Fast Facts
Location
Only first year available in Cairns
Commencing
- Townsville: February, July
- Cairns: February, July
Fees
$7,990.00+
+estimated annual Commonwealth Supported Fee for a full-time study load
Plus Student Services and Amenities fee
Fee deferral and scholarships available if eligible
Duration
3 years full-time
or part-time equivalent
Entry Requirements
ATAR 66.5
Assumed Knowledge
English (Units 3/4,C)
Recommended Knowledge
One of Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Science, Geography, Marine Science, Mathematical Methods (Units 3/4,C), Specialist Maths or Physics (Units 3/4,C); or equivalent
QTAC Codes
- 316311
- 326311
Course detail
Be part of the drive to discover and secure the critical minerals needed for transitioning to green energy. Build an in-depth understanding of geoscience with a focus on exploration and mining for base and critical minerals. Learn about global economic geology and participate in current geological research projects through JCU’s on-campus Economic Geology Research Centre. You’ll learn to contribute to research on the origin and evolution of life, cosmochemistry, hydrothermal processes, Earth formation and tectonic processes.
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. The variety of learning settings combined with opportunities to network with industry contacts will prepare you to pursue a diverse career with the skills to take you there.
Become a leading geoscientist. Strong industry connections and a degree program developed in consultation with industry partners 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.
JCU is ideally placed to offer you access to world-class geology and direct connections with a vibrant minerals industry. All subjects are taught by leaders in their field and are constantly updated to the latest trends and developments in the research and the mineral industry. The skills and experience you gain in this degree will make you competitive on the global market.
A Geology Degree with Hands-On Learning
Throughout your degree, you’ll study dedicated core subjects 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. JCU Geoscience students regularly participate in hands-on work with our industry partners. You will benefit from targeted placements where you can put in practice what you learn in the classroom.
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. JCU Geoscience graduates work in exploration, mining, environmental offices, and government and research organizations. The Bachelor of Geology degree is designed to prepare you for any of these challenges.
Develop your passion for preserving our planet for future generations, while gaining a practical understanding of earth’s resources. Learn about the critical minerals essential for transitioning to green energy and be part of the solution. 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 in Australia and abroad in the minerals industry and on the frontiers of renewable energy by exploring for critical minerals and enabling the development of new technologies. Or, follow your passions to work in 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.
Hide additional information
View the Handbook for a detailed overview of available subjects.
Inherent requirements
Inherent requirements are the identified abilities, attributes, skills, and behaviours that must be demonstrated, during the learning experience, to successfully complete a course. These abilities, attributes, skills, and behaviours preserve the academic integrity of the University’s learning, assessment,and accreditation processes, and where applicable, meet the standards of a profession. For more information please review the inherent requirements for the Bachelor of Geology.
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.
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, renewable energy and critical minerals, 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
Entry score threshold
These are the lowest adjusted scores we made an offer to in Semester 1, 2022. Entry scores are based on the most recent Semester 1 intake and are updated in June each year. Meeting the threshold doesn't guarantee admission.
ATAR/Selection Rank: 66.50
Entry score range
This table shows the range of entry scores for recent secondary students offered a place in the Bachelor of Geology for Semester 1, 2022. The table includes offers deferred to Semester 1, 2022 which may have been assessed using the entry score threshold of an earlier year.
JCU Townsville
Without adjustments | With adjustments* | |
|---|---|---|
Highest | 95.3 | 98.15 |
Median | 85.75 | 87.75 |
Lowest | 65.95 | 67.95 |
JCU Cairns
Without adjustments | With adjustments* | |
|---|---|---|
Highest | <5 | <5 |
Median | <5 | <5 |
Lowest | <5 | <5 |
Notes:
<5 – indicates less than 5 OP/ATAR-based offers made.
* Refer to Adjustment Factors
Find out more about who you might study with by viewing this course’s student profile.
Adjustment factors
James Cook University applies bonus ranks under the Regional Preference Scheme and QTAC’s Educational Access Scheme (EAS). Learn more about JCU’s adjustment factors.
Handbook year | Information valid for students commencing in 2023 |
Course code | 56010 |
Course type | Bachelor Degree (AQF Level 7) |
Owner | Academy |
College | Science and Engineering |
Award Requirements
Admission Requirements
Course pre-requisites | Assumed Knowledge: English (Units 3/4,C); or equivalent Recommended: At least one of Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Science, Geography, Marine Science, Mathematical Methods, Specialist Maths or Physics (Units 3/4,C); or equivalent |
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 |
Course learning outcomes | Graduates of the Bachelor of Geology at James Cook University will be able to:
|
Inherent Requirements
Inherent Requirements | Inherent requirements are the identified abilities, attributes, skills, and behaviours that must be demonstrated, during the learning experience, to successfully complete a course. These abilities, attributes, skills, and behaviours preserve the academic integrity of the University's learning, assessment, and accreditation processes, and where applicable, meet the standards of a profession. For more information please visit: Bachelor of Geology. |
Reasonable adjustments | All JCU students have the opportunity to demonstrate, with reasonable adjustments where applicable, the inherent requirements for their course. For more information please visit: Student Disability Policy and Procedure. |
Course Structure
CORE SUBJECTS
Level 1
CH1020:03 Preparatory Chemistry (or any Level 1, 2, 3 or 5 Science subject if already satisfied via previous study)
MA1020:03 Preparatory Mathematics (or any Level 1, 2, 3 or 5 Science subject if already satisfied via previous study)
EV1005:03 Environmental Processes and Global Change
EA1110:03 Evolution of the Earth
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 Deposits and Critical Mineral Exploration
EA3510:03 Geological Mapping
EA3650:03 Energy Resources and Basin Analysis
EA3800:03 Earth and Environmental Geochemistry
OPTIONS
Select 3 credit points of subjects from List 1 (Breadth Subjects)
PLUS
Select 3 credit points of any Level 1, 2, 3 or 5 Science subjects
PLUS
Select 6 credit points of any Level 2 or 3 subjects
PLUS
Select 6 credit points of any undergraduate subjects
List 1 (Breadth Subjects)
BM1000:03 Introductory Biochemistry and Microbiology
BS1001:03 Introduction to Biological Processes
BS1007:03 Introduction to Biodiversity
CH1001:03 Chemistry: A Central Science
CP1401:03 Problem Solving and Programming I
EG1000:03 Engineering 1
MA1000:03 Mathematical Foundation
MA1580:03 Foundations of Data Science
PH1005:03 Advanced Stream Physics 1
SC1101:03 Science, Technology and Truth
Lists of subjects grouped according to potential career aspirations and interests can be accessed here
Options available include recommended geology related areas of Chemistry for Geology, Earth Surface Processes, Palaeontology and Spatial Science as well as a number of additional general science related areas
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 Deposits and Critical Mineral Exploration
EA3510:03 Geological Mapping
EA3650:03 Energy Resources and Basin Analysis
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 a 3 credit point subject from List 1
List 1
CP1404:03 Programming II
CS2005:03 Introduction to Geotechnical Engineering
EA2404:03 Earth's Climate: Past, Present and Future
EA3640:03 Advanced Environmental and Marine Geoscience Technologies and Applications
EV3502:03 Advanced Geographic Information Systems
EV3506:03 Remote Sensing
Location
COURSE AVAILABLE AT | NOTES |
JCU Cairns | Only first year is available in Cairns. |
JCU Townsville |
Candidature
Expected time to complete | 3 years full-time or part-time equivalent |
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 |
Supplementary exam for final subject | Not applicable |
Credit
Eligibility | Students may apply for credit transfer for previous tertiary study 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 |
Special awards | Students may receive an Award of Recognition in accordance with the Recognition of Academic Excellence Procedure |
Honours
Honours availability | Available as an additional 24 credit points of study [end-on] |
Eligibility | By invitation of the College Dean Normally a minimum overall GPA of 5.5 (i.e. credit average) is required across the bachelor degree, with credits or better in the discipline specific areas. Quota restrictions on the number of honours places available may apply from time to time as determined by the College Dean. |
Estimated annual Commonwealth Supported fee: $AUD7,990.00
A Student Services and Amenities fee is payable per subject up to a maximum amount per year.
A variety of Scholarships are available to suit different student types.
An ATAR is the score required for entry into most undergraduate courses. If you are not a Year 12 school leaver or do not have an ATAR, you can be assigned an equivalent score. Scores are calculated from previous study that you might have completed, either secondary, tertiary or vocational, or previous paid employment experience.
JCU offers pathway courses to help you move into a degree. Pathway courses provide you with an individualised study plan and specialised support as you transition to university.
Contact us to find out more.
Note the course QTAC code for the location you've chosen. You'll need to enter it as part of your QTAC application.
Application dates vary between courses, whether they're delivered in semester, trimester or carousel study modes. View our Application due dates page for more information.
ATAR score is indicative only. Entry scores will be finalised in the major offer round.
Real stories
-
Student
Renee Bensemann
BACHELOR OF GEOLOGY
In pursuing honours, I wanted to continue my studies at JCU because the geoscience staff are world- renowned in their fields. They are always happy to give their time and share their knowledge whenever I needed it. Everybody within the College wants you to succeed.
-
Lecturer
Associate Professor Eric Roberts
Head of Earth and Environmental Science
It is nice to be part of a smaller university where staff and students actually get to know each other, and where there is opportunity to be involved in research. A highlight of our degree is the opportunity for field-based learning, bringing students into the field, and providing real hands-on learning.