Bachelor of Geology

Courses and Study Australian courses Bachelor of Geology

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JCU is the only Australian university to offer a Bachelor of Geology degree, a vocationally-oriented professional qualification concentrating solely on Geology.

Your JCU Geology studies take place in tropical North Queensland, where the University has strong links with mining and allied engineering industries and government bodies. Practical field work and the industry connections you can make throughout your studies mean that when you graduate, you'll be ready to begin a well-paid career in Australia or internationally.

Campus

Townsville, Cairns

1st year only available in Cairns

Start dates

February, July

Duration

3 years full-time
Part time available

Study mode

On campus

Assumed knowledge

Assumed knowledge: English, Maths B. Recommended study: at least one of Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, Geography, Maths C or Physics

OP/Rank

16/65

Career opportunities

JCU's Bachelor of Geology graduates can be found working throughout Australia and internationally, in rewarding and very well paid careers in hard rock mining, coal, oil and gas exploration, mine site remediation, environmental assessment, geochemistry, palaeontology or geotechnical fields.

You could be a leader in locating new reserves of crude oil, gas, coal, minerals, uranium, precious metals or clean water.

Your job may find you being responsible for finding feasible and sustainable ways to extract resources, or evaluate geologic natural hazards that may threaten communities. Employers include corporations in the diverse resources sector and government departments.

With further studies, you might also choose to become a teacher or an academic.

Graduates are eligible to join:

Course highlights

JCU's Bachelor of Geology degree is internationally recognised. As a student, you'll be supported by lecturers who passionately want you to succeed. JCU lecturers have both academic qualifications and industry experience. They focus heavily on giving you the practical skills employers want. You'll live and study in one of the most diverse, pristine earth science settings on Planet Earth, in an area with beautiful and largely unexplored geology.

Some unique benefits JCU provides which few other universities can offer, include the opportunity to:

Study as part of one of the top three Geology programs in Australia, with state-of-the art facilities and a particular focus on exploration and mining
Enjoy field trips to study spectacular rocks and minerals in amazing Queensland locations
Be part of JCU's close-knit discipline with student clubs, social events and numerous opportunities to meet experts in their fields
Participate in current geological research projects through JCU's on-campus Economic Geology Research Unit (EGRU)
Learn about economic geology, where public sector researchers, industry professionals and corporate experts share their knowledge, and
Benefit from JCU's international recognition for research in palaeontology.

Course overview

Your JCU Bachelor of Geology degree focuses on providing you with in-depth academic knowledge of your specialist subjects, combined with real-world practice that ensures you are work-ready when you graduate.

You'll experience a very enjoyable balance of classroom theory and getting your hands dirty on site.

How to apply

Check the QTAC information and apply by clicking on the relevant link below depending on where you wish to study.

Take note of the QTAC code for this course in the location you've chosen because you'll need to enter it as part of your QTAC application.

Townsville (316311) - Apply now
Cairns (326311) - Apply now

OP Score/Rank is representative of 2017 entry requirements and is therefore indicative only. Entry scores for 2018 will be finalised in the major offer round.

Subjects

Course Structure

CORE SUBJECTS

Level 1

EA1110:03 Evolution of the Earth

EV1005:03 Environmental Processes and Global Change

CH1001:03 Chemistry: A Central Science or CH1011:03 Chemistry for the Natural Sciences

SC1102:03 Modelling Natural Systems or SC1109:03 Modelling Natural Systems-Advanced

Level 2

EA2110:03 Introduction to Sedimentology

EA2220:03 Minerals and Magmas

EA2510:03 Earth Resources, Exploration and Environment

EA2900:03 Introductory Field Geology

EV2502:03 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems

SC2202:03 Quantitative Methods in Science or SC2209:03 Quantitative Methods in Science-Advanced

Level 3

EA3120:03 The Fossil Record: Dinosaurs and Vertebrates Through Time

EA3130:03 Advanced Petrology

EA3210:03 Structural Geology and Tectonics

EA3400:03 Ore Genesis

EA3510:03 Geological Mapping

EA3650:03 Sedimentary Environments and Energy Resources

EA3800:03 Earth and Environmental Geochemistry

PLUS

Select a minor from Table A

OPTIONS

Applicants who have not completed high school intermediate level Mathematics B (or equivalent) must select MA1020: Preparatory Mathematics to successfully complete the Bachelor of Geology.

MA1020:03 Preparatory Mathematics or any Level 1, 2 or 3 of AQ, BC, BM, BS, BZ, CH, CL, CP, CS, EA, EE, EV, MA, MB, ME, MI, PH or SC subjects

Applicants who have not completed high school Chemistry (or equivalent) must select CH1020 Preparatory Chemistry to successfully complete the Bachelor of Geology.

CH1020:03 Preparatory Chemistry or any Level 1, 2 or 3 of AQ, BC, BM, BS, BZ, CH, CL, CP, CS, EA, EE, EV, MA, MB, ME, MI, PH or SC subjects

PLUS

Select 3 credit points of any Level 1, 2 or 3 of AQ, BC, BM, BS, BZ, CH, CL, CP, CS, EA, EE, EV, MA, MB, ME, MI, PH or SC subjects

TABLE A (Minors)

Type of Minor	Single; Mandatory
Credit points in minor	12 credit points

MINOR	AVAILABLE AT	NOTES
Chemistry for Geology	Townsville	The first year of study may be completed in Cairns
Earth Surface Processes	Townsville	The first year of study may be completed in Cairns
Advanced Chemistry	Townsville
Advanced Mathematics	Townsville
Advanced Physics	Townsville
Chemistry	Townsville
Fisheries	Townsville
Marine & Environmental Science and Sensors	Townsville
Mathematics	Townsville
Physical Geography	Townsville
Physics	Townsville

Course Structure – Articulation

Note: This course structure is only available to students who have entered under the articulation agreement between James Cook University and the China University of Geoscience. Students who enter under this agreement are eligible for advanced standing against the subjects marked with an asterisk (*).

CORE SUBJECTS

Level 1

EA1110:03 Evolution of the Earth*

EV1005:03 Environmental Processes and Global Change*

CH1001:03 Chemistry: A Central Science*

SC1102:03 Modelling Natural Systems*

Level 2

EA2006:03 Hydrology

EA2007:03 Soil Properties and Processes for Management

EA2220:03 Minerals and Magmas*

EA2510:03 Earth Resources, Exploration and Environment

EA2900:03 Introductory Field Geology

EV2502:03 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems

SC2202:03 Quantitative Methods in Science

Level 3

EA3210:03 Structural Geology and Tectonics

EA3120:03 The Fossil Record: Dinosaurs and Vertebrates Through Time

EA3130:03 Advanced Petrology

EA3400:03 Ore Genesis

EA3510:03 Geological Mapping

EA3650:03 Sedimentary Environments and Energy Resources

EA3800:03 Earth and Environmental Geochemistry

EA3008:03 Advanced Hydrology or EV2401:03 Australian Landscape processes and Evolution

EA5026:06 Special Studies

EA5521:06 Minor Research Dissertation

OPTIONS

Select 3 credit points from List 1

List 1

EA2404:03 From Icehouse to Greenhouse

EV3506:03 Remote Sensing

CS2005:03 Introduction to Geotechnical Engineering

CP1804:03 Programming II

EA3640:03 Advanced Environmental and Marine Geoscience Technologies and Applications

EV3502:03 Advanced Geographic Information Systems

Pathway into course

The Diploma of Higher Education is a one-year course (or two years, part-time) designed to help people who may not meet the academic requirements for entry into a Bachelor degree course. It is also designed to help students develop the necessary skills to be successful university students.

The Diploma consists of a combination of introductory and first year degree subjects. Successful completion of the Diploma will give you a recognised qualification in its own right.

Graduating with the Diploma will also allow you to enter many JCU Bachelor degree programs and may give you credit for some of the subjects you successfully complete.

For further information, email pathways@jcu.edu.au, or call Anne Chatelain (07) 47815740 in Townsville or Gabi Newman (07) 4232 1155 in Cairns.

Handbook

Bachelor of Geology

Course code	56010
Course type	Bachelor Degree (AQF Level 7)
Division	Tropical Environments and Societies

Award Requirements

Admission Requirements

Course pre-requisites	Assumed Knowledge: English (4,SA); Maths B (4,SA) Recommended Study: At least one of Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, Geography, Maths C or Physics
Minimum English language proficiency requirements	Applicants of non-English speaking backgrounds must meet the English language proficiency requirements of Band 1 – Schedule II of the JCU Admissions Policy.
Additional course requirements	Applicants who have not completed high school intermediate level Mathematics B (or equivalent) must select MA1020: Preparatory Mathematics as part of their study plan to successfully complete the Bachelor of Geology. Applicants who have not completed high school Chemistry (or equivalent) must select CH1020: Preparatory Chemistry as part of their study plan to successfully complete the Bachelor Geology. Students should undertake the above subject/s in block mode where available and be aware that restrictions may apply to electives if they wish to complete in the normal three (3) year time frame. These subjects typically start earlier than the standard course commencement date. Contact JCU on 1800 246 446 for more information.

Academic Requirements for Course Completion

Credit points	72 credit points as per course structure
Course learning outcomes	The graduates of James Cook University are prepared and equipped to create a brighter future for life in the tropics world-wide. JCU graduates are committed to lifelong learning, intellectual development, and to the display of exemplary personal, professional and ethical standards. They have a sense of their place in the tropics and are charged with professional, community, and environmental responsibility. JCU graduates appreciate the need to embrace and be acquainted with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples of Australia. They are committed to reconciliation, diversity and sustainability. They exhibit a willingness to lead and to contribute to the intellectual, environmental, cultural, economic and social challenges of regional, national, and international communities of the tropics. Graduates of the Bachelor of Geology at James Cook University will be able to: Integrate and apply a coherent body of theoretical and technical knowledge of science with depth in the underlying concepts and principles in the discipline of Geology Critically appraise the role and relevance of science in society generally, and geology in particular, for the creation of sustainable futures in the tropics, and worldwide Demonstrate broad understanding of the methods of geoscience, including problem-oriented approaches, data analysis and interpretation, industry/community engagement and partnerships, interdisciplinary collaboration, and systems and futures thinking Retrieve, analyse, synthesise and evaluate information from a range of sources Plan and conduct reliable, evidence-based laboratory and/or field experiments and field work, by selecting and applying methods, techniques and tools as appropriate to one or more disciplines Organise, analyse and interpret geological and scientific data using mathematical, statistical and technological skills Convey ideas, arguments and conclusions clearly and coherently through well-developed written and oral communication skills and a variety of media Identify, analyse and generate solutions to unpredictable or complex problems by applying geological knowledge and skills with initiative and well-developed judgement Critically review regulatory requirements, ethical principles and cultural frameworks, to work effectively, responsibly and safely in diverse contexts and interdisciplinary teams Reflect on current skills, knowledge and attitudes to manage their professional learning needs and performance, autonomously and in collaboration with others.

Course Structure

CORE SUBJECTS

Level 1

EA1110:03 Evolution of the Earth

EV1005:03 Environmental Processes and Global Change

CH1001:03 Chemistry: A Central Science or CH1011:03 Chemistry for the Natural Sciences

SC1102:03 Modelling Natural Systems or SC1109:03 Modelling Natural Systems-Advanced

Level 2

EA2110:03 Introduction to Sedimentology

EA2220:03 Minerals and Magmas

EA2510:03 Earth Resources, Exploration and Environment

EA2900:03 Introductory Field Geology

EV2502:03 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems

SC2202:03 Quantitative Methods in Science or SC2209:03 Quantitative Methods in Science-Advanced

Level 3

EA3120:03 The Fossil Record: Dinosaurs and Vertebrates Through Time

EA3130:03 Advanced Petrology

EA3210:03 Structural Geology and Tectonics

EA3400:03 Ore Genesis

EA3510:03 Geological Mapping

EA3650:03 Sedimentary Environments and Energy Resources

EA3800:03 Earth and Environmental Geochemistry

PLUS

Select a minor from Table A

OPTIONS

Applicants who have not completed high school intermediate level Mathematics B (or equivalent) must select MA1020: Preparatory Mathematics to successfully complete the Bachelor of Geology.

MA1020:03 Preparatory Mathematics or any Level 1, 2 or 3 of AQ, BC, BM, BS, BZ, CH, CL, CP, CS, EA, EE, EV, MA, MB, ME, MI, PH or SC subjects

Applicants who have not completed high school Chemistry (or equivalent) must select CH1020 Preparatory Chemistry to successfully complete the Bachelor of Geology.

CH1020:03 Preparatory Chemistry or any Level 1, 2 or 3 of AQ, BC, BM, BS, BZ, CH, CL, CP, CS, EA, EE, EV, MA, MB, ME, MI, PH or SC subjects

PLUS

Select 3 credit points of any Level 1, 2 or 3 of AQ, BC, BM, BS, BZ, CH, CL, CP, CS, EA, EE, EV, MA, MB, ME, MI, PH or SC subjects

TABLE A (Minors)

Type of Minor	Single; Mandatory
Credit points in minor	12 credit points

MINOR	AVAILABLE AT	NOTES
Chemistry for Geology	Townsville	The first year of study may be completed in Cairns
Earth Surface Processes	Townsville	The first year of study may be completed in Cairns
Advanced Chemistry	Townsville
Advanced Mathematics	Townsville
Advanced Physics	Townsville
Chemistry	Townsville
Fisheries	Townsville
Marine & Environmental Science and Sensors	Townsville
Mathematics	Townsville
Physical Geography	Townsville
Physics	Townsville

Course Structure – Articulation

CORE SUBJECTS

Level 1

EA1110:03 Evolution of the Earth*

EV1005:03 Environmental Processes and Global Change*

CH1001:03 Chemistry: A Central Science*

SC1102:03 Modelling Natural Systems*

Level 2

EA2006:03 Hydrology

EA2007:03 Soil Properties and Processes for Management

EA2220:03 Minerals and Magmas*

EA2510:03 Earth Resources, Exploration and Environment

EA2900:03 Introductory Field Geology

EV2502:03 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems

SC2202:03 Quantitative Methods in Science

Level 3

EA3210:03 Structural Geology and Tectonics

EA3120:03 The Fossil Record: Dinosaurs and Vertebrates Through Time

EA3130:03 Advanced Petrology

EA3400:03 Ore Genesis

EA3510:03 Geological Mapping

EA3650:03 Sedimentary Environments and Energy Resources

EA3800:03 Earth and Environmental Geochemistry

EA3008:03 Advanced Hydrology or EV2401:03 Australian Landscape processes and Evolution

EA5026:06 Special Studies

EA5521:06 Minor Research Dissertation

OPTIONS

Select 3 credit points from List 1

List 1

EA2404:03 From Icehouse to Greenhouse

EV3506:03 Remote Sensing

CS2005:03 Introduction to Geotechnical Engineering

CP1804:03 Programming II

EA3640:03 Advanced Environmental and Marine Geoscience Technologies and Applications

EV3502:03 Advanced Geographic Information Systems

Campus

COURSE AVAILABLE AT	NOTES
Cairns	Only first year is available in Cairns. Mid year entry is not available for students who require an additional preparatory maths subject.
Townsville

Candidature

Expected time to complete	3 years full-time or equivalent part-time
Maximum time to complete	9 years
Maximum leave of absence	3 years

Progression

Course progression requisites	Nil
Course includes mandatory professional placement(s)	No
Special assessment requirements	Nil
Professional accreditation requirements	Nil
Maximum allowed Pass Conceded (PC) grade	Not applicable
Supplementary exam for final subject	A student who has failed the final subject towards the award and who gained 40% or more of the marks for that subject may be granted a supplementary examination in that subject. However if that subject is required for accreditation, then the criteria specified by that accreditation will apply.

Advanced Standing

Eligibility	Students may apply for advanced standing for previous tertiary study in accordance with the Advanced Standing and Articulation policy and associated procedures.
Maximum allowed	48 credit points, except for students with a bachelor degree in a science discipline other than geology or earth sciences, who are eligible for up to 24 credit points of advanced standing.
Currency	Advanced standing will be granted only for studies completed in the 10 years prior to the commencement of this course.
Expiry	Advanced standing gained for any subject shall be cancelled 19 years after the date of the examination upon which the advanced standing is based if, by then, the student has not completed the course of study prescribed for the degree.
Other restrictions	A maximum of 9 credit points of advanced standing may be granted at level 3. Advanced standing will not be granted for MA1020 or CH1020 or PH1001.

Award Details

Award title	BACHELOR OF GEOLOGY
Approved abbreviation	BGeol
Inclusion of majors on testamur	Not applicable - this course does not have majors.
Exit with lesser award	Students who have completed 24 credit points of their course award requirements, and withdraw from or fail to meet the requirements for progression in the later years, may be eligible for the award of Diploma of Tertiary Studies.
Course articulation	Not applicable

Honours

Honours availability	Available as a separate graduate entry course.
Eligibility	Students must satisfy the School requirements relating to the standard of academic achievement necessary to proceed to the honours degree.

Honours

The Bachelor of Geology (Honours) degree is available for high-achieving students. It consists of extra study and the development of a personal research project and thesis. An Honours degree is usually essential for entry to research higher degrees. Refer to the Bachelor of Geology (Honours) Handbook for eligibility information.

What is Geology?

Geology is the study of the materials that make up the earth. It encompasses the physical features of the earth and the processes that act upon them - volcanoes, earthquakes, rocks, mountains and oceans and more. The study of Geology also covers the amazing history and changes of the earth since its formation. Professional geologists locate new mineral, energy and water resources crucial to business and everyday living. They can then determine the most economic, sustainable ways to extract them.

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This website is intended as general guide. Prospective students should contact the university to confirm admission requirements and the availability of courses. James Cook University reserves the right to alter any course or admission requirement without prior notice.