paleo ice sheets, paleohydrology, paleoecology, paleolimnology, and speleothems and the techniques used extract the records of change that they contain.
Prerequisite: 45 points at Stage II, including 15 points from EARTHSCI 201, 202, 220, GEOG 260-263, or equivalent
Tectonic and Magmatic Systems
Explores the tectonic and magmatic evolution of Earth and planetary systems, including their formation, composition, and how they deform. Students are exposed to seminal literature covering the various geological, geochemical, geophysical, and modelling tools and methods used for deciphering Earth deformation and magmatism, and the critical feedbacks between these processes. Recommended preparation: EARTHSCI 203, 208
Restriction: EARTHSCI 304, 305
Analytical Skills in Geology
A laboratory and field-based course expanding a student’s ability to collect, synthesise and analyse the range of datasets encountered in Earth Sciences, in disciplines such as geochemistry, sedimentology, structural geology and geophysics. Activities focus around a residential geological field-trip, where students develop advanced quantitative field skills in geologically diverse settings, and provide a report synthesising and interpreting their collected data.
Prerequisite: EARTHSCI 220, 30 points from EARTHSCI 202, 203, 208, 262 and a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher
Practice in Earth Sciences 2
A practical and field based course that embeds theory and work flows to enable students to read, document and interpret complex and vulnerable landforms and landscapes in 4-D. Students will be required to participate in a residential field experience and undertake independent field work.
Prerequisite: EARTHSCI 220
Restriction: EARTHSCI 301, GEOG 330
Exploration Geophysics
Introduction to geophysical methods and their applications. The course will provide a comprehensive overview on seismic methods, an introduction to gravity, electric, magnetic, electromagnetic, and radar techniques, and a short overview on other methods. Applications include hydrocarbon exploration, mineral exploration, studies of the shallow sub-surface and the deep Earth. Recommended preparation: Understanding of mathematics covered in MATHS 102 or 110 and geology covered in EARTHSCI 103 or 120 is assumed.
Prerequisite: 15 points from EARTHSCI 201-204, 220, GEOLOGY 201-204, 220, PHYSICS 230, 231
Restriction: GEOLOGY 361, GEOPHYS 361
Engineering Geology
An integration of quantitative and qualitative concepts in geology as applied to engineering projects. Fundamentals of soil and rock mechanics will be introduced. Topics covered in the course include landslides, dewatering schemes, contaminant transport, foundations, mines (open-pit and underground), dams, tunnels, urban geology, and transportation infrastructures. Case studies are used in lectures to demonstrate the importance of geology and water to engineering projects. Fieldwork is required.
Prerequisite: CIVIL 220 or EARTHSCI 201 or 220 or GEOLOGY 201, and 30 points from EARTHSCI 201-263, GEOG 260-263, GEOLOGY 202-205
Restriction: CIVIL 726, GEOLOGY 372
Field Focused Research in Earth System Science
An in-depth research based course that acts as an introduction to researching within an Earth System Sciences paradigm. Students will conduct their own independent research and interact with the vibrant research community of the University of Auckland through critically reading scientific papers, attending research presentations, and preparing their own research to be shared through a research report and professional research presentation.
Prerequisite: Permission of Academic Head
Capstone: Earth Sciences
Conducting an Earth Science investigation involving a range of skills, as practised in research and industry careers. Students will undertake an independent research project involving field, desktop and/or laboratory work, and communicate the results in written and oral formats. Skills gained include ability to design a research project, collect and analyse qualitative and quantitative Earth Science data, and research communication.
Prerequisite: 30 points at Stage III in Earth Sciences
Postgraduate 700 Level Courses
Hydrothermal Systems: Geothermal Energy and Ore Deposits
Active hydrothermal systems are dynamic and of vital significance to national energy requirements. In addition, their fossil equivalents are often important sites for ore deposition. This course overviews the geologic, hydrologic, and geochemical features of hydrothermal systems with an emphasis on exploration and development of active systems for geothermal energy, and fossil systems for mineral resources.
Geohazards
Contemporary methods used to identify and assess natural hazards, techniques used for the probabilistic forecasting, spatial representation and communication of hazards. How the relationship between hazard information, risk mitigation and emergency management is addressed. There will be a strong focus on the use of case studies.
Tectonic Geomorphology
New Zealand is an ideal location in which to investigate the interplay between tectonics and geomorphic processes. This will be demonstrated by combining relevant case studies and field practice whereby students will develop skills in report writing and handling of some of the data, literature and tools necessary to conduct field research in active tectonics and landform generation.
Earthquake Geology
Understanding why, how and where earthquakes occur from identification of their source parameters to consideration of their effects (ground shaking, fault rupture and crustal stress changes). Topics include seismic style, earthquake size and source parameters, recurrence interval, conditions for failure, and earthquakes as agents for crustal fluid redistribution.
Geochemistry of our World
Provides a broad overview of applications of geochemistry across multiple disciplines. In addition, this course will help determine the suitability of different analytical techniques to different problems while providing practical experience in collecting and evaluating geochemical data. Subject areas are wide-reaching and include, geology, environmental science, biology, archaeology, and forensic sciences. No formal prerequisite but knowledge of introductory chemistry will be assumed.
Reconstructing Environmental Change
Examines key issues in environmental change with an emphasis on the South West Pacific during the Quaternary. Methods applied to reconstruct and constrain the timing of environmental change are explored, including glacial geomorphology, environmental isotopes, micro- and macro-fossil remains such as pollen, diatoms and wood, and relevant geochronologic techniques. No formal prerequisite, but an understanding equivalent to EARTHSCI 307, GEOG 334 or GEOLOGY 303 will be assumed.
Understanding Volcanic Systems
Understanding how and why volcanoes erupt from magma processes in mantle to eruption at the surface. All tectonic settings and explosive and effusive processes are examined. Volcanic hazards and resource exploration in volcanic terrain is also covered.
Pure and Applied Sedimentology
An integrated account of aspects of advanced sedimentology from sediment source to sink. Critical examination of recent and ongoing, pure and applied research into the dynamics of sedimentary environments and their recognition in the ancient record. No formal prerequisite, but knowledge of sedimentology and sedimentary processes at the level covered in GEOG 262 or GEOLOGY 202 will be assumed.
Sub-surface Geophysical Exploration
The practice behind exploring the subsurface using seismic waves, ground-penetrating radar, and potential field methods. The course consists of four modules focusing on the rock physics background of geophysical techniques, aspects of geophysical studies of reservoirs, ground-penetrating radar surveys, as well as interpretation of gravity, magnetic and electrical data.
Prerequisite: GEOPHYS 330, EARTHSCI 361 or GEOPHYS 361 or equivalent
Restriction: GEOPHYS 761, 762, 763
Marine Geosciences
The multidisciplinary field of Marine Geosciences, including an overview on acoustic surveying of seafloor and water column, and field acquisition of echosounder data. Further topics include analysis of sediment cores, seafloor sedimentology, marine geochemistry, marine hydrocarbon exploration, and seafloor stability.
Engineering Geological Mapping
A field-based course which provides hands-on experience in outcrop mapping, geomorphic mapping, and simple field testing of rocks and soils for geotechnical purposes.
Advanced Engineering Geology
Advanced engineering geology focused on engineering practice. Interpretation of in-situ testing and laboratory test data (including groundwater) for the derivation of design parameters for input into numerical modeling software. The topics covered include, but are not limited to, design and analysis of site investigation, advanced core logging, slope stability analysis, rock fall assessment, introduction to numerical modeling, liquefaction and seismic hazard assessment for engineering design.
Hydrogeology
Introduces aquifers and aquifer properties; the various processes and techniques utilised in the discovery, development and assessment of groundwater resources; groundwater in construction; groundwater contamination.
Advanced Field Earth Sciences
An advanced field-based course in geological and earth surface processes. Students will be exposed to terrains and techniques that build on their undergraduate field studies. Students will undertake semi-independent fieldwork such as terrain and geologic mapping. No formal prerequisite but an understanding equivalent to EARTHSCI 301, 320 or 330 will be assumed.
BAdvSci(Hons) Dissertation in Geology - Level 9
Prerequisite: Programme Coordinator approval
Honours Research Project - Level 9
To complete this course students must enrol in EARTHSCI 789 A and B, or EARTHSCI 789
Thesis in Engineering Geology - Level 9
To complete this course students must enrol in EARTHSCI 794 A and B
