Applied Geology,B-APGEOL

Overview

In this course, you will gain a thorough grounding in theoretical geology –with emphasis on mineral, energy and groundwater resources and their environmental management – as well as the sustainable supply of resources for the decarbonising industry.

In your first year, you’ll gain a foundation in geology, chemistry, maths, scientific communication and computer skills. Your second year focuses on the theoretical, laboratory and field skills required to understand geological processes.

In your final year, you'll choose to study either the Applied Geology stream at Curtin Perth or the Mining Geology stream at Curtin Kalgoorlie.

You can also tailor your degree with units that emphasise specific applied areas of geoscience.

Applied Geology

This stream covers the breadth of Earth history investigation and applied geosciences. Topics include environmental geosciences, groundwater resources, and sustainable management of mineral and energy exploration and extraction.

Mining Geology

This stream combines studies of resource and field geology with mining systems, resource estimation and process mineralogy. The final year of study is undertaken at Curtin Kalgoorlie.

Double degrees

You can extend your expertise and career opportunities by studying Applied Geology as a double degree with Environmental Biology or Finance.

How this course will make you industry ready

After two years of grounding in the fundamentals of geology, your final year will focus on application in the workplace. Depending on the specialisation you choose, you'll study minerals, petroleum, groundwater and environmental industries; and complete practical exercises that reflect the activities of industry professionals.

What you'll learn

• apply fundamental geological principles and concepts in theoretical, practical and vocational situations
• solve mineral and energy exploration, environmental and sustainability problems through creative thinking and the extrapolation, interpolation and analysis of geoscience information
• collate, synthesise, and visualise geoscientific data sets using digital technologies, and communicate this geological information to industry and community stakeholders concisely and accurately using written, visual, and verbal means appropriate to the situation.
• recognise the finite nature of Earth resources, and the need to manage and mitigate social and environmental impacts of resource exploration and extraction and geohazards
• recognise the need for sustainable use of Earth resources, and value environmental, indigenous and other community perspectives on geological activities
• collaborate with professionals across the minerals and energy value chain, prioritise safety, and recognise the corporate and ethical need for accurate exploration results

English requirements

Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.

You may demonstrate English proficiency using the following tests and qualifications.

If your documents are not issued in English, an official translation from a recognised translation service must be provided.

Recognised translation services

• National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) accredited translator in Australia
• The Awarding institution
• A Notary Public Office
• The official Government body
• An official and accredited translator*

*Official translations are subject to review.

If you have undertaken previous study or work that matches the content of some of your Curtin course units, you may be able to obtain credit for recognised learning, which exempts you from studying those units.

You can apply direct online through our Applicant Portal. You can access the Applicant Portal by:

1. Navigating to the relevant course page
2. Click ‘Apply now’
3. When the pop-up window appears, select “Apply directly to Curtin University”.

If you want to package your course with a Curtin English course, you can submit your application with your course application documents to streamline the process.

If your application is successful, you will receive an offer that you will need to accept or reject.

If you accept your offer, you will receive a Confirmation of Enrolment ­– a document from Curtin that details your course, how long you will be studying the course, and the tuition fees. This document can be used for acquiring a student visa.

Apply to the Australian government for your student visa. Gaining a student visa will allow you to participate in full-time study in Australia and work up to 40 hours in a fortnight. If you’re under 18 years of age, you must have approved accommodation and welfare arrangements in place before a visa can be issued.