Bachelor of Applied Science (Geoscience)

Overview

• Specialise in identifying and analysing earth materials, sedimentary environments, geological processes, petrology, geochemistry, exploration geophysics relevant to the mining, coal, petroleum and/or hydrogeology-environmental industries
• Gain experience in subsurface analysis and mapping, remote sensing, spatial analysis, and computer-based geographical information systems
• Prepares you for a career as a geoscientific consultant, exploration geologist, or expert in computing, data modelling and remote sensing
• Graduate eligible for membership of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, Australian Institute of Geoscientists, and the Geological Society of Australia

Details

Geoscience is critical for Australia’s future sustainable development. Geoscientists play a leading role in studying climate change and managing environmental issues such as chronic water shortage, dry land salinity and coastal development. Geological resources are also a major building block of the nation’s economy.
Geoscience provides us with an understanding of earth materials, the natural processes acting in and upon the earth, and its history. You will gain the skills needed to become a professional geologist with special emphasis on the industry-related, hands-on skills acquired through laboratory work and field studies for both resource exploration and environmental applications.

Why choose this course?

There is currently a shortage of geoscientists in Australia, both in environmental and resource areas. The geoscience major at QUT has been designed to provide hands-on practical skills and field experiences using real-world industry examples and materials. The program provides the fundamental background for you to pursue a geoscience career and has particular strengths in the areas of coal and petroleum resource geology, hydrogeology, and environmental geology—areas of particular importance to Queensland. Many lecturers maintain close links with industry by undertaking consulting projects for industry, government and community groups, or teaching specialist short courses to industry professionals. The applied geology second major is designed to complement the geoscience major.

Career outcomes

Employment opportunities exist within a variety of government organisations and consulting companies with work ranging from field geologists to research scientists. Exploration geologists are employed by mining and hydrocarbon exploration companies where they may be involved in underground geological mapping, evaluation of ore reserves, production control, or exploration for new mineral or oil and gas deposits. They may be based in remote settings or major cities. Graduates may work in computing, data modelling and remote sensing in any of those areas.
An honours degree has traditionally been required by many employers, including the larger mining and exploration companies.

Professional recognition

Graduates are eligible for membership of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, Australian Institute of Geoscientists, and the Geological Society of Australia.

Units

Year 1
You will undertake introductory core studies in a range of scientific areas including life sciences, chemistry, physics, mathematics and environmental science to give you a solid foundation for your future studies. You will also select specific units that will help you decide whether to pursue career paths in exploration or environmental geoscience. Following these introductory studies you should be in a position to confirm your choice of major area of study.

Year 2
You will learn fundamental concepts and gain practical experience in identifying and analysing earth materials, both in the laboratory and in the field. At the same time, you will be introduced to the geological processes that govern the evolution of the earth’s surface (sedimentary environments). You will then be introduced to rocks and processes that occur deeper within the earth (igneous and metamorphic realms) and longer term geological processes including structural deformation and stratigraphic evolution. The year culminates with you being able to solve real-world geological problems based on data you collect in the field.

Year 3
You will receive more advanced training in the fundamental areas of petrology and geochemistry with the addition of exploration geophysics and specialised units relevant to the mining, coal, petroleum and/or hydrogeology-environmental industries. You will be introduced to techniques and case studies that will prepare you for a wide variety of career paths. At the same time, you will learn new skills in subsurface analysis and mapping, remote sensing, and spatial analysis, including computer-based geographical information systems.

Entry requirements

Minimum academic requirements

Did you complete secondary school in Australia?

Course fees

Your actual fees may vary depending on which units you choose. All fees are based on current fixed fee prices. We review fees annually.

Scholarships and financial support

You can apply for scholarships to help you with study and living costs.

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