For the past two years, I've been leading the development of a new degree in "Earth Sciences", which is planned to replace our current "Geology" degree from 2023 onwards. This was now approved by our Board of Studies and is awaiting College approval. A lot of people contributed to this, but at the core, the process was driven by a small group of younger academics who attempted to develop a degree that prepares our graduates ideally for the changing working environment and topics in Earth Sciences. As a teaser, here's the external summary I wrote for the paperwork:
"In the Earth Sciences degree, you will study the Earth’s past to forecast its future. You will develop a deep understanding of the many processes that shape the Earth and life on it, and how they interact and depend on each other. We will teach you how to acquire, analyse and visualise a wide range of geoscientific data, and how to put your knowledge and skills to use to make a real difference in our transition to a fair and sustainable society. You will learn how we can use the Earth’s resources sustainably to meet our needs in energy, minerals and water, and become an expert in assessing the risks associated with volcanoes, earthquakes and climate change.
Edinburgh’s Earth Sciences degree, which is accredited by the Geological Society of London, is a cutting-edge degree that ideally prepares you for advanced careers in Earth Sciences and beyond. It carefully balances data science and computing skills with classical geological field skills and a broad geosciences knowledge and makes optimal use of our unique Scottish geological heritage. An extensive independent research project provides an opportunity to develop your research skills and be trained on our world-class facilities by top scientists. From the beginning, you will develop your transferable skills in communicating Earth Science topics in writing, presentations and online. You will be debating and collaborating from day one, and we will train you to become a confident professional over your time at our School. An independent research project provides an opportunity to develop your research skills and be trained on our world-class facilities by top scientists. Our focussed pathway option allows you to complete your BSc (hons) degree in three years while still being able to specialise in a field of your interest.
In the MEarthSci degree, a further extensive research project provides you an opportunity to become an independent researcher, while a summer internship gets you in contact with industry. Our focussed pathway option allows you to complete your MEarthSci degree in four years while still being able to specialise in a field of your interest."
It was great to see that the proposal was voted through the BoS with no opposing vote. There's a lot of work left - not alone the writing of 18 new courses - but we are all pretty excited. As a project lead, this was an incredible opportunity to understand the dynamics of a School like ours better, and I learned a lot about the interaction with colleagues, the consideration of their viewpoints, and how to find compromises that incorporate as many opinions, contraints and ambitions as possible.
