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Deep ocean scientific drilling is part of the exciting world of marine geoscience, introduced to Australasia's top 20 science students at UWA last week.

The highly-motivated undergraduate science students from Australia and New Zealand were in Perth for a series of master classes hosted by CSIRO, UWA and Curtin University.

The course introduced students to the exciting world of marine geoscience through a broad and challenging workshop. It focused on the major science themes of the new 10 year International Ocean Discovery Plan (IODP) science plan - Climate Change, Biosphere Frontiers, Planetary Dynamics and Geohazards - thus introducing students to the day-to-day impacts of marine geology on our world. It also provided practical experience in marine geoscience using the MV Southern Image for field experience in marine geophysical and geological techniques.

The course was funded by ANZIC, the Australian and New Zealand IODP Consortium, with the broad aim of getting excellent young students interested in marine geoscience including the deep ocean scientific drilling carried out by IODP.

Laboratory sessions provided a brief theoretical introduction to the relevant science, but focused on hands-on exercises using case studies from IODP and industry. For example, Advanced Geomechanics , which provides comprehensive geoscience services for both the oil and gas industries, received the students in their core lab for a practical class in describing the sediment cores collected on the Southern Image , led by Dr Steven Revet of Advanced Geomechanics .

Perth is the centre of the Australian oil and gas industry with staff from CSIRO, UWA and Curtin University working extensively with this industry. The three organisations provided students with a broad overview of the various career options, ranging from academic to applied, that a strong background in marine geosciences can provide.