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Curtin University
Courses Handbook 2013

This handbook contains information for courses and units at Curtin in 2013.
Information for current year courses and units is available at Courses Handbook 2012.

308549 v.2 Bachelor of Science (Applied Geology), Bachelor of Science (Geophysics)

BSc(Curtin), BSc(Curtin)

Course CRICOS Code: 052798D
Registered full-time Duration for International Onshore Students on student visas: 4 Years

Introduction

Geology and geophysics are of increasing importance, particularly in Australia and graduates who acquire experience in these fields have many opportunities. Geoscientists have always been required in the search for minerals, groundwater and energy resources. There is a fast growing demand for geology and geophysics professionals in developing countries. The demand from exploration industries is increasingly matched by growing opportunities in environmental management.

Course Entry Requirements/Prerequisites

TEE Applicable Mathematics. TEE Physics or Calculus desirable. OR Mathematics 3C/3D and Physics 3A/3B Mathematics Specialist 3C/3D desirable Applicants without prerequisites will also be considered but are required to complete additional and/or bridging units as part of the study program, which may extend the duration of the course by an additional year.

Specific Requirements

STAT elements considered are E, V and Q. STAT applicants will be required to meet entry prerequisites by completing enabling units which may extend the duration of the course.

Note

Students will normally be expected to have attained a higher Tertiary Entrance Rank than is required for both single degrees.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Applications for recognition of prior learning are assessed on an individual basis.

Duration and Availability

The course is four years full-time or equivalent part-time study. There will be February intake only for the International and Domestic students.

Course Organisation

In the first three years, the course is based on geology, geophysics, mathematics, chemistry and supporting subjects. In the fourth year, advanced topics of applied and exploration geology and geophysics are covered.

Professional Recognition

The degree in geology satisfies the academic requirements for membership of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, the Geological Society of Australia and Australian Institute of Geoscientists. The degree has been accredited by the Australian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy. A degree in geophysics satisfies the academic requirements for membership of the Australian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, Australian Society of Exploration Geophysicists and the Society of Exploration Geophysics (USA).

Career Opportunities

Graduates generally find employment with oil and mineral exploration companies and contractors to those companies, as well as government agencies. Many companies operate internationally and personnel may be relocated on international transfer.

Additional Course Expenses

Students may be expected to purchase a number of textbooks, readers and other essential study materials. Students are required to pay for their own food whilst on field camps.

Further Information

For further information about the program, contact The Department of Applied Geology on telephone: (08) 9266 7968, email: geology@curtin.edu.au or visit our website: www.geology.curtin.edu.au.

Special Note

STAT elements considered are E and either V or Q. Enquiries should be directed to the Department of Applied Geology.

Course Structure Disclaimer

Curtin University reserves the right to alter the internal composition of any course to ensure learning outcomes retain maximum relevance. Any changes to the internal composition of a course will protect the right of students to complete the course within the normal timeframe and will not result in additional cost to students through a requirement to undertake additional units.

Course Structure Hrs/Wk Credit
Year 1 Semester 1
10926 v.5   Mathematics 103 4.0 25.0
302804 v.3   Physics 101 4.5 25.0
314451 v.1   Introduction to Chemistry 180 6.0 25.0
  OR  
314448 v.1   Principles and Processes in Chemistry 100 6.0 25.0
7031 v.5   Geology 101 5.0 25.0
  100.0
Year 1 Semester 2
1745 v.5   Physical Measurements 102 2.5 12.5
307554 v.1   Science Communications 101 2.0 12.5
307725 v.2   Geophysical Data Analysis 102 4.0 25.0
7032 v.5   Geology 102 6.0 25.0
7492 v.5   Mathematics 104 5.0 25.0
  100.0
Year 2 Semester 1
11914 v.4   Introduction to Geophysical Oil and Gas Exploration Methods 246 2.0 12.5
307727 v.2   Propagation of Energy 201 2.0 12.5
312244 v.1   Mineralogy and Geochemistry 201 5.0 25.0
312247 v.1   Sedimentology and Stratigraphy 201 5.0 25.0
8127 v.6   Advanced Calculus 201 4.0 25.0
  100.0
Year 2 Semester 2
302455 v.3   Introduction to Geophysical Mineral Exploration Methods 245 2.0 12.5
307728 v.2   Electromagnetic Fields in the Earth 202 2.0 12.5
312242 v.1   Evolving Earth Systems and Palaeontology 102 5.0 25.0
312248 v.1   Igneous Petrology 202 5.0 25.0
8128 v.6   Linear Algebra 202 4.0 25.0
  100.0
Year 3 Semester 1
12454 v.5   Gravity and Magnetics for Exploration 301 5.0 25.0
12455 v.5   Introduction to Seismic Exploration 303 5.0 25.0
9768 v.8   Structural Geology 201 5.0 25.0
9770 v.9   Field Geology Techniques 291 2.0 25.0
  100.0
Year 3 Semester 2
12458 v.5   Electromagnetics and Radiometrics for Exploration 302 5.0 25.0
311770 v.2   Geophysical Data Processing 312 6.0 25.0
8015 v.8   Metamorphic Petrology 202 5.0 25.0
9776 v.9   Geological Field Mapping 292 3.0 25.0
  100.0
Year 4 Semester 1
12456 v.5   Resistivity and Induced Polarisation Exploration Methods 305 5.0 25.0
  SELECT OPTIONAL UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF:   75.0
  100.0
Year 4 Semester 2
302652 v.2   Seismic Acquisition for Exploration 315 2.0 12.5
302654 v.3   Environmental Geophysics 318 2.0 12.5
3380 v.9   Geophysics Project 302 2.5 25.0
  SELECT OPTIONAL UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF:   50.0
  100.0
Optional Units to Select from in Year 4 Semester 1 Hrs/Wk Credit
11916 v.3   Basin Analysis and Energy Resources 301 5.0 25.0
305358 v.2   Hydrogeology and Engineering Geology 301 5.0 25.0
9780 v.6   Field Mapping of Sedimentary Basins 391 2.0 25.0
9782 v.7   Ore Deposits 301 4.0 25.0
Optional Units to Select from in Year 4 Semester 2 Hrs/Wk Credit
11917 v.3   Tectonics and the Dynamic Earth 302 5.0 25.0
312253 v.1   Regolith Geology and Mineral Exploration 302 5.0 25.0
3496 v.8   Environmental Geoscience 302 5.0 25.0
9784 v.6   Geology Mapping Project 392 2.0 25.0

Availability

Year Location Period All* Internal Partially Online Internal^ External Fully Online#
2013 Bentley Campus Semester 1   Y      

The information displayed above refers to study periods and locations where the course is available for first time entry. Students are normally only offered or admitted to a course once.

* The course itself may not be available either solely internally or externally but individual units may be offered in either or both of those modes. Prospective students should contact the Course Coordinator for further information.

^ Course and associated units are offered in this mode permitting International Onshore student enrolment.

# Course and associated units are offered in this online only mode and DO NOT permit International Onshore student enrolment.



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