Bachelor of Geology

Courses and Study Australian courses Bachelor of Geology

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Why study Geology at JCU?  

JCU is the only university in Australia 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
Prerequisites
English, (Maths B and Chemistry desirable)
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 the Australian Institute of Geoscientists, the Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand, the Geological Society of Australia, the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, the Society of Economic Geologists, the International Association of Geochemistry and the Association of Applied Geochemists.

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
  • 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.  Subject topic areas include:

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

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 or EG1010:03 Process Engineering

Level 2

EA2110:03 Introduction to Sedimentology

EA2220:03 Minerals and Magmas

EA2300:03 Introductory Structural and Metamorphic Geology

EA2510:03 Earth Resources, Exploration and Environment

EA2900:03 Introductory Field Geology

EV2502:03 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems

MA2401:03 Statistics and Data Analysis or EA2010:03 Introductory Geology

Level 3

EA3100:03 Igneous Petrology and Processes

EA3200:03 Advanced Structural and Metamorphic Geology

EA3400:03 Ore Genesis

EA3510:03 Geological Mapping

EA3511:03 Field Techniques in Geology

EA3650:03 Sedimentary Environments and Energy Resources

EA3800:03 Earth and Environmental Geochemistry

OPTIONS

Select 3 credit points (1 subject) of specified subjects or options from List 1

PLUS

Select 3 credit points (1 subject) of specified subjects or options specified from List 2

PLUS

Select 9 credit points (3 subjects) of specified subjects or options from List 3

PLUS

Select 3 credit points (1 subject) of specified level 2 subjects from List 4

PLUS

Select 3 credit points (1 subject) of specified EA and EV level 3 subjects from List 5

List 1

CH1020:03 Preparatory Chemistry

3 credit points of AN, AR, CH, CP, EV, MA, MB, PH, or SC level 1 subjects

3 credit points of any level 2 or 3 science subjects (pre-requisites apply)

List 2

MA1020:03 Preparatory Mathematics

3 credit points of AN, AR, CH, CP, EV, MA, MB, PH, or SC level 1 subjects

List 3

BU1104:03 Business, Environment and Society in the Tropics

PT1410:03 Photography

Any AN, AR, BZ, CH, CP, EV, MA, MB, PH, or SC level 1 subjects

Any level 2 or 3 Science subjects (pre-requisites apply)

List 4

EV2003:03 Introduction to Environmental Economics

EV2401:03 Australian Landscape Processes and Evolution

EA2006:03 Hydrology

EA2007:03 Applied Soil Science

EA2404:03 From Icehouse to Greenhouse

LA2902:03 Environmental Law and Policy

List 5

EA3005:03 Minesite Rehabilitation

EA3007:03 Field Studies in Tropical Water and Soil Science

EA3008:03 Advanced Hydrology

EA3640:03 Advanced Environmental and Marine Geoscience Technologies and Applications

SC3008:03 Professional Placement

EV3502:03 Advanced Geographic Information Systems

EV3506:03 Remote Sensing

Pathway into course

On successful completion of the Diploma of Higher Education you may be eligible to continue into this degree, and you may be able to receive some credit for successfully completed subjects.

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

English (Chemistry and Maths B recommended)

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.

Academic Requirements for Course Completion

Credit points

72 credit points as per course structure

Additional course rules

Students who have not completed either Chemistry or Maths B to Year 12 are required to undertake the corresponding preparatory subjects in Year 1 of the course.

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 or EG1010:03 Process Engineering

Level 2

EA2110:03 Introduction to Sedimentology

EA2220:03 Minerals and Magmas

EA2300:03 Introductory Structural and Metamorphic Geology

EA2510:03 Earth Resources, Exploration and Environment

EA2900:03 Introductory Field Geology

EV2502:03 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems

MA2401:03 Statistics and Data Analysis or EA2010:03 Introductory Geology

Level 3

EA3100:03 Igneous Petrology and Processes

EA3200:03 Advanced Structural and Metamorphic Geology

EA3400:03 Ore Genesis

EA3510:03 Geological Mapping

EA3511:03 Field Techniques in Geology

EA3650:03 Sedimentary Environments and Energy Resources

EA3800:03 Earth and Environmental Geochemistry

OPTIONS

Select 3 credit points (1 subject) of specified subjects or options from List 1

PLUS

Select 3 credit points (1 subject) of specified subjects or options specified from List 2

PLUS

Select 9 credit points (3 subjects) of specified subjects or options from List 3

PLUS

Select 3 credit points (1 subject) of specified level 2 subjects from List 4

PLUS

Select 3 credit points (1 subject) of specified EA and EV level 3 subjects from List 5

List 1

CH1020:03 Preparatory Chemistry

3 credit points of AN, AR, CH, CP, EV, MA, MB, PH, or SC level 1 subjects

3 credit points of any level 2 or 3 science subjects (pre-requisites apply)

List 2

MA1020:03 Preparatory Mathematics

3 credit points of AN, AR, CH, CP, EV, MA, MB, PH, or SC level 1 subjects

List 3

BU1104:03 Business, Environment and Society in the Tropics

PT1410:03 Photography

Any AN, AR, BZ, CH, CP, EV, MA, MB, PH, or SC level 1 subjects

Any level 2 or 3 Science subjects (pre-requisites apply)

List 4

EV2003:03 Introduction to Environmental Economics

EV2401:03 Australian Landscape Processes and Evolution

EA2006:03 Hydrology

EA2007:03 Applied Soil Science

EA2404:03 From Icehouse to Greenhouse

LA2902:03 Environmental Law and Policy

List 5

EA3005:03 Minesite Rehabilitation

EA3007:03 Field Studies in Tropical Water and Soil Science

EA3008:03 Advanced Hydrology

EA3640:03 Advanced Environmental and Marine Geoscience Technologies and Applications

SC3008:03 Professional Placement

EV3502:03 Advanced Geographic Information Systems

EV3506:03 Remote Sensing

Campus

COURSE AVAILABLE AT

NOTES

Cairns

Only first year is available in Cairns

Townsville

 

Candidature

Expected time to complete

3 years full-time or equivalent part-time

Maximum time to complete

10 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

18 credit points for the course

Maximum of 6 credit points at level 3

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 20 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.

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

Not applicable

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. Please refer to the Bachelor of Geology (Honours) Handbook for eligibility information.

What is Geology?

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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.