Earth Science investigates the functioning, development and use of Earth’s physical environment and involves the study of its atmosphere and oceans, its surface processes, and its crust and interior. It also involves the study of Earth's natural and physical resources, and incorporates interdisciplinary subjects across the traditional disciplines of geography, geology, geophysics, oceanography and biological sciences. The course focuses on applying knowledge of these disciplines to understanding and solving problems. The subject’s growth has been in response to changing demands in industry and the practical needs of interdisciplinary scientific research, together with the needs arising from an increased community awareness of the Earth, its environment stresses and patterns of change.

Earth scientists are involved in a variety of environmentally based careers that draw upon their wide laboratory and computing skills and experience. Typical careers for Earth Science graduates include: mineral and water exploration geological geophysical and ground surveying geotechnical services natural resource conservation mapping management and planning oceanography and marine science