ESCI 111 introduces students to the Earth system. It covers the physical processes that shape the Earth and environment. It emphasises how humans interact with the environment, especially around key issues such as climate change and sea level rise, n...

An introduction to geology, Earth and planetary history, rock forming processes and geological time through the study of minerals, fossils, rocks and geological maps.

A broad introduction to Antarctica, including its history, exploration, weather, geology, fauna and management. Its role in the global climate system is emphasised. This course is primarily designed for non-science majors.

The Climate Change Research Institute in conjunction with the School of Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences is offering this summer course. Designed for science and non-science students, this course provides a summary of current knowledge on cl...

An introduction to features of sedimentary strata and fossils that form the basis for interpreting the geological history of a region from field observations and drill cores. The course includes flow channel studies of sediment movement in the labora...

An introduction to the fields of structural geology, tectonics and solid earth geophysics with the goal of describing the structure of the earth and the mechanisms by which it deforms. The laboratory component emphasises modern field-based methods of...

This course examines all common major rock types and introduces crystallography as it pertains to optical mineralogy, with examples of a variety of common minerals and rocks in hand sample and under the microscope. The course covers the origins of co...

An introduction to field techniques in geology held at the Geology department's field station at Onekaka, near Takaka, Northwest Nelson. The course trains students in basic methods of geological field mapping and provides training and experience in t...

A study of modern and past Earth environments and the key processes that have shaped them. This course focuses on understanding and interpreting evidence from the geological record for environmental change and using this knowledge to help predict fut...

An introduction to the fundamental concepts, principles and methods in global tectonics and structural geology. The laboratory part of the course emphasises practical methods of structural analysis and interpretation based on outcrop, rock mechanics,...

The course introduces fundamental concepts, principles and methods in geochemistry and the application of geochemical tools to geochronology, igneous, metamorphic rocks and processes. The formation, classification and geochemical behaviour of element...

This course covers the use of geophysical data acquisition, processing and interpretation for exploring the Earth's interior. Topics include gravity, electrical and magnetic surveying and the fields of simple bodies, refraction seismology, reflection...

Topic to be advised.

Field sedimentary mapping in the hills east of Martinborough, covering the basics of mapping sedimentary sequences in an area of simple deformation. A map, cross- section and stratigraphic columns are prepared and an environmental analysis of the sec...

Field mapping and analysis of geological structures, including folds, thrust and active strike-slip faults. Students measure structural data, produce maps and draw cross-sections of Kekerengu, an area on the Kaikōura coast that provides a dramatic wi...

Methods and techniques for studying volcanic geology in the field. This course runs from Whakapapa in the Taupo Volcanic Zone (TVZ) of the central North Island. It examines the products of andesite and basalt eruptions from the Tongariro National Par...

Methods and techniques for field geophysical surveys. The field trip is held in the mid-trimester break. There will also be supporting lectures. Students will be required to attend a pre-field trip lecture. This will be in the last timetabled class s...

This international field course in earth sciences aims to examine key geographical, geological and/or geophysical localities. The course will offer a variable but unique insight, understanding and experience of earth science in the field beyond that ...

This course studies tectonics of global plate boundary settings and general principles in geodynamics and geotectonics. On odd years focus is usually on the NZ plate boundary zone and on even years it focuses more generally on the mechanics and kinem...

This course will review some of the latest results in the field of palaeobiology. Using research papers published over the last twelve months, we will choose the most exciting and extraordinary topics available. Depending on what’s published in that ...

This course examines the formation of the elements, origins of the Solar System, and accretion and differentiation of the rocky planets. It reviews the generation and modification of magmas and volcanoes and the investigation of metamorphic condition...

Geophysical topics relevant to earth science research in NZ and elsewhere including: seismic exploration, anisotropy in rocks, seismic wave attentuation & amplitude behaviour, gravity studies, geodesy, geophysics & geothermal studies, palaeomagnetism...

The course is a study of contemporary research papers in Paleoclimate science. Concentrates on environmental proxy indicators, dating methods and climate dynamics. Prominent NZ Quaternary records as well as high profile records from elsewhere are exa...

An advanced course presenting petrologic/geochemical techniques and concepts used for reconstructing Earth processes. Topics include trace element and isotope geochemistry, mantle processes and magmatism, and marine and paleoenvironmental geochemistr...

An advanced course covering why and how volcanoes form and the eruption styles that characterise magmas produced at different plate tectonic settings (subduction zone, mid-ocean ridges and oceanic and intraplate settings); quantitative geochemical me...

A supervised programme of study approved by the Head of School.

This international field course in earth sciences aims to examine key geographical, geological and/ or geophysical localities. The course will offer a variable but unique insight, understanding and experience of earth science in the field beyond that...

The physical and chemical phenomena governing  tectonism, magmatism, and active margin processes in general interact on a wide variety of timescales. This course explores the observations on which modern understanding of active earth processes are ba...

This course will examine stratigraphic principles and approaches used to reconstruct past depositional environments, to then interpret major tectonic and/or climatic events in Earth’s history. Geochemical and paleontological proxies will be used to i...

Knowledge of Earth materials and resources and their impact on the Earth system is essential for responsible resource extraction and sustainable development. This course will explore the origin, extraction, uses and sustainability of a range of Earth...

This course will review a diverse range of current controversies and debates in paleobiology using recently published papers. Topics will be selected from a list supplied by us and/or proposed by the class. We will suggest some literature as a starti...