174399 v.10 Bachelor of Science (Mineral Exploration and Mining Geology)

BSc(Curtin)

Course CRICOS Code: 012240G
Registered full-time Duration for International Onshore Students on student visas: 3 Years

Introduction

This course is designed for those intending to enter the mining industry as an exploration or mining geologist. Apart from offering units in classical geology, it specifically emphasises aspects of geology relevant to mining and mine geology.

Specific Requirements

STAT elements considered are E and Q.

Note

High performing applicants without a TEE Mathematics subject may be admitted but will be required to complete appropriate bridging and special course units as prescribed. Selection is based primarily on attainment in these subjects. Students may apply for transfer to the Bachelor of Engineering course. Each individual case will be considered on its merit.

Recognition of Prior Learning

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

Duration and Availability

The course is three years full-time or equivalent part-time study. The location of the third year in Kalgoorlie, one of the world's great mining centres, allows students to be actively exposed to and participate in world class mining and exploration practices during the professional years of their education

Intermediate Awards 1

A student who has successfully completed the requirements of an approved intermediate award may apply for graduation in that award subject to approval of Head of School/Department. Fees apply. Intermediate award(s) approved for this course are:

Intermediate Awards II

Associate Degree in Mine Technology Geoscience

Course Organisation

First year covers chemistry, physics and mathematics as well as introductory geology. Second year is intended to extend knowledge and understanding of pure geology, as well as introducing practical skills in geological mapping. Third year introduces students to the concepts and techniques used by geologists when working in the mining industry including the geology of ore deposits, applied geochemistry and geophysics, resource estimation, mine geology, exploration techniques and software systems. It also includes an individual mapping and design project that tests initiative and independence. The location of the third year in Kalgoorlie, one of the world's great mining centres, allows students to be actively exposed to and participate in world class mining and exploration practices during the professional years of their education. Students who attain a minimum standard in their third year may qualify to undertake an additional honours year.

Professional Recognition

Graduates may be eligible for membership to the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, the Australian Institute of Geoscientists and Geological Society of Australia.

Career Opportunities

Graduates generally find employment with mineral exploration or mining companies, or mining industry contractors to those companies. Many companies operate internationally and personnel may be relocated on international transfer. Employment opportunities also exist in State and Federal Government geological surveys and research organisations.

Additional Course Expenses

Students may be expected to purchase a number of textbooks, readers and other essential study materials. It is also expected that certain costs involved with associated field trips must be met. A requirement for graduation is the successful completion of a Senior First Aid certificate and this expense must also be met.

Further Information

The first two years of this course are only available on the Bentley Campus. The final professional year is only available at Kalgoorlie to maximise industry exposure and employment prospects. Students must nominate a discipline upon enrolment.

Special Note

Students may apply for transfer to the Bachelor of Engineering course. Each individual case will be considered on its merit.

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
		OR
7056	v.5	Mathematics 111	3.0	12.5
303138	v.2	Mining and Metallurgy 131	5.0	25.0
312241	v.2	Geoscience Communication 101	4.0	25.0
7031	v.5	Geology 101	6.0	25.0
7726	v.4	Chemistry 187	2.0	12.5
		OR
7079	v.5	Chemistry 142	3.0	12.5
				100.0
Year 1 Semester 2
10223	v.3	Chemistry 184	4.0	12.5
		OR
7080	v.4	Chemistry 144	3.0	12.5
304741	v.2	Physics 115	4.5	25.0
307590	v.2	Statistical Data Analysis 101	3.0	12.5
312242	v.1	Evolving Earth Systems and Palaeontology 102	5.0	25.0
7032	v.5	Geology 102	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
9768	v.8	Structural Geology 201	5.0	25.0
9770	v.9	Field Geology Techniques 291	2.0	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
8015	v.8	Metamorphic Petrology 202	5.0	25.0
9776	v.9	Geological Field Mapping 292	3.0	25.0
				100.0
Year 3 Semester 1
10251	v.5	Economic Geology 311	5.0	25.0
10252	v.5	Applied Geochemistry 311	3.0	12.5
10253	v.4	Mining Geophysics 311	3.0	12.5
11577	v.5	Structural Geology 311	3.0	12.5
303236	v.2	Petrology 311	5.0	12.5
303474	v.2	Resource Estimation and Mine Geology 311	5.0	25.0
				100.0
Year 3 Semester 2
10219	v.4	Mapping Project 312	10.0	25.0
10255	v.4	Economic Geology 312	5.0	25.0
10258	v.4	Mining Geophysics 312	3.0	12.5
303176	v.2	Regolith Geology 312	3.0	12.5
303240	v.2	Tectonics 312	5.0	25.0
				100.0

Availability

Year	Location	Period	Internal
2010	Bentley Campus	Semester 1	Y
2010	Bentley Campus	Semester 2	Y
2010	Kalgoorlie 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.