177299 v.9 Bachelor of Science (Applied Geology)

Introduction

Geology is the study of the Earth and its resources. This course combines a comprehensive background in geological principles with a practical emphasis on mineral, petroleum and groundwater resources and their environmental management. It is designed to produce career-ready professionals trained to discover new resources, and develop and manage these resources in an environmentally responsible manner. Students who excel are also well placed to further their knowledge through our honours and research programs. This course may be combined in double degree programs with Environmental Biology, Finance, Geographic Information Science and Geophysics, which have separate entries in the handbook.

Course Entry Requirements/Prerequisites

At least Mathematics 2C/2D or an equivalent TEE mathematics qualification

Specific Requirements

STAT elements considered are E and V and Q.

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. Two intakes are offered each year for domestic students, in February and July, but because availability of some units is limited to specific semesters those students commencing mid-year might need to study part-time for one or more semesters and usually will not be able to complete the course in three years. For this reason, international students are usually required to commence at the start of the year. The first two years of the program are based at Bentley Campus. For their 3rd year, students have the option of remaining at Bentley to undertake the Applied Geology stream , or alternatively to undertake a 3rd year Mining Geology stream offered at Kalgoorlie campus or transfer to a Petroleum Geology stream offered at Curtin Sarawak Miri campus.

Course Organisation

The first year provides a basic grounding in chemistry, physics, maths, scientific communication and computer skills, as well as introductory geology. The second year focuses on the fundamental theoretical, laboratory and field skills needed to understand geological processes and Earth evolution. The final year focuses on advanced, applied and vocational aspects of geology with the opportunity to select either a comprehensive Applied Geology stream which covers all applied aspects of geosciences including mineral and petroleum exploration techniques, environmental geosciences and hydrogeology; or to choose a specialty Mining or Petroleum Geology stream. All streams include significant components of practical, field and project work.

Professional Recognition

The Australian Institute of Geoscientists, the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy and the Geological Society of Australia accept graduates for membership. The degree has been recognized by the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy.

Career Opportunities

Geology graduates pursue exciting and rewarding careers in Australia and overseas that combine practical skills with the latest technological developments. Many geologists are employed in the search for minerals, petroleum and groundwater, or the extraction of these vital resources. Some are concerned with environmental management of these and other activities. Others advise on the location of tunnels, bridges and dams or investigate natural hazards such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Geologists also work on issues such as the storage of radioactive waste, and investigate fundamental scientific questions such as the origin of the Earth the causes of climate change and the evolution of life.

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 while 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. See also Applied Geology/Environmental Biology, Applied Geology/Commerce, Applied Geology/Geophysics and Geographic Information Science/Applied Geology (double degrees).

Combined Degree Information

Applied Geology may be combined with Commerce, Environmental Biology, Geographic Information Science, Geophysics.

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.

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.