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Curtin University
Courses Handbook 2011

This handbook contains information for courses and units at Curtin in 2011.
Information for current year courses and units is available at Courses Handbook 2010.

177299 v.8 Bachelor of Science (Applied Geology)

BSc(Curtin)

Course CRICOS Code: 003875B
Registered full-time Duration for International Onshore Students on student visas: 3 Years

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.

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 theoretical, laboratory and field skills needed to understand geological processes and Earth evolution. The final year emphasises advanced and applied aspects such as mineral and petroleum exploration techniques, environmental geoscience, engineering geology and hydrogeology. The course includes six weeks of fieldwork in Western Australia and/or interstate destinations.

Profesional Recognition

This course is formally recognized by the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy as equipping graduates with the skills and knowledge needed in the resources industry. Graduates are eligible for membership of the Geological Society of Australia, the Australian Institute of Geoscientists, the Petroleum Exploration Society of Australia, the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy and the International Association of Hydrogeologists.

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.

Course Structure Hrs/Wk Credit
Year 1 Semester 1
12165 v.2   Mathematics 133 4.0 12.5
304741 v.2   Physics 115 4.5 25.0
307590 v.2   Statistical Data Analysis 101 3.0 12.5
312241 v.2   Geoscience Communication 101 4.0 25.0
7031 v.5   Geology 101 6.0 25.0
  100.0
Year 1 Semester 2
312242 v.1   Evolving Earth Systems and Palaeontology 102 5.0 25.0
312243 v.1   Geoscience, Environment and Society 102 5.0 25.0
7032 v.5   Geology 102 6.0 25.0
7230 v.6   Chemistry 181 6.0 25.0
  OR  
7039 v.5   Chemistry 101 7.0 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
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 5.0 25.0
  100.0
Year 3 Semester 2
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
  100.0

Availability

Year Location Period All* Internal Partially Online Internal^ External Fully Online#
2011 Bentley Campus Semester 1   Y      
2011 Bentley Campus Semester 2   Y      
2011 Miri Sarawak Campus Semester 1   Y      
2011 Miri Sarawak 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.