About Geoscience

Experience the incredible, accessing and studying landscapes from the vast savannahs to marine sediments. Geoscientists, also known as Geologists, explore the makeup of our earth and its surrounding atmosphere and hydrosphere. Geoscience considers both the physical and chemical nature of rocks, minerals, water and air from both a resource and environmental perspective.

JCU Geoscience is a leader in experiential learning. You’ll be empowered to embrace hands-on learning early in your degree, with small class sizes and personalised learning. As a JCU Geoscience student, you’ll have unique access to the most spectacular of learning environments, including the World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef, and the northwest and northeast Queensland mineral provinces. A strong focus on practical fieldwork and industry connections empowers JCU graduates to be ready for tomorrow’s challenges.

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Begin your exploration of the earth by examining its beginnings. You will build a strong geological foundation as you consider the earth’s physical and chemical elements, the interaction of matter and energy, and evolution from origin to present day. Develop an understanding of global environmental processes and discover the challenges and impacts that come with development of clean energy and managing environmental change.

A core focus of this study area is sustainable and environmentally conscious resource exploration and development. Within your units, you will constantly be examining traditional and emerging mineral resources, and the role of critical minerals and metals for adapting to the ongoing challenges of climate change. These concerns are central to the field of geoscience, and your experience working in this area will open new avenues for both work and study,

As your studies progress, you will begin to delve into the specialised areas of structural geology, mineralogy and petrology, sedimentology, hydrology, ore genesis, GIS, and much more. Each subject will build upon the fundamentals, empowering you to develop an advanced understanding of the physical and chemical world around you. You will be equipped to identify issues, develop solutions and communicate findings to your peers and the general public.

JCU Geoscience students are highly sought after for their advanced theoretical and technical knowledge. You will interpret, analyse and evaluate information and demonstrate high-level problem-solving skills, drawing on your geographical and interdisciplinary knowledge. You will benefit from a particular focus on JCU’s context within the Tropics and be challenged to create sustainable solutions to tomorrow’s problems.

Geoscience can lead you to careers in a number of fields, including mining and green energy, mineral exploration, mineral processing, environmental assessment or mine site remediation. You may choose to meet a growing demand by contributing to green energy production and sourcing essential sustainable materials. Specific roles may include exploration or mining geologist, environmental geologist, management, palaeontologist, teacher, or academic.

High achieving students and those with a passion for research may choose to undertake further study and complete an Honours year. Here, you will develop an industry specific, personal research project and present your findings in the form of a thesis. You will reap the benefits of extending your research and communication skills and can use an Honours qualification as a pathway into higher degree research.

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