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Curtin University
Courses Handbook 2012

This handbook contains information for courses and units at Curtin in 2012.
Information for current year courses and units is available at Courses Handbook 2011.

305347 v.2 Bachelor of Science (Applied Geology), Bachelor of Science (Environmental Biology)

BSc(Curtin), BSc(Curtin)

Course CRICOS Code: 043265G
Registered full-time Duration for International Onshore Students on student visas: 4 Years

Introduction

This double degree provides students with an integrated education program in both exploration/applied geology and environmental biology. The program provides dual qualifications in these areas and provides graduates with unique opportunities to obtain employment in resource development and related land management fields involving natural resource management. Resource exploration and management frequently take place in arid environments and involve issues of restoration after mining, maintenance of biodiversity, eco-system management and rehabilitation of degraded and salt-affected landscapes. This program provides a knowledge of the geological/biological principles required for management of both living and non-living resources.

Course Entry Requirements/Prerequisites

One TEE mathematics subject and one TEE science subject OR At least Mathematics 2C/2D One science subject desirable.

Specific Requirements

STAT elements considered are E, V and Q. STAT applicants will be required to meet entry pre-requisites 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.

Course Organisation

Students enrolled in the double degree program may elect to transfer to a single degree course in one of the two disciplines. In this event, the relevant Head of Department shall determine the amount of credit to be transferred to the single degree.

Professional Recognition

Graduates of the undergraduate degree in Applied Geology are eligible for membership of the Australian Institute of Geoscientists, the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy and the Geological Society of Australia. The degree has been accredited by the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy. Graduates are also eligible for Associate Membership of the Australian Institute of Biology and the Environment Institute of Australia. Full membership becomes possible for graduates with honours or pass degrees after three or four years of professional practice.

Career Opportunities

Graduates will find employment opportunities in related fields of mineral exploration, mine management and environmental biology.

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.

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
12165 v.2   Mathematics 133 4.0 12.5
307554 v.1   Science Communications 101 2.0 12.5
312357 v.1   Cell Biology 101 5.0 25.0
312364 v.1   Aquatic Systems 101 5.0 25.0
7031 v.5 *   Geology 101 5.0 25.0
  100.0
Year 1 Semester 2
312242 v.1   Evolving Earth Systems and Palaeontology 102 5.0 25.0
313537 v.1   Biology 100 5.0 25.0
7032 v.5   Geology 102 6.0 25.0
7230 v.6   Chemistry 181 6.0 25.0
  100.0
Year 2 Semester 1
312244 v.1   Mineralogy and Geochemistry 201 5.0 25.0
312247 v.1   Sedimentology and Stratigraphy 201 5.0 25.0
312396 v.1   Conservation Biology and Sustainability 201 5.0 25.0
8306 v.9   Quantitative Biology 201 5.0 25.0
  100.0
Year 2 Semester 2
312248 v.1   Igneous Petrology 202 5.0 25.0
312260 v.1   Introduction to Geophysical Mineral Exploration Methods 243 4.0 25.0
312399 v.1   Ecotoxicology 202 4.0 25.0
314016 v.1 *   Community Restoration 301 5.0 25.0
  100.0
Year 3 Semester 1
312140 v.1   Zoology 201 5.0 25.0
312387 v.1   Environmental Impact Assessment 301 4.0 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
312400 v.1   Biomonitoring 302 5.0 25.0
312401 v.1   Animal and Plant Physiology 202 5.0 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
312392 v.1   Australian Flora 301 5.0 25.0
312393 v.2 *   Biology Project 301 5.0 25.0
  SELECT OPTIONAL UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF:   50.0
  100.0
Year 4 Semester 2
312394 v.1   Biology Project 302 5.0 25.0
312395 v.1 *   Ecology 302 5.0 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 5.0 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

#    Attendance at weekly seminars is compulsory

*    Field trips form an essential part of these units and attendance is compulsory

Availability

Year Location Period All* Internal Partially Online Internal^ External Fully Online#
2012 Bentley Campus Semester 1   Y      
2012 Bentley Campus Semester 2   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.