Overview
Overview
Geologists study how the Earth works, including the natural planetary processes that directly affect people – such as the formation of mineral and energy resources, geological hazards, climate change and environmental protection.
In this course you will gain a thorough grounding in theoretical geology with a practical emphasis on mineral, energy and groundwater resources and their environmental management.
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.
The first two years of this course are based at Curtin Perth. In your third year, you can study the Applied Geology stream at Curtin Perth or the Mining Geology stream at Curtin Kalgoorlie, and select units to tailor your final year of study.
Applied Geology
This stream covers the breadth of applied geosciences, including mineral and energy exploration and extraction techniques, groundwater resources, environmental geosciences and climate change.
Mining Geology
This stream combines studies of resource and field geology with mining systems and resource estimation.
Double degree options
You can study a Bachelor of Science (Applied Geology) with either a Bachelor of Science (Environmental Biology) or Bachelor of Commerce (Finance).
See our handbook for more course information.
How this course will make you industry ready
- This is a hands-on, practical course that reflects industry practices.
- Your final year of study focuses on applications in the workplace. Depending on the stream you choose, you'll study minerals, energy, 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
- Environmental geoscientist
- Geochemist
- Geological engineer.
Industries
- Environmental geology
- Groundwater extraction and management
- Mineral and energy exploration
- Mining
- Natural hazards and risk analysis
- Radioactive waste storage
- Research and development.
Further study
What you'll learn
- apply fundamental geological principles and concepts in theoretical, practical and vocational situations
- solve geological problems using logical scientific methods and creative thinking
- Employ new and established technologies to collect and interpret geological data, recognising their strengths and limitations and communicate the geological information concisely and accurately using written, visual, and verbal means appropriate to the situation.
- appreciate international perspectives on geoscience and recognise the importance of global standards for collecting and reporting geological data
- recognise the need for sustainable use of earth resources, and value environmental, indigenous and other community perspectives on geological activities
- work ethically and professionally alone and as part of a team, complying with applicable legislation and managing time and other resources efficiently and effectively