Bachelor of Science in Earth Systems (Honours) Institute of Earth Systems University of Malta Course content
This programme is targeted at students wishing to work in areas relevant to the management and planning of the environment, as well as in specific environmental resource management sectors. Concern over environmental change has never been greater than at present. Our future is inextricably bound up with the health of the planet on which we live. It is therefore crucial that we gain a clear understanding of planet Earth, its systems and their dynamics, if we are to determine the ways in which we should be utilizing resources responsibly. Earth Systems Science requires an interdisciplinary approach, bringing together relevant aspects of various disciplines; the B.Sc. (Hons) programme in Earth Systems therefore adopts an integrated and holistic approach to the study of our planet. The course considers the various physical components of the Earth system and interactions between these, whilst framing issues of environmental change within a broader context of environmental, social, economic and cultural sustainability. Earth Systems Science is both science-­‐based and policy-­‐oriented, and the emphasis is on enabling students to develop an interdisciplinary and practice-­‐
oriented outlook. This 3-­‐year full time programme employs a variety of methods, including lectures, laboratory-­‐based practical sessions, field trips, seminars and supervised independent research. Students also have the option of joining international field trips to a number of locations such as Italy, Madeira and Iceland. Earth Systems Institute of Earth Systems Graduate Launchpad
Skills
Students will develop a wide range of skills throughout the course, including computing and modelling, mathematical skills, navigation, mapping, analytical field and laboratory techniques, research design and implementation, quantitative and qualitative data interpretation and analysis, and critical problem solving. Many of these skills are transferable to on-­‐the-­‐job situations and will significantly enhance employment opportunities after graduation. Entry Requirements
Applicants must satisfy the General Entry Requirements for admission to the University of Malta, namely the Matriculation Certificate and Secondary Education Certificate passes (at Grade 5 or better) in Maltese, English Language and Mathematics. Applicants must also satisfy the following Special Course Requirements: an Intermediate level pass (at grade C or better) in at least one of the following subjects: Environmental Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Pure Mathematics, Applied Mathematics (Mechanics), Geography, Sociology. Career Pathways
Graduates holding a B.Sc. (Hons) in E arth Systems are ideally placed to join professional ranks in addressing the management and planning of activities at the human-­‐nature interface, and will bring skills to the job from both the natural and social sciences. Potential employers include government, private-­‐sector industry and environmental appraisal consultancies, the University of Malta and other educational institutions, as well as international governmental and non-­‐
governmental agencies, such as the European Environment Agency, World Conservation Union (IUCN), Conservation International, the W orld Wildlife Fund, the World Bank, and various UN agencies including FAO, UNESCO, UNEP, UNDP and UNIDO. Graduates of this programme also have the option of pursuing postgraduate studies, either with the University of Malta or at universities abroad. Courses available locally include the M.Sc. in Environmental Management and Sustainability (EMS), a dual degree programme offered jointly with James Madison University of the United States. Contact us Institute of Earth Systems University of Malta, Msida MSD 2080, Malta Tel.: 2340 2873, 2340 3439 www.um.edu.mt/ies www.facebook.com/uom.ies twitter.com/uomies 2