Overview
Overview
In this course, you will gain a thorough grounding in theoretical geology –with emphasis on mineral, energy and groundwater resources and their environmental management – as well as the sustainable supply of resources for the decarbonising industry.
In your first year, you’ll gain a foundation in geology, chemistry, maths, scientific communication and computer skills. Your second year focuses on the theoretical, laboratory and field skills required to understand geological processes.
In your final year, you'll choose to study either the Applied Geology stream at Curtin Perth or the Mining Geology stream at Curtin Kalgoorlie.
You can also tailor your degree with units that emphasise specific applied areas of geoscience.
Applied Geology
This stream covers the breadth of Earth history investigation and applied geosciences. Topics include environmental geosciences, groundwater resources, and sustainable management of mineral and energy exploration and extraction.
Mining Geology
This stream combines studies of resource and field geology with mining systems, resource estimation and process mineralogy. The final year of study is undertaken at Curtin Kalgoorlie.
Double degrees
You can extend your expertise and career opportunities by studying Applied Geology as a double degree with Environmental Biology or Finance.
How this course will make you industry ready
After two years of grounding in the fundamentals of geology, your final year will focus on application in the workplace. Depending on the specialisation you choose, you'll study minerals, petroleum, groundwater and environmental industries; and complete practical exercises that reflect the activities of industry professionals.
What jobs can the Applied Geology course lead to?
Careers
- Geologist
- Hydrogeologist
- Engineering geologist
- Environmental geoscientist
- Geochemist
Industries
- Environmental geology
- Carbon and hydrogen storage
- Groundwater extraction
- Resources exploration
- Mining
- Natural hazards and risk analysis
- Research and development
Further study
What you'll learn
- apply fundamental geological principles and concepts in theoretical, practical and vocational situations
- solve mineral and energy exploration, environmental and sustainability problems through creative thinking and the extrapolation, interpolation and analysis of geoscience information
- collate, synthesise, and visualise geoscientific data sets using digital technologies, and communicate this geological information to industry and community stakeholders concisely and accurately using written, visual, and verbal means appropriate to the situation.
- 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
- recognise the need for sustainable use of Earth resources, and value environmental, indigenous and other community perspectives on geological activities
- collaborate with professionals across the minerals and energy value chain, prioritise safety, and recognise the corporate and ethical need for accurate exploration results
