B-GEOL v.2 Bachelor of Science (Applied Geology)

Bachelor Degrees prepare students to develop broad and coherent knowledge and skills in a discipline for professional work and further learning corresponding to AQF level 7 qualifications.

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, and Geophysics, which have separate entries in the handbook.

Professional Recognition

The course is recognized by the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy. Graduates are eligible for membership of the Australian Institute of Geoscientists, the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, the Geological Society of Australia, the International Association of Hydrogeologists and the Petroleum Exploration Society of Australia.

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 and other essential study materials. Students may be required to pay for additional expenses whilst on fieldwork/clinical placements.

Bachelor Degrees typically contain a series of units which may include compulsory (core), optional or elective units to cater for student preferences. They may contain a range of majors, streams and/or minors/specialisations for students to choose from to pursue learning in a specialised area of study. Students can take no more than 250 credit points of first year level units.

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.

Course Learning Outcomes

A graduate of this course can:

1. apply fundamental geological principles and concepts in theoretical, practical and vocational situations

2. solve geological problems using logical scientific methods and creative thinking

3. synthesise geological data on a range of spatial and temporal scales to make interpretations that allow for scientific uncertainty

4. communicate geological information concisely and accurately using written, visual, and verbal means appropriate to the situation

5. employ new and established technologies to collect and interpret geological data, recognising their strengths and limitations

6. acquire geological knowledge and expertise from a range of sources in a variety of situations

7. appreciate international perspectives on geoscience and recognise the importance of global standards for collecting and reporting geological data

8. recognise the need for sustainable use of earth resources, and value environmental, indigenous and other community perspectives on geological activities

9. work ethically and professionally alone and as part of a team, complying with applicable legislation and managing time and other resources efficiently and effectively

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. International students will only have a February intake, however special approval can be sought by students with recognised prior knowledge. The first two years of the program are based at Bentley, and the third year is offered at Bentley only (as the Applied Geology stream) or Kalgoorlie only (as the Mining Geology stream). This three year course is also based at Curtin Sarawak Miri Campus, with the third year offered as Petroleum Geology stream only. Some streams in this course are not available to international students studying in Australia; please refer to information provided for individual streams.

Location and delivery Mode

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.

Combined Degree Information

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

YEAR 1 SEMESTER 1

YEAR 1 SEMESTER 2

YEAR 2 SEMESTER 1

YEAR 2 SEMESTER 2

YEAR 3

* *Student with Mathematics Applications ATAR take MATH1013 Introductory Mathematics *Student with Mathematics Methods ATAR take MATH1015 Linear Algebra 1 *Students without Chemistry ATAR take CHEM1003 Introduction to Chemistry *Students with Chemistry ATAR take CHEM1000 Principles and Processes in Chemistry The following units contain compulsory field trips - GEOL1005 Fundamentals of Geology 1, GEOL1003 Evolving Earth Systems Palaeontology, GEOL2008 Field Geology Techniques, GEOL2009 Geological Field Mapping and in STRU-APPGL GEOL3009 Field Mapping and Stratigraphy of Sedimentary Systems and GEOL3011 Geology Mapping Project.

** Field trips form an essential part of these units and attendance is compulsory

Applicants for a Bachelor Degree are required to meet University academic and English language entry standards; details are provided at http://study.curtin.edu.au/ and include flexible entry pathways. Any specific course entry and completion requirements must also be met.

Applicants require at least Mathematics Applications ATAR or an equivalent WACE Mathematics qualification. STAT elements considered are E and V and Q.

Credit for Recognised Learning

Applications for credit towards a course are assessed on an individual basis. Credit reduces the amount of learning required to complete the course and may be granted for formal education qualifications, non-formal learning from non-award programs of study and informal learning through work experiences. Further information can be found at http://futurestudents.curtin.edu.au/non-school-leavers/rpl.cfm

Pathway to Further Study

Graduates may qualify for entry to a Bachelor Degree with Honours and some Graduate Certificates, Graduate Diplomas and Master degrees. For further details, see the University website http://curtin.edu.au.