Bachelor of GeoScience

This innovative degree provides the opportunity to study a geology degree that incorporates the fundamental core principals of geology coupled with teaching of modern GIS/geospatial geology specific maps and mapping techniques.

We capitalise on our location within the New England Orogen that enables us to undertake fieldwork often.

The New England Orogen is a great natural laboratory and we have a diverse array of spectacular geology all easily accessible in our 'backyard'.

This course includes topics such as field geology, resource geology and environmental issues, optical mineralogy and igneous petrology, ore deposit geology, exploration and environmental geochemistry, structural and metamorphic geology, field mapping and sedimentology, palaeontology and stratigraphy, applied geophysics, among others.

Course Aims

The aim of this three-year degree is to prepare students to be practising geoscientists with a broad range of practical and analytical skills. This degree will enable graduates to gain employment in a wide range of areas relating to the discipline. Geoscientists typically work outdoors or in laboratories and in this degree we aim to teach work-ready graduates through intensive field work, geology specific GIS/geospatial mapping and practical laboratories.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: demonstrate a coherent understanding of geoscience by articulating the methods of geoscience and explaining why current scientific knowledge is both contestable and testable by further inquiry; and explaining the role and relevance of geoscience in society; exhibit depth and breadth of scientific knowledge by demonstrating well-developed knowledge in geoscience; and demonstrating knowledge in at least one other disciplinary area, such as environmental science, biology and chemistry; critically analyse and solve problems in geoscience by gathering, synthesising and critically evaluating information from a range of sources; and designing and planning an investigation; selecting and applying practical and/or theoretical techniques or tools in order to conduct an investigation, especially field and laboratory techniques; and collecting, accurately recording, interpreting and drawing conclusions from data; be effective communicators of geoscience by communicating scientific results, information or arguments, to a range of audiences, for a range of purposes, and using a variety of modes; and be accountable for their own learning and scientific work by being independent and self-directed learners; working effectively, responsibly and safely in an individual or team context; and demonstrating knowledge of the regulatory frameworks relevant to their disciplinary area and personally practising ethical conduct.

Graduate Attributes

Knowledge of a Discipline The Bachelor of GeoScience covers a wide range of topics across both traditional geology, palaeontology and geophysics, in addition to coverage of other disciplines, especially physical geography and GIS. Students will receive knowledge from lectures, reading materials (including primary literature) and various online resources. They will obtain knowledge by direct experience in practicals and field excursions. Knowledge will be assessed in examinations for some units and in online tests, practical tasks, oral presentations, essays and reports. Communication Skills Communication of information may include essays, literature reviews, practical or project reports and oral presentations, as well as online discussion boards and chat rooms. Students will be given advice on how to develop and use these skills and they will be assessed in some cases. Problem Solving There will be a strong emphasis on careful observation and recording and applying logical, critical and creative thinking to problems. This leads to the application of the scientific method. During the practical sessions and field work, students will be instructed in, and practice, the relevant skills in approaching problems/tasks, deciding what sort of information is needed, getting that information, and then applying it appropriately. Problem solving skills will be assessed in the written tasks and discussions. Information Literacy Students will be assessed on their skills in obtaining appropriate information for the written tasks, using books, journals and reliable online sources, as well as critically evaluate the information to generate a logical argument supported by evidence. Students will be taught to use electronic media (especially online databases) to search for information. Ethical Conduct and Social Responsibility Students will be instructed on contemporary social and ethical issues relating to the geosciences (especially mining and the use of Earth's resources from both community and industry perspectives and the associated environmental and social implications) to make informed decisions and opinions on such matters. Lifelong Learning The education received in this course will allow students to continue learning about geoscience from their own observations, reading and other media. Students will develop a range of life-long learning skills such as how to seek out new information and critically analysing such information. This course will stimulate students' intellectual curiosity and creativity. Independence and Collaboration Some practical tasks and field activities may involve groups of a few students collaborating to collect data. Projects may also be conducted by small groups of students.