308918 v.3 Graduate Diploma in Mineral Exploration Geoscience

GradDipMinExplGeoSc(Curtin)

This course is not available to International Onshore Students on Student Visas

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Course Overview

Graduate diplomas prepare students to develop advanced knowledge and skills for professional or highly skilled work and further learning corresponding to AQF level 8 qualifications.

This course provides an introduction to the concepts and techniques used by geologists and others in exploring for and evaluating mineral and energy deposits. It assumes no prior geological knowledge, and is well suited for those who are already employed by or interact with the resources sector in finance, investment, administration or non-geological technical roles, and wish to gain a better understanding of the geoscience behind mineral and energy exploration projects.

Career Opportunities

Economics and accounting graduates taking this course may find employment with stockbroking firms specialising in commodities, or in resource company administration. Although not designed as a pathway into a geoscience career, this course will assist those who already have a technical role in the resources sector to work in geology-related fields.

Additional Course Expenses

Students are expected to purchase a number of textbooks and other essential study materials. Students are responsible for their own transport to and from Kalgoorlie for the two intensive face-to-face training sessions, and for all accommodation and food costs during these sessions.

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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. Applicants generally require a bachelor degree or graduate certificate.

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 some master degrees. For further details, see the University website http://curtin.edu.au.

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Course Organisation

Graduate diplomas contain a series of units which may include compulsory (core), optional or elective units to cater for student preferences. They may contain a range of majors/streams for students to choose from to pursue learning in a specialised area of study.

The first semester of this course provides an introduction to fundamental geological concepts and a number of basic skills including rock and mineral identification, field geology and the interpretation of geological maps and cross sections. Subsequent semesters focus on the origins and characteristics of Earth's mineral and energy deposits, and the techniques used to explore for these deposits and assess their size and value. Course materials are delivered online, supplemented by two intensive five-day field based sessions in Kalgoorlie, one in each year of the course.

Course Learning Outcomes

A graduate of this course can:

1. apply fundamental geoscientific principles and concepts to mineral and energy exploration

2. solve mineral and energy exploration problems using logical geoscientific methods and creative thinking

3. synthesise geoscientific data to infer the nature and origin of mineral and energy deposits, allowing for gaps and uncertainties in geoscientific data sets

4. communicate geoscientific information to a high standard, using written, visual, and verbal means appropriate to the situation

5. employ appropriate technologies to collect and interpret geoscientific data, recognising their strengths and limitations

6. acquire new geoscientific data and expertise independently from a range of sources and professional situations

7. collect and report geoscientific data using national and international standards and conventions

8. recognise the need for sustainable use of Earth resources, and value environmental, indigenous and other community perspectives on mineral and energy exploration

9. work ethically and professionally alone and as part of a team, complying with applicable legislation and managing time and other resources efficiently and effectively

Duration and Availability

This course is available on a part-time basis, externally only. There is one intake in February at the start of the academic year. Mid-year entry is not available because first semester units provide essential background knowledge and skills for all subsequent units.

Location and delivery Mode

Year	Location	Period	All*	Internal	Partially Online Internal^	External	Fully Online#
2014	Kalgoorlie Campus	Semester 1				Y
2014	Kalgoorlie 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.

Course Structure				Hrs/Wk	Credit
Year 1 Semester 1
314959	v.1		Field Geology and Maps 591	2.0	25.0
308919	v.2		Geological Concepts 511	4.0	25.0
					50.0
Year 1 Semester 2
314966	v.1		Mineral Deposits 512	4.0	25.0
314967	v.1		Energy Resources 512	4.0	25.0
					50.0
Year 2 Semester 1
313926	v.2		Applied Geophysics 511	5.0	25.0
308922	v.3		Applied Geochemistry 511	4.0	25.0
					50.0
Year 2 Semester 2
314968	v.1		Mining and Exploration Geology 592	2.0	25.0
314969	v.1		Geoscience Exploration Project 512	4.0	25.0
					50.0

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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.

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Handbook Disclaimer