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Curtin University
Courses Handbook 2014

This handbook contains information for courses and units at Curtin in 2014.
Information for the previous year's courses and units is available at Courses Handbook 2013.

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


Course Overview

Bachelor double degrees prepare students to develop broad and coherent knowledge and skills in more than one discipline for professional work and further learning corresponding to AQF level 7 qualifications.


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.


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 and other essential study materials.



Course Entry and Completion Details

Applicants are required to meet University academic and English language entry standards; details are provided at http://futurestudents.curtin.edu.au and include flexible entry pathways.


Specifically, applicants require TEE Applicable Mathematics. TEE Physics or Calculus is desirable. OR Mathematics 3C/3D and Physics 3A/3B and Mathematics Specialist 3C/3D is 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. 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.


Credit for Recognised Learning

Applications for credit towards a course are assessed on an individual basis. Credit reduces the amount of learning required to complete the course and may be granted for formal education qualifications, non-formal learning from non-award programs of study and informal learning through work experiences. Further information can be found at http://futurestudents.curtin.edu.au.


Pathway to Further Study

Graduates may qualify for entry to a bachelor degree with honours and some graduate certificates, graduate diplomas and master degrees. For further details, see the University website http://curtin.edu.au.


Course Entry/Completion Note

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



Course Organisation

Bachelor double degrees include a combined degree study program leading to two awards. The duration of the double degree may vary among disciplines, but typically requires less time to complete than if the two undergraduate degrees were studied separately.


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.



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.


Location and delivery Mode


Year Location Period All* Internal Partially Online Internal^ External Fully Online#
2014 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.




Course Structure Hrs/Wk Credit
Year 1 Semester 1
7031 v.5   Geology 101 5.0 25.0
302804 v.3   Physics 101 5.0 25.0
307725 v.2   Geophysical Data Analysis 102 4.0 25.0
10926 v.5   Mathematics 103 5.0 25.0
  100.0
Year 1 Semester 2
7032 v.5   Geology 102 6.0 25.0
7492 v.5   Mathematics 104 5.0 25.0
307554 v.1   Science Communications 101 2.0 12.5
1745 v.5   Physical Measurements 102 6.0 12.5
314448 v.1   Principles and Processes in Chemistry 100 6.0 25.0
  OR  
314451 v.1   Introduction to Chemistry 180 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
8127 v.6   Advanced Calculus 201 4.0 25.0
307727 v.2   Propagation of Energy 201 2.0 12.5
11914 v.4   Introduction to Geophysical Oil and Gas Exploration Methods 246 2.0 12.5
  100.0
Year 2 Semester 2
312248 v.1   Igneous Petrology 202 5.0 25.0
8128 v.6   Linear Algebra 202 4.0 25.0
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
  100.0
Year 3 Semester 1
9768 v.8   Structural Geology 201 5.0 25.0
9770 v.9   Field Geology Techniques 291 2.0 25.0
12455 v.5   Introduction to Seismic Exploration 303 5.0 25.0
12454 v.5   Gravity and Magnetics for Exploration 301 5.0 25.0
  100.0
Year 3 Semester 2
8015 v.9   Metamorphic Petrology 202 5.0 25.0
9776 v.9   Geological Field Mapping 292 3.0 25.0
311770 v.2   Geophysical Data Processing 312 6.0 25.0
12458 v.5   Electromagnetics and Radiometrics for Exploration 302 5.0 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
3380 v.9   Geophysics Project 302 2.5 25.0
302652 v.2   Seismic Acquisition for Exploration 315 2.0 12.5
302654 v.3   Environmental Geophysics 318 2.0 12.5
  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



Further Information

For more information about the course, please contact the Faculty of Science and Engineering on telephone (08) 9266 4600, email ssse@curtin.edu.au, or visit our website: http://scieng.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.




Handbook Disclaimer

The online handbook is the repository of Curtin University of Technology (“Curtin”) course information. While Curtin makes all reasonable endeavors to keep its online courses handbook up-to-date, information within this website is subject to change from time to time. Curtin reserves the right to change the contents and/or the method of assessment, to change or alter tuition fees of any unit of study, to withdraw/any unit of study or program which it offers, to impose limitations on enrolment in any unit or program, and/or to vary arrangements for any program without notification via the website.

For course overviews and enrolment information please visit our future students website.