Geology

A Geology major will provide the springboard for students entering careers or research any area in which an understanding of how the planet functions is required. This includes fundamental research into geological processes, including palaeoclimate change, geodynamics, ore deposit formation, and the environment. Careers outside research can be wide-ranging and include the minerals exploration industry, petroleum industry, environmental consulting and management. Graduates will be prepared for these pathways by developing skills in acquiring and interpreting geological information, which are crucial to being prepared to make contributions in laboratories, in consulting roles in industry, or in policy/decision making in management.

This major will integrate knowledge from a range of disciplines from field-based studies to more theoretical aspects of rocks, minerals and their behaviour during Earth processes. Students will complete a sequence of specialist subjects as well as integrated subjects in which they develop an understanding of how these may be applied to solve outstanding questions about how the Earth works, including the competing problems of resource consumption (air, water, minerals, energy) and the environment. Students will gain experience preparing them for the workplace by participating in hands-on project work that requires careful time management and the clear communication of results.

Geology Major graduates should demonstrate

• knowledge from a range of core disciplines in geology including structural geology, tectonics, igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary petrology, field geology, sedimentology, stratigraphy, mineralogy and paleontology by enabling students to complete a sequence of specialist and integrated subjects, in which the students develop an understanding of the application of range of methods used in geology.
• skills in petrology, geological mapping, geological modeling, and critical evaluation of scientific literature, which are crucial to being prepared to make contributions in research, education or in the minerals, mining, petroleum or environmental industries.
• understanding of the role of the cultures of science practiced in the investigation of geology, and specifically the role of observations, analysis, and experimental design, models of various types, theory, and mathematics. Geology graduates will also understand the role of history in this science.
• appreciation of the global nature of Geology. Geology is a global and integrated science, with knowledge gained from all of the continents and oceans;
• ability to apply their knowledge and skills to understanding of Earth history and climate change, at time scales ranging from decadal to billions of years as well as expertise relevant to finite natural resources like oil, gas, minerals and groundwater;
• capacity to work in a team environment and an appreciation of the perspectives that cultural and discipline diversity presents, provided by working with a diverse of student cohort in group learning experiences and challenging field situations;
• ability to communicate effectively with other scientists and non-scientists.

Completion of 50 points of study at Level 3.

Both of

Plus two electives selected from

The topic of the Science Research Project must be related to geology.