GD-MINX v.2 Graduate Diploma in Mineral Exploration Geoscience

Graduate Diplomas prepare students to develop advanced knowledge and skills for professional or highly skilled work and further learning corresponding to AQF level 8 qualifications.

This course provides an introduction to the concepts and techniques used by geologists and others in exploring for and evaluating mineral and energy deposits. It assumes no prior geological knowledge, and is well suited for those who are already employed by or interact with the resources sector in finance, investment, administration or non-geological technical roles, and wish to gain a better understanding of the geoscience behind mineral and energy exploration projects. The ability to travel to Kalgoorlie and to undertake basic field work tasks is an inherent requirement of this course.

Career Opportunities

Economics and accounting graduates taking this course may find employment with stockbroking firms specialising in commodities, or in resource company administration. Although not designed as a pathway into a geoscience career, this course will assist those who already have a technical role in the resources sector to work in geology-related fields.

Additional Course Expenses

Students are responsible for their own transport to and from Kalgoorlie for the intensive face to face training session, and for all accommodation and food costs during these sessions. Students may be expected to purchase a number of textbooks, other essential study materials and protective clothing.

Graduate Diplomas 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 for students to choose from to pursue learning in a specialised area of study.

The first semester of this course provides an introduction to fundamental geological concepts and a number of basic skills including rock and mineral identification, field geology and the interpretation of geological maps and cross sections. Subsequent semesters focus on the origins and characteristics of Earth's mineral and energy deposits, and the techniques used to explore for these deposits and assess their size and value. Course materials are delivered online, supplemented by two intensive five-day field based sessions in Kalgoorlie, one in each year of the course.

Course Learning Outcomes

A graduate of this course can:

1. Apply geoscientific principles and concepts to improve exploration outcomes and meet society's growing demand for energy, metals and other raw materials

2. Solve mineral and energy exploration problems through creative thinking and the extrapolation, interpolation and analysis of geoscience information

3. Collate, synthesise, and visualise exploration data sets using digital technologies, and communicate this information to industry and community stakeholders

4. Recognise the finite nature of Earth resources, and the need to manage and mitigate social and environmental impacts of resource exploration and extraction and geohazards

5. Value different perspectives on mineral and energy exploration, showing respect for First Peoples and an understanding of their traditions and culture

6. Collaborate with professionals across the minerals and energy value chain, prioritise safety, and recognise the corporate and ethical need for accurate exploration results

Duration and Availability

This course is available on a part-time basis, externally only. There is one intake in February at the start of the academic year. Part time and external study is only available to Australian resident students and international students studying outside Australia. Mid-year entry is not available because first semester units provide essential background knowledge and skills for all subsequent units. The course is available online however the units ‘Field Geology and Maps’ and ‘Mining and Exploration Geology’ are each comprised of a 5 day face-to-face classroom and field delivery in Kalgoorlie as well as online activities.

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.

YEAR 1 SEMESTER 1

YEAR 1 SEMESTER 2

YEAR 2 SEMESTER 1

YEAR 2 SEMESTER 2

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

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

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

Credit for Recognised Learning

Applicants require a recognised Bachelor Degree in any discipline. Graduate Certificate in Mineral Exploration Geoscience graduates are eligible for admission into the 2nd year of this course and will be eligible for credit for recognition of prior learning to the value of 100 credits.

Pathway to Further Study

Graduates may qualify for entry to some Master degrees. For further details, see the University website http://curtin.edu.au.