Geoscience
Bachelor of Geology
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What to expect
How to apply
Benefit from specialist geological knowledge and study the only Bachelor of Geology degree in Australia.
Build an in-depth understanding of geoscience with a focus on exploration and mining. Learn about global economic geology and participate in current geological research projects through JCU’s on-campus Economic Geology Research Centre.
Consolidate theoretical learning with frequent field trips and on-site practice. JCU’s unique location and close links with exploration/mining, allied engineering industries and conservation organisations allow unique access to fascinating locations.
Become a leading geoscientist. Strong industry connections ensure you are job-ready upon graduation. JCU Geology graduates are innovative, world-renowned problem-solvers working all over the world.
Additional information
About JCU's Bachelor of Geology
Do you love marine science, chemistry, mathematics, or agricultural science? Do you dream of being a palaeontologist, oceanographer, engineer, geologist, or more? Study a JCU Bachelor of Geology with the leaders in experiential learning. Experience unrivalled natural environments accessing and studying landscapes from the vast savannahs to marine sediments.
A Geology Degree with Hands-On Learning
Throughout your degree, study dedicated core courses designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the geosciences field. Experience has no substitute – have the opportunity to go on field trips gathering real data for real-life experiments.
Through hands-on experience, develop a holistic view of all the industries, cultures, and public concerns that come together in this field. Learn how to find solutions to the dangers of extracting resources in communities. You will critically review regulations and ethics and understand the complex environment
Develop your passion for preserving our planet for future generations, while gaining a practical understanding of earth’s resources. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with others on research projects, building your teamwork and communication skills. By the time you finish your degree, you will be ready to work in ground-breaking fields like the renewable energy sector.
A Career of Innovation
A solid foundation in the basics is essential in any field, and you want to be on the cutting edge of your chosen profession. Prepare for jobs of the future with a world-class education in Australia’s only Bachelor of Geology degree from JCU.
As you earn your geoscience degree, access lecturers who are passionate about research and finding innovative solutions to challenging questions. Network with industry professionals and public sector figures and have the opportunity to make global professional connections and learn from the best.
With regular field trips to mining and engineering sites and the opportunity to take part in geological research projects, experience Earth's most diverse landscapes. Access the vast Australian Outback to find innovative solutions to create natural resources or the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park analysing marine sediment.
With access to the latest research, learn to organise and interpret data to generate geoscience solutions with initiative and expert judgement. You will also learn how to clearly argue your findings through oral and written communication. This combination of knowledge and skills will make you a sought-after professional in the field of geoscience.
Your Geoscience Degree Will Get You Ready for the Jobs of the Future
You want an education that expands your horizons and equips you to contribute to the sustainable advancement of the modern world. Your geology degree from JCU is the right choice to put you on a career path that makes a difference - for you, and for the planet.
Join highly-esteemed graduates of JCU's geology program working at home and abroad in coal, gas, and oil exploration or hard rock mining. Or, follow your passions to work in renewable energies, mine site remediation, environmental assessment, geochemistry or geotechnical fields.
Graduates work for private corporations, government departments, in education or go on to further research. Whatever you choose to do, you will benefit from JCU's connections in a wide variety of geology-related fields, including our highly-reputable palaeontology field.
You're Ready to Begin Your Geology Degree
You have the passion and drive; all you need is the theory and practice. Your geoscience degree at JCU will position you to become a leader in the sciences and will equip you with the skills to create a sustainable future for our world.
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View the Handbook for a detailed overview of available subjects.
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.
Career Opportunities
Equip yourself with internationally-recognised training learning from lecturers who integrate their well-above-world standards* research into the classroom.
JCU Geology graduates are uniquely skilled with strong connections to industry and extensive experience undertaking fieldwork.
Graduates pursue careers in various areas including hard-rock mining and fossil fuel exploration, mineral processing, environmental assessment or mine site remediation. Join the demand in contributing to green energy production and sourcing essential sustainable materials.
You could find employment as a geoscientist, environmental geologist, management consultant, palaeontologist, teacher, or academic. Alternatively, go on to study the Bachelor of Geology (Honours).
*Excellence in Research Awards 2018
What you need to know before you apply
Certified copies of supporting documents
You must supply the following information with your application:
- Previous and current certificates and academic transcripts
- The Grading Scale used at the institution(s) where you have undertaken your studies
- English proficiency test results (if required and available at time of application)
- Your passport to confirm your name and citizenship (if available at time of application)
You can speed up the application process by emailing copies of your documents to internationaladmissions@jcu.edu.au. If your application is approved you must then post certified copies and/or documents to:
James Cook International
James Cook University
Townsville QLD 4811, AUSTRALIA
If your documents are in a language other than English, you must provide both certified translations and a certified copy of the original document.
An acceptable certified document is a photocopy of the original document, signed and certified as a copy of the original by a public notary, registered agent of JCU, or a representative of the institution. Copies of certified copies are not acceptable.
Credit and Articulation
Before applying for credit for previous studies you should read the Credit and Articulation Procedure. You can review any possible credits you may have with our Credit Calculator. When you apply for credit you must submit the course syllabi (subject outline) for each relevant subject and ensure the subject corresponds to a similar JCU subject.
Entry requirements
As well as having the prerequisites for this course, you must also meet minimum academic and language requirements.
Check the minimum English language proficiency requirements for this course in the Course Handbook.
If you meet the academic requirements for this course, but not the minimum English requirements, you will receive a packaged offer. This includes the opportunity to take an English language program as well as an offer to study a degree at JCU. Your JCU degree offer will be conditional on you gaining a certain grade in your English program.
As well as having studied the subjects listed in the prerequisites for this course, you must also meet necessary minimum academic entry scores and requirements.
Applicants of non-English speaking backgrounds must meet the English language proficiency requirements of Band 1 – Schedule II of the JCU Admissions Policy.
If you meet the academic requirements for a course, but not the minimum English requirements, you will be given the opportunity to take an English program to improve your skills in addition to an offer to study a degree at JCU. The JCU degree offer will be conditional upon the student gaining a certain grade in their English program. This combination of courses is called a packaged offer.
Application deadlines
- 31 January for commencement in teaching period 1 (semester 1)
- 30 June for commencement in teaching period 2 (semester 2)
Our campuses in Singapore and Brisbane operate on a trimester system – application deadlines vary for Singapore and Brisbane. View academic calendars.
How to apply
Gather electronic copies of your documentation, including an Application for Credit form, if relevant.
Register using your full legal name as it appears on your passport.
Complete all questions, upload all documents, and submit your application. You may wish to include a second course preference.
Ready to apply? Apply now.
Help with your application
If you need help with your application, or would like to change your preferences (e.g. course, campus, commencing semester) after you have submitted your application please contact JCU International Admissions at enquiries@jcu.edu.au or phone: +61 7 4781 5601
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Pathways to JCU
Bachelor of Geology
Handbook year | 2020 |
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 intensive 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 credit 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. |
Credit
Eligibility | Students may apply for a credit transfer for previous tertiary study or informal and non-formal learning in accordance with the Credit Transfer Procedure. |
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 credit. |
Currency | Credit will be granted only for studies completed in the 10 years prior to the commencement of this course. |
Expiry | Credit gained for any subject shall be cancelled 19 years after the date of the examination upon which the credit 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 credit may be granted at level 3. Credit 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. |
Annual Tuition Fee: AUD$37,360 (Estimate only)
Courses are charged per year of full-time study. International course fees are reviewed annually and subject to change.
A Student Services and Amenities Fee is payable per subject up to a maximum amount per year.
Student Visa holders must have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of their Student Visa (except Norwegian, Swedish and Belgian citizens). Costs depend on the length of study and the number of dependants accompanying the student. For more information see Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
Scholarships and financial aid are also available for international students.
JCU offers pathway study options if you don't meet the academic of English language requirements for direct entry into your preferred JCU degree, or if you want to enhance your career prospects. Contact us for more information.
Gain valuable hands-on experience with a JCU Geology degree. Benefit from putting theory into practice in locations unlike any other.
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.