科廷科技大學

Geologists study how the Earth works, including the natural planetary processes that directly affect people – such as the formation of mineral and petroleum resources, geological hazards, climate change and environmental protection.

In this course you will gain a thorough grounding in theoretical geology with a practical emphasis on mineral, petroleum and groundwater resources and their environmental management.

In your first year you will gain a foundation in geology, chemistry, physics, maths, scientific communication and computer skills. Your second year focuses on the theoretical, laboratory and field skills required to understand geological processes. Your final year provides comprehensive coverage of one stream: Applied Geology, Mining Geology or Petroleum Geology.

The first two years of this course are based in Perth. The third-year Applied Geology stream is offered at Curtin’s Perth campus, Mining Geology is offered at our Kalgoorlie campus, and Petroleum Geology is offered at Curtin Malaysia.

Applied Geology

This stream comprehensively covers the breadth of applied geosciences, including mineral and petroleum exploration and extraction techniques, groundwater resources and environmental geosciences.

Mining Geology

This stream combines studies of resource and field geology with mining systems and estimation to effectively explore, evaluate and extract mineral resources.

Petroleum Geology

This stream combines studies of sedimentary basins and petroleum geology with aspects of geophysics and petroleum engineering related to the evaluation, development and exploitation of oil and gas resources.

Professional recognition

Graduates are eligible for membership of the Australian Institute of Geoscientists, Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, Geological Society of Australia, International Association of Hydrogeologists, and the Petroleum Exploration Society of Australia.

Career information

Careers

Geologist
Geological engineer

Industries

Environmental geology
Groundwater extraction
Mineral and petroleum exploration
Mining
Natural hazards and risk analysis
Radioactive waste storage
Research and development

What you'll learn

Apply fundamental geological principles and concepts in theoretical, practical and vocational situations
Solve geological problems using logical scientific methods and creative thinking
Synthesise geological data on a range of spatial and temporal scales to make interpretations that allow for scientific uncertainty
Communicate geological information concisely and accurately using written, visual, and verbal means appropriate to the situation
Employ new and established technologies to collect and interpret geological data, recognising their strengths and limitations
Acquire geological knowledge and expertise from a range of sources in a variety of situations
Appreciate international perspectives on geoscience and recognise the importance of global standards for collecting and reporting geological data
Recognise the need for sustainable use of earth resources, and value environmental, indigenous and other community perspectives on geological activities
Work ethically and professionally alone and as part of a team, complying with applicable legislation and managing time and other resources efficiently and effectively.