Subject
Earth Sciences
What is Earth Sciences?
Earth Sciences is a science integrating Physics, Chemistry and
Biology, with evidence from billions of years of Earth history. The study of
Earth Sciences provides vital insights into how our planet works. Understanding our planet is an
essential part of tackling the global challenges our society faces - be that
climate change, environmental hazards, working towards a successful green
energy transition or identifying sustainable resources for new technologies.
By studying Earth Science, you can be part of the solution.
Earth Sciences is naturally multi-disciplinary and draws together areas of research as diverse
as Earth-ocean atmosphere systems, mineral sciences, climate, palaeobiology,
petrology, volcanology, tectonics, geochemistry and Earth history.
What can I do with an Earth Sciences degree?
The market for graduate Earth Scientists is exciting and diverse; you could be exploring for
minerals or subsurface water, managing environ-mental issues, or be part of a
research team in industry/academia. Training in Earth Sciences also gives you
a wide range of transferable skills suitable for work in the financial,
public and private sector. Some students continue their education and complete more
specialised degrees within further education such as MPhil or PhD in Earth
Sciences.
What might I need to study Earth Sciences?
You don’t need to have studied Geology at school to do Earth Sciences, but you do need A Levels in at least two science subjects from Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology.
Earth Sciences combines well with other subjects in the First year Natural Sciences, both biological and physical.
Resources within this subject
Check out written, audio, video resources. CAMbassadors comments and related links.
Discover more subjects
Introduction to Natural Sciences at Cambridge: Astronomy, Materials Science and Earth Sciences
The Natural Sciences tripos at Cambridge is interdisciplinary in nature, with students tending to specialise as they progress through their course. In this video, we hear from students who have specialised in the Physical Sciences across fields such as Astronomy, Materials Science and Earth Sciences.
Useful Links
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Earth Sciences at Cambridge
Visit our department website, for information about the Earth Sciences course, department, staff and students.
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Sample Lecture - Earth's Climate Story
Earth’s Climate Story – sample lecture with Dr Ed Tipper, First Year Course Co-ordinator
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Earth Sciences Blog
Earth Sciences blog site where you can read about student research projects, studying through lockdown, and field trips.
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The Sedgwick Museum
Check out the Sedgwick Museum website