Earth Sciences

Understanding the origin and evolution of the earth requires an interdisciplinary approach that combines traditional geology with cosmochemistry, geochemistry and geophysics. This course comprises three interlinked themes. First, the origin of the planets of our solar system with a focus on the geochemical evolution of the earth – moon system. Second, an examination of the geophysical and geochemical methods by which we determine the earth’s internal and external structure, composition and mineralogy. Finally, we bring together earth chemistry and physics to explain how the earth works within the plate tectonic paradigm.