ObjectivesOn successful completion of a CQUniversity Associate Degree of Geoscience program, graduates should demonstrate: 1. ability to apply knowledge of basic, geoscience and mine technology fundamentals 2. ability to communicate effectively, not only with others in mining but also with the community at large 3. competence to support and complement mine geotechnology activities 4. ability to undertake simple problem identification and formulation; and to identify, apply and adapt appropriate procedures, techniques and resources in their resolution 5. understanding and knowledge of the application of geoscientific standards, codes of practice and industry regulations 6. ability to function effectively as an individual and in multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams, with the capacity to be an effective team member and leader 7. understanding of the social, cultural, global and environmental responsibilities of the geoscience Associate 8. understanding of the need for sustainable design and development 9. understanding of professional and ethical responsibilities and commitment to them 10. expectation of the need to undertake lifelong learning and the capacity to do so.
Entry requirementsIn addition to the normal requirements it is highly recommended that students studying the Applied Geology specialisation have relevant work at a mine during the period of their study in order to complete the required competencies.
Academic titleAssociate Degree of Geoscience
Course descriptionAre you curious about how the planet was formed and how it works? Do you enjoy solving problems? If you would like to be at the cutting edge of scientific and technological advancements, then becoming an Geoscience Associate will provide a challenging career where you can utilise these interests and abilities and turn ideas into reality.
As a geoscience associate you can focus on applications and interactions within the Earth's systems. Geoscience associates combine a sound geoscientific understanding with modern technology to apply and adapt sustainable practices for communities, society and the environment in general. Geoscience associates often work in support of professional geologists or geophysicists in a team environment.
Applied Geology typically uses knowledge of geological processes which sculptured the earth since its formation to provide an understanding of geological resources below the surface - metals, minerals, coal, oil and gas, and construction materials. It classifies and interprets the major geological structures and assists in the development of the mechanisms of accessing and extracting the geological resources.
Geophysics typically involves assessing the validity of undertaking geophysical surveys at a site and interpreting the results of such a survey; designing a geophysical survey; applying the appropriate geophysical methods - seismic, magnetic, gravity, nuclear, electrical, electromagnetic to a survey design.
Career Opportunities
Associate Degree of Geoscience graduates enjoy a wide variety of challenging career options across a range of industries and government sectors. As a geoscience associate you will apply your knowledge of geoscientific principles.
Geoscience (Geophysics) associates, have specialised knowledge in -
* obtaining and interpreting basic geological and geomechanical data;
* the use of maps, geographic information systems, and remote sensing imagery;
* the geological processes which sculptured the earth since its formation;
* the definition of and be able to identify the more common rock types;
* and be able to undertake geophysical surveys,
* geophysical instruments as measurement systems,
* geophysical survey design,
* the application of geophysical methods - seismic, magnetic, gravity, nuclear, electrical, electromagnetic
* the principles of geophysical field data interpretation
Geoscientists typically find employment in national and international public and private industry sectors including the mining, geophysical exploration, energy, transportation, construction, and education industries.
The Associate Degree of Geoscience program is based on the project-based learning philosophy which offers the opportunity to learn in context. This approach is designed to produce work-ready graduates with industry-relevant skills.
Program Structure
This program is aimed at the education of engineering associates in 1 of 2 specialisations:
* Applied Geology
* Geophysics
This program is only available for external part-time study. Students who wish to progress through the program at a faster rate should apply in writing to the Faculty stating the reasons for their application.
Applied Geology
All students enrol in a common first year and then select a discipline stream.
Students intending to study in the Applied Geology specialisation will need to enrol in:
Course Code Course Name
Year 1 - T1
ENAG11006 Professional Engineering Communication
Mining Industry Competencies
year 1 -T2
ENAG12001 Sustainable Technology and the Environment
Mining Industry Competencies
Year 2 - T1
MATH11160 Technology Mathematics
Mining Industry Competencies
Year 2 - T2
ENAG11002 Energy & Electricity
Mining Industry Competencies
Year 3 - T1
ENAG11005 Mechanics
PHYG12003 Geological Science
Year 3 - T2
ENAR11001 Resource Geology
Mining Industry Competencies
Year 4 - T1
ENAG11001 Engineering Drafting
Mining Industry Competencies
Year 4 - T2
ENAR12002 Structural Geology and Mineral Sampling
ENTG11001 Computer Aided Drafting
Geophysics
Students intending to study in the Geophysics specialisation will need to enrol in:
Course Code Course Name
Year 1 - T1
ENAG11006 Professional Engineering Communication
MATH11160 Technology Mathematics
Year 1 - T2
ENAG11002 Energy & Electricity
ENAG12001 Sustainable Technology and the Environment
Year 2 - T1
ENAG11001 Engineering Drafting
PHYG12003 Geological Science
Year 2 - T2
ENAR11001 Resource Geology
PHYG13004 Earth Science
Year 3 - T1
ENAG11005 Mechanics
PHYG13005 Geophys Instrumentation
Year 3 - T2
ENAR11002 Mining and Metallurgy
ENAR12002 Structural Geology and Mineral Sampling
Year 4 - T1
ENAR12004 Mine Management and Safety
GEOG19021 Geographic Information Systems
Year 4 - T2
ENAR12006 Rock Engineering
ENTC13011 Environmental Engineering
Students enrolled in the Associate Degree of Geoscience (Applied Geology) study units of credit with CQUni and Mining Industry Competencies. Students will need to apply for a block exemption for the Mining Industry Competencies making the total of 96 units of credit they are required to study to obtain an Associate Degree.