The newly formed Division of Earth Sciences is an academic division of the School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences in the College of Science. The initial programs offered by the division will be a PhD program, and an undergraduate enhancement on Natural Hazards and Society starting in August 2010. The next 5 years will see the Division expand to a full program that offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in earth science.

Earth sciences

Earth Sciences is a truly interdisciplinary subject that seeks to understand the structure and history of our planet, and to predict the future of civilization, the Earth, atmosphere and oceans. In both teaching and research, our focus is on the physical processes that formed and now influence the Earth, and on the use of observation, experiment and modelling to test hypotheses.

Research groups

The Division will consist of several research groups with many academic staff linked to the Earth Observatory of Singapore.

Main research themes:

• Natural Hazards
• Environment
• Natural Resources Discovery and Management

Earth Science Enhancement to be introduced in 2010

Natural Hazards and Risk

This undergraduate level enhancement examines the physical and human dimensions of natural hazards including earthquakes, tsunamis, tropical storms, floods, landslides, soil erosion and desertification. Courses focus on the causes of major natural hazards, their spatial and temporal distribution and the calculation and assessment of risk to society. The dual study of science and human interactions will allow students to develop a general understanding of the causes and consequences of extreme natural events and, thus, to appreciate the impacts on the lives and properties of people around the world.