Bachelor of GeoScience

Year

View in 2021+ Handbook

Course Overview
Further Information
Course Rules & Plans
Course Outcomes

Why study the Bachelor of GeoScience at UNE?

This innovative degree provides the opportunity to study a geology degree that incorporates the fundamental core principals of geology coupled with teaching of modern GIS/geospatial geology specific maps and mapping techniques. We capitalise on our location within the New England Orogen that enables us to undertake fieldwork often. The New England Orogen is a great natural laboratory and we have a diverse array of spectacular geology all easily accessible in our 'backyard'. This course includes topics such as field geology, resource geology and environmental issues, optical mineralogy and igneous petrology, ore deposit geology, exploration and environmental geochemistry, structural and metamorphic geology, field mapping and sedimentology, palaeontology and stratigraphy, applied geophysics, among others.

Graduates with an above average GPA of 5.5 or better are encouraged to apply to undertake Honours in Geology. Bachelor of Science with Honours graduates who achieve the appropriate grades are eligible to apply to enrol for a research Master degree or the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).

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Career Opportunities

Australia offers a wide range of careers for graduate geologists. Australia is host to vast natural resources and we are increasingly facing ongoing environmental challenges resulting in jobs which require trained geologists. Graduates can expect to be employed in diverse locations not only within Australia but opportunities to work abroad are common.

Our graduates are well placed for employment given our broad degree that incorporates geology specific GIS/geospatial mapping that is core to most employers. Employers include the minerals and fossil fuels industry, Scientific organisations (eg CSIRO), government agencies (eg geological surveys or Geoscience Australia), geological or environmental consultancies, the environmental sector, academia, education, museums and many others.

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Degree Snapshot

DURATION

3 Years Full-time
Up to 10 years Part-time

FEES

CSP
International

2016 ATAR / OP

72.55 / 12

2017 STUDY OPTIONS

Armidale

Trimester 1, Off Campus
Trimester 1, On Campus
Trimester 2, Off Campus
Trimester 2, On Campus
Trimester 3, Off Campus

Official Abbreviation

BGeoSc

Course Type

Undergraduate

CRICOS Code

061319E

Commencing

Location	Admission Period	Mode of Study
Armidale	Trimester 1	Off Campus
Armidale	Trimester 1	On Campus
Armidale	Trimester 2	Off Campus
Armidale	Trimester 2	On Campus
Armidale	Trimester 3	Off Campus

Course Duration

3 Years Full-time
Up to 10 years Part-time

2016 ATAR

72.55

2016 OP

Fees

CSP / International

Total Credit Points

144

Intensive Schools

Mandatory intensive schools may be a requirement of some of the units in this course. See Unit Catalogue for specific requirements.

Entry Requirements

A candidate shall be qualified for admission (see Admission Undergraduate and Postgraduate (Coursework) Rule and Admission Undergraduate and Postgraduate (Coursework) Procedures).

Assumed knowledge is any two units of General Mathematics or Mathematics or Mathematics Extension.

Recommended studies: Chemistry and/or Physics.

For students without the recommended background knowledge, the School offers introductory units in Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics.

Additional Requirements

Inherent Requirements: Students must meet the Inherent Requirements in order to complete this course.

Advanced Standing

Candidates are referred to the University Policy on Advanced Standing.

Advanced standing will not be granted for units SCI395 or WORK300.

Scholarships

The University offers a number of scholarships available to Australian citizens and permanent residents.

Academic Colours

Straw (BCC 51)

Further Information

You can find instant answers to many of your questions or contact UNE directly via AskUNE

These course rules & plans are ONLY to be used if you commenced, transferred or changed versions in the Bachelor of GeoScience in 2017.

Admission to Candidature

A candidate shall be qualified for admission (see Admission Undergraduate and Postgraduate (Coursework) Rule and the Admission Undergraduate and Postgraduate (Coursework) Procedures).

Additional Requirements

Inherent Requirements

Students must meet the Inherent Requirements in order to complete this course.

Advanced Standing

Candidates are referred to the University Policy on Advanced Standing.
Advanced standing will not be granted for units SCI395 or WORK300.

Period of Candidature

The period of candidature shall be:
(a) three years as a full-time candidate;
(b) up to ten years as a part-time candidate.

Course Requirements

To qualify for the award a candidate must pass units to the value of 144 credit points with not more than 60 credit points at 100-level; at least 36 credit points at 300-level and not more than 12 credit pionts at 400-level.

Program of Study

Candidates shall complete an approved program of study as outlined in the Course Schedule comprising:

Course Structure	Credit Points
Core Units	90 cps
Listed Units	42-54 cps
Elective Units	12 cps
Total	144 cps

To view complete Program of Study click here

Award of Degree

Candidates who meet the course requirements including one major shall be awarded the Bachelor of GeoScience.

Exit Pathways

Subject to meeting Advanced Standing rules, candidates who discontinue their studies in the Bachelor of Geoscience may be eligible to exit with the Diploma in Science on completion of 48 credit points or the Advanced Diploma in Science on completion of 72 credit points.

Candidates who apply to discontinue their studies must apply for re-admission and will be subject to current course requirements of the Bachelor of Geoscience. This may mean that students may not receive full recognition for their previous studies should the course structure have changed in response to University requirements or external accreditation body requirements.

Course Aims	The aim of this three-year degree is to prepare students to be practising geoscientists with a broad range of practical and analytical skills. This degree will enable graduates to gain employment in a wide range of areas relating to the discipline. Geoscientists typically work outdoors or in laboratories and in this degree we aim to teach work-ready graduates through intensive field work, geology specific GIS/geospatial mapping and practical laboratories.
Learning Outcomes	Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: demonstrate a coherent understanding of geoscience by articulating the methods of geoscience and explaining why current scientific knowledge is both contestable and testable by further inquiry; and explaining the role and relevance of geoscience in society; exhibit depth and breadth of scientific knowledge by demonstrating well-developed knowledge in geoscience; and demonstrating knowledge in at least one other disciplinary area, such as environmental science, biology and chemistry; critically analyse and solve problems in geoscience by gathering, synthesising and critically evaluating information from a range of sources; and designing and planning an investigation; selecting and applying practical and/or theoretical techniques or tools in order to conduct an investigation, especially field and laboratory techniques; and collecting, accurately recording, interpreting and drawing conclusions from data; be effective communicators of geoscience by communicating scientific results, information or arguments, to a range of audiences, for a range of purposes, and using a variety of modes; and be accountable for their own learning and scientific work by being independent and self-directed learners; working effectively, responsibly and safely in an individual or team context; and demonstrating knowledge of the regulatory frameworks relevant to their disciplinary area and personally practising ethical conduct.
Graduate Attributes	Knowledge of a Discipline The Bachelor of GeoScience covers a wide range of topics across both traditional geology, palaeontology and geophysics, in addition to coverage of other disciplines, especially physical geography and GIS. Students will receive knowledge from lectures, reading materials (including primary literature) and various online resources. They will obtain knowledge by direct experience in practicals and field excursions. Knowledge will be assessed in examinations for some units and in online tests, practical tasks, oral presentations, essays and reports. Communication Skills Communication of information may include essays, literature reviews, practical or project reports and oral presentations, as well as online discussion boards and chat rooms. Students will be given advice on how to develop and use these skills and they will be assessed in some cases. Problem Solving There will be a strong emphasis on careful observation and recording and applying logical, critical and creative thinking to problems. This leads to the application of the scientific method. During the practical sessions and field work, students will be instructed in, and practice, the relevant skills in approaching problems/tasks, deciding what sort of information is needed, getting that information, and then applying it appropriately. Problem solving skills will be assessed in the written tasks and discussions. Information Literacy Students will be assessed on their skills in obtaining appropriate information for the written tasks, using books, journals and reliable online sources, as well as critically evaluate the information to generate a logical argument supported by evidence. Students will be taught to use electronic media (especially online databases) to search for information. Ethical Conduct and Social Responsibility Students will be instructed on contemporary social and ethical issues relating to the geosciences (especially mining and the use of Earth's resources from both community and industry perspectives and the associated environmental and social implications) to make informed decisions and opinions on such matters. Lifelong Learning The education received in this course will allow students to continue learning about geoscience from their own observations, reading and other media. Students will develop a range of life-long learning skills such as how to seek out new information and critically analysing such information. This course will stimulate students' intellectual curiosity and creativity. Independence and Collaboration Some practical tasks and field activities may involve groups of a few students collaborating to collect data. Projects may also be conducted by small groups of students.