Applied Geology
Department of Applied Geology
The Department of Applied Geology is dedicated to the strengthening of its reputation as an innovative, dynamic and distinctive contributor in the field of geological education, and research.
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Your Career as a Geologist
Geologists study the nature of planet Earth including the materials of which it is composed (rocks and minerals) and the internal and external processes responsible for its development over the past four and a half billion years. Knowledge gained from studying the moon and other extraterrestrial bodies is also applied to understanding the origin of the earth, whereas the history and evolution of life forms is revealed by the study of fossils.
Mining and exploration geologists are concerned with the discovery and assessment of new mineral deposits. They use their detailed knowledge of the concepts and applications of geochemical and geophysical prospecting techniques to locate and estimate the potential grade and tonnage of mineral discoveries. During the life of an operating mine, they participate in geological mapping, ore reserve estimation and geotechnical studies. Geotechnical and geological assistants undertake sampling for grade control and exploration, the collection of geotechnical data, basic mapping, computer modelling and database management, and environmental monitoring.
Geoscientists in the mining industry today work both nationally and internationally. Most graduates begin their careers in Western Australia's large and well-developed mining industry; many of them later using their experience to work internationally and they are very well paid. The mining industry is well known for its high salary levels.
Bachelor of Science (Mineral Exploration and Mining Geology)
This course, leading to the Bachelor of Science in Mineral Exploration and Mining Geology, can be studied over three years full time or equivalent part time. Applicants may also transfer into the course from degree programs in other universities. The first and second years, available only at Bentley, are essentially common with the Bachelor of Science Applied Geology. The third year, available only in Kalgoorlie, provides a unique focus on geology for the mining industry.
First year covers chemistry, physics and mathematics as well as introductory geology. Second year is intended to extend knowledge and understanding of pure geology as well as introducing practical skills in mining geology. Third year introduces students to the concepts and techniques used by geologists when working in the mining industry including economic geology, applied geochemistry and geophysics, resource estimation and mine geology and exploration and mining software systems. It also includes an individual mapping project that is designed to test initiative and independence. Students who attain a minimum standard (usually 65 percent) in their third year may qualify to undertake an additional Honours year.
174399 Bachelor of Science (Mineral Exploration and Mining Geology)
TISC Code: CUKLC
Bachelor of Science (Applied Geology)
The first year of the course is multidisciplinary in approach and involves the study of materials and processes essential for the development of geological concepts, as well as the role of measurement in geology and mapping. The areas of study include crystallography, mineralogy, petrology, palaeontology and structural geology. Relevant aspects of chemistry, physics, mathematics and computing are studied as well as an English unit to improve oral and written communication skills. In subsequent years, processes and results are studied in sedimentology, stratigraphy, historical geology, tectonophysics, geodynamics, petrogenesis, ore genesis and geomorphology.
Advanced techniques in geological measurement and mapping include geostatistics, surveying, geology and field geology. Economic and resource aspects of geology are covered in the study of engineering geology, energy resources, marine and environmental geology, hydrogeology, and exploration geochemistry and geophysics.
There are two field camps in each of second and third year. The camps in third year are of 16 days duration and are usually conducted in May and September. There are three third year streams: exploration/applied geology, environmental geology and hydrogeology/engineering geology.
177299 Bachelor of Science (Applied Geology)
TISC Code: CUSDC
Bachelor of Science (Land and Water Resource Science)
With the increasing intensity of land use on the Australian continent, there is a growing need for the application of science-based land management practices. Combined skills from the ecological and earth sciences need to be applied for efficient land use and management. This course provides an integrated approach to management of the Australian landscape, where agriculture, minerals, water resources, development, land conservation and related activities often compete with aridity, salinisation and the effects of climate change. It combines knowledge of earth and ecological sciences with soils, water sciences, landscape evolution and land conservation.
307321 Bachelor of Science (Land and Water Resource Science)
TISC Code: CUEOC
Double Degrees
Double Degrees with Science
308549 Bachelor of Science (Applied Geology), Bachelor of Science (Geophysics)
TISC Code: CUGEC
305347 Bachelor of Science (Applied Geology), Bachelor of Science (Environmental Biology)
TISC Code: CUGBC
Double Degree with Commerce
305537 Bachelor of Science (Applied Geology), Bachelor of Commerce (Finance)
TISC Code: CUGCC
Double Degree with Spatial Science
303491 Bachelor of Science (Geographic Information Science), Bachelor of Science (Applied Geology)TISC Code: CUEQC
Contact Details
Mining Geology Program
Western Australian School of Mines
Curtin University of Technology
Locked Bag 22
KALGOORLIE WA 6433
Telephone (Freecall) 1800 688 377
Fax +61 8 9088 6010
Web: www.wasm.curtin.edu.au
Email: wasm@wasm.curtin.edu.au
Department of Applied Geology
Curtin University Bentley
GPO Box U 1987,
Perth, Western Australia 6845.
Tel: (08) 9266 7968
Fax:(08) 9266 3153
Web: www.geology.curtin.edu.au
Email: geology@curtin.edu.au