Objectives
Harness the Earth and its resources Geologists use a range of techniques to study the Earth, from rock, mineral and fossil identification in the field to chemical analysis and computer modelling. They play a central role in the search for and extraction of minerals, petroleum and groundwater, and in the environmental management of these and other activities. Geologists help plan major engineering projects and advise on issues such as radioactive waste storage. Geology is critical to the global economy and our future well-being, and addresses fundamental scientific questions such as the origin of the Earth and evolution of life. This course will prepare you for a variety of exciting careers in the geology field. In your first year you will learn introductory geology and develop supporting chemistry, physics, mathematics, statistics, communication and computer skills. Your second year will focus on the fundamental skills and detailed knowledge needed to understand geological processes and materials, and your third year will cover applied aspects of geology, such as mineral and petroleum exploration, hydrogeology, environmental geochemistry and engineering geology. Throughout this course you will also complete seven weeks of fieldwork and additional practical work in collaboration with industry and community partners which will help ground your learning.
Course description
Course CRICOS Code: 003875B
Registered full-time Duration for International Onshore Students on student visas: 3 Years
Introduction
This course provides a range of opportunities in exploration/applied geology environmental geology, and hydrogeology/engineering geology. Graduates typically find employment in Australian and overseas industries involved in mineral and petroleum exploration, groundwater exploration, environmental management and energy resource development programs.
Course Entry Requirements/Prerequisites
None. TEE Mathematics is desirable.
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.
Course Organisation
The first year of the course is multidisciplinary in approach and involves the study of materials and processes essential for the development of geological concepts, as well as the role of measurement in geology and mapping. The areas of study include crystallography, mineralogy, petrology, palaeontology and structural geology. Relevant aspects of chemistry, physics, mathematics and computing are studied as well as an English unit to improve oral and written communication skills. In subsequent years, processes and results are studied in sedimentology, stratigraphy, historical geology, tectonophysics, geodynamics, petrogenesis, ore genesis and geomorphology. Advanced techniques in geological measurement and mapping include geostatistics, surveying, geology and field geology. Economic and resource aspects of geology are covered in the study of engineering geology, energy resources, marine and environmental geology, hydrogeology, and exploration geochemistry and geophysics. There are two field camps in each of second and third year. The camps in third year are of 16 days duration and are usually conducted in May and September. There are three third year streams: exploration/applied geology, environmental geology and hydrogeology/engineering geology.
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 accredited by the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy.
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
Special Note
The Environmental Geology Stream and the Hydrogeology/Engineering Geology Stream are not available each year and are dependent on sufficient numbers. Please contact the Head, Applied Geology for permission to undertake one of these streams.
Combined Degree Information
Applied Geology may be combined with Commerce, Environmental Biology, Geographic Information Science, Geophysics.
Course Structure Hrs/Wk Credit
Year 1 Semester 1
1626 v.4 Chemistry 143 6.0 25.0
301995 v.5 Communication Skills 116 2.0 12.5
306114 v.2 Geology 103 - Evolving Earth Systems 2.5 12.5
7031 v.5 * Geology 101 6.0 25.0
7054 v.5 Physics 113 5.0 12.5
7056 v.5 Mathematics 111 3.0 12.5
100.0
Year 1 Semester 2
11317 v.5 Resource Geology 112 3.0 12.5
302445 v.2 Geology 108 3.5 25.0
307590 v.2 Statistical Data Analysis 101 3.0 12.5
7032 v.5 * Geology 102 6.0 25.0
7080 v.4 Chemistry 144 3.0 12.5
7390 v.5 Physics 114 4.5 12.5
100.0
Year 2 Semester 1
11912 v.2 Geology 213 - Palaeontology and Stratigraphy 3.0 12.5
302455 v.2 Geophysics 245 - Introduction to Mineral Methods 3.0 12.5
9767 v.7 Geology 205 - Sedimentology 3.0 12.5
9768 v.7 Geology 207 - Structural Geology 5.0 25.0
9770 v.8 * Geology 291 - Geological Field Mapping 5.0 25.0
9771 v.7 Geology 201 - Mineralogy 3.0 12.5
100.0
Year 2 Semester 2
11913 v.2 Geology 214 - Geochemistry 3.0 12.5
11914 v.3 Geophysics 246 - Introduction to Oil and
Gas Methods 3.0 12.5
1692 v.6 Geographic Information Systems 212 4.0 12.5
8015 v.7 Geology 202 - Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology 5.0 25.0
9776 v.8 * Geology 292 - Geological Field Mapping 4.0 25.0
9791 v.7 Geology 208 - Remote Sensing 3.0 12.5
100.0
Year 3
305349 v.1 Exploration/Applied Geology Stream 200.0
OR
305350 v.1 # Environmental Geology Stream 200.0
OR
305353 v.1 # Hydrogeology/Engineering Geology Stream 200.0
200.0
# These streams are not available each year, only available with permission from the Head, Applied Geology
* Field trips form an essential part of these units and attendance is compulsory
Availability
Year Location Period All* Internal
2009 Bentley Campus Semester 1 Y
2009 Bentley Campus Semester 2 Y
2009 Miri Sarawak Campus Semester 1 Y
2009 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.
