Geoscience, society and university teaching

ABSTRACT

Our Earth Science (aka Geology, Geoscience) graduates are in high demand in New Zealand and Australia across a range of disciplines from environmental management, to construction, geotechnical engineering and geohazard mitigation and response. Indeed in New Zealand, only ~10% of Earth Science graduates work in the resource/minerals sector, with most working in the geotechnical sector. As a nation, we are either constructing, or re-constructing after a hazard event. The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) report has highlighted the importance of geoscience (and engineering) in maintaining regional prosperity and global sustainability, and the wellbeing economy. Nevertheless, recent developments in the geotechnical industry in Australia and New Zealand have highlighted challenges related to the education of geoscientists, industry expectations of university graduates, and a workforce shortage. Here, I outline some of the typical career pathways our Earth Science graduates take, and elements of work-integrated learning (WIL) that have been utilised in Earth Science teaching to underpin graduate employability. I also touch on elements of best practice elsewhere, as well as continued professional development (CPD) of our graduates beyond the University.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Prior to appointment at UOA in 2016, Martin worked as a consulting engineering geologist based out of Australia. This involved urban transport tunnels, ports, highways and airports, over-water work, as well as the resource sector, including the mining and oil industries, and renewables. Earlier in his career, he taught at Massey University. Current research largely focuses on land instability and environmental geology issues in New Zealand and the Pacific, with funders including EQC, Royal Society of NZ, MBIE, as well as consulting practice. He is a Chartered Geologist (CGeol) with the Geological Society of London, chartered with Engineering New Zealand as a Professional Engineering Geologist (PEngGeol), and is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA). Beyond the academy, he is also involved in outreach and training activities, including in the Pacific Islands. He is also a chartership assessor, where he examines the abilities of global industry talent as they move up the career ladder.

Host or Publisher Faculty of Science, University of Auckland