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Curtin University
Courses Handbook 2015

This handbook contains information on courses and components (majors, minors, streams and units) at Curtin in 2015.
Information for the previous year's courses and units is available at Courses Handbook 2014.

BB-GLGGPH v.1 Bachelor of Science (Applied Geology), Bachelor of Science (Geophysics)

BSc(Curtin), BSc(Curtin)

Course CRICOS Code: 052798D
Registered full-time Duration: 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 for a Bachelor Double Degree 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. Any specific course entry and completion requirements must also be met.


Specifically, Mathematics 3C/3D and Physics 3A/3B. Mathematics Specialist 3C/3D is desirable, OR TEE Applicable Mathematics and TEE Physics or equivalent. STAT is not accepted.


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#
2015 Bentley Campus Semester 1   Y      
2015 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.




Course Structure Hrs/Wk Credit
Year 1 Semester 1
GEOL1005 v.1   Fundamentals of Geology 1 5.0 25.0
MATH1004 v.1   Mathematics 1 5.0 25.0
PHYS1005 v.1   Physics 1 5.0 25.0
GEOP1001 v.1   Geophysical Data Analysis 4.0 25.0
  100.0
Year 1 Semester 2
COMS1000 v.1   Science Communications 2.0 12.5
GEOL1006 v.1   Fundamentals of Geology 2 6.0 25.0
PHYS1004 v.1   Physical Measurements 6.0 12.5
CHEM1003 v.1   Introduction to Chemistry 4.5 25.0
  OR  
CHEM1000 v.1   Principles and Processes in Chemistry 6.0 25.0
MATH1011 v.1   Mathematics 2 5.0 25.0
  100.0
Year 2 Semester 1
GEOL2003 v.1   Mineralogy and Geochemistry 5.0 25.0
GEOL2004 v.1   Sedimentology and Stratigraphy 5.0 25.0
GEOP2002 v.1   Propagation of Energy 2.0 12.5
MATH2009 v.1   Advanced Calculus 4.0 25.0
GEOP2000 v.1   Introduction to Geophysical Oil and Gas Exploration Methods 2.0 12.5
  100.0
Year 2 Semester 2
GEOP2001 v.1   Introduction to Geophysical Mineral Exploration Methods 2.0 12.5
GEOL2005 v.1   Igneous Petrology 5.0 25.0
GEOL1003 v.1   Evolving Earth Systems and Palaeontology 5.0 25.0
GEOP2003 v.1   Electromagnetic Fields in the Earth 2.0 12.5
MATH2010 v.1   Linear Algebra 4.0 25.0
  100.0
Year 3 Semester 1
GEOL2007 v.1   Structural Geology 5.0 25.0
GEOL2008 v.1   Field Geology Techniques 2.0 25.0
GEOP3000 v.1   Gravity and Magnetics for Exploration 5.0 25.0
GEOP3001 v.1   Introduction to Seismic Exploration 5.0 25.0
  100.0
Year 3 Semester 2
GEOL2006 v.1   Metamorphic Petrology 5.0 25.0
GEOL2009 v.1   Geological Field Mapping 3.0 25.0
GEOP3003 v.1   Electromagnetics and Radiometrics for Exploration 5.0 25.0
GEOP3006 v.1   Geophysical Data Processing 6.0 25.0
  100.0
Year 4 Semester 1
GEOP3002 v.1   Resistivity and Induced Polarisation Exploration Methods 5.0 25.0
  SELECT OPTIONAL UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF:   75.0
  100.0
Year 4 Semester 2
GEOP3009 v.1   Geophysics Project 2.5 25.0
GEOP3004 v.1   Seismic Acquisition for Exploration 2.0 12.5
GEOP3005 v.1   Environmental Geophysics 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
GEOL3003 v.1   Hydrogeology and Engineering Geology 5.0 25.0
GEOL3000 v.1   Basin Analysis and Energy Resources 5.0 25.0
GEOL3010 v.1   Ore Deposits 4.0 25.0
GEOL3009 v.1   Field Mapping of Sedimentary Basins 2.5 25.0
Optional Units to Select from in Year 4 Semester 2 Hrs/Wk Credit
GEOL3011 v.1   Geology Mapping Project 2.0 25.0
GEOL3008 v.1   Environmental Geoscience 5.0 25.0
GEOL3005 v.1   Regolith Geology and Mineral Exploration 5.0 25.0
GEOL3001 v.1   Tectonics and the Dynamic Earth 5.0 25.0



Further Information

If you need more course information, you may contact the relevant areas: For Current Students: Student Services Office, please click here for further details: For Domestic Future Students: Future Students Centre, email: futurestudents@curtin.edu.au Tel: +61-8-9266 1000 For International Future Students: Curtin International, email: international@curtin.edu.au Tel: +61-8-9266 7331


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

The Courses Handbook is the repository of Curtin University ("Curtin") course information. While Curtin makes all reasonable endeavours to keep this handbook up to date, information on this website is subject to change from time to time. Curtin reserves the right to change the: course structure and contents, student assessment, tuition fees and to: withdraw any course or its components which it offers, impose limitations on enrolment in any unit or program, and/or vary arrangements for any course without notification via the website.

For course and enrolment information please visit our Future Students website.