Bachelor of Geology
Bachelor of Geology
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.
Part time available
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
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 indicative only. Entry scores will be finalised in the major offer round.
Pathway into course
JCU offers pathway courses to help you move into a degree at JCU. Pathway courses provide you with an individualised study plan and specialised support as you transition to university. Contact us for more information.
Handbook
Bachelor of Geology
Handbook year | 2019 |
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: 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:
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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 recommended minor from Table A or select another Science or Inter-Disciplinary minor from Table B
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 Science subject
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 Science subjects
PLUS
Select 3 credit points of any Level 1, 2 or 3 of Science subjects
TABLE A (Recommended Minors)
Type of Minor | Single; Mandatory |
Credit points in minor | 12 credit points |
MINOR | AVAILABLE AT | NOTES |
Townsville | ||
Townsville | ||
| Palaeontology | Townsville | |
| Spatial Science | Townsville |
TABLE B (Science or Inter-Disciplinary Minors)
Type of Minor | Single; Mandatory |
Credit points in minor | 12 credit points |
MINOR | AVAILABLE AT | NOTES |
Townsville | ||
Townsville | ||
Townsville | ||
Townsville | ||
Townsville | ||
Townsville | ||
Townsville | ||
Cairns Townsville | ||
Townsville | ||
Cairns Townsville | Please refer to list for details of all minors available for selection |
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
CP1804:03 Programming II
CS2005:03 Introduction to Geotechnical Engineering
EA2404:03 From Icehouse to Greenhouse
EA3640:03 Advanced Environmental and Marine Geoscience Technologies and Applications
EV3502:03 Advanced Geographic Information Systems
EV3506:03 Remote Sensing
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 Credit 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.
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.
