Bachelor of Science with a major in Geology
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Overview
Science at Macquarie has a strong focus on peer-assisted learning and practical work, both in the field and in our high-quality laboratories. This hands-on approach will allow you to develop your scientific research skills, critical thinking and problem solving ability.
Learn from internationally recognised researchers and gain state-of-the-art scientific knowledge.
Geology is the study of the materials that make up the Earth, the processes that mould its surface, and the interaction of people with the physical environment.
Geologists are vital for understanding the development of mineral resources and long-term maintenance of the environment. With the rapidly increasing global population, geologists will be needed to maintain resource output and minimise damage to the environment. They are employed in a wide range of workplaces.
In this geology course you’ll gain the basic professional training needed to work as a geologist, and a base for postgraduate geological studies.
This major prepares you for a challenging career that can take you around the world to work on the continents or in the oceans, and even to take part in studies of other planets.
Key features
- Field trips are an integral part of the Geology major.
- Our geology teachers are internationally recognised researchers.
- Opportunity to study some geology units by distance education (external study)
Location
North Ryde
Suitable for
If you’re interested in science, mining, engineering , oceans and the Earth.
HECS Course fee
Student amenities fee
Information on the Student services and amenities fee
Entry requirements
English language requirements
If you have completed the NSW HSC or equivalent you satisfy the English proficiency requirements.
For full information view the English proficiency requirements table (436 Kb).
Work experience requirements
No work ex
What you will study
| Degree requirements | Credit Points |
|---|---|
| Minimum number of credit points for the degree | 68 |
| Minimum number of credit points at 200 level or above | 38 |
| Minimum number of credit points at 300 level or above | 18 |
| Minimum number of credit points designated as Science | 42 |
| Completion of a Qualifying Major for the Bachelor of Science | |
| Completion of a designated People unit | |
| Completion of a designated Planet unit |
Major requirements
The following outlines the units (subjects) to be studied within this major
| 100 level | Credit Points | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Required | either | GEOS125 | Earth Dynamics | ||
| or | GEOS126 | Marine Geoscience | 3 | ||
| 200 level | Credit Points | ||||
| Required | GEOS207 | Field and Laboratory Studies in Geoscience | 3 | ||
| Required | GEOS226 | Introduction to Field Geology | 3 | ||
| Required | 3cp from | GEOS205 | Introduction to Geophysics | ||
| GEOS206 | Marine Depositional Environments | ||||
| GEOS272 | Geology of Australia - Global Perspectives | 3 | |||
| 300 level | Credit Points | ||||
| Capstone | GEOS307 | C | Field Geology and Mapping | 3 | |
| Required | 9cp from | GEOS344 | Structural and Metamorphic Geology | ||
| GEOS309 | Liquid Fuels and Energy Security | ||||
| GEOS343 | Magmas, Ores and Geochemistry | ||||
| GEOS373 | Volcanic Geology Fieldwork | ||||
| GEOS375 | Environmental Geology | ||||
| GEOS385 | Global Tectonics | 9 | |||
| Total credit points required to satisfy this major | 24 | ||||
Notes
- Units marked with a C are Capstone units.
- The course information contained on this page is applicable for 2012 ONLY.
For more information please read the courses disclaimer.
Careers
Career Opportunities
- develop and mine mineral deposits
- environmental geologists
- finance
- geotechnical engineers
- government geological surveys
- lawyer
- mineral exploration industry
- national parks officer
- oil and gas industry
- research
- teaching
Employers
• conservation and land management bodies
• finance organisations
• petroleum companies
• private companies/government
• private and public environment groups
• organisations relating to minerals and energy resource fields
Average starting salary
The graduate salary for a geologist in resources and mining in NSW is between $65,000 and $75,000 (source: Hays, 2009).


an education in the top two per cent of universities in the world, giving you an international recognised and respected degree