School of Earth and Planetary Sciences

Geology is the study of the solid Earth and the processes that shape our planet. Our teaching programs supply a high proportion of geology graduates working in the minerals, petroleum, groundwater and environmental industries in Western Australia and further afield, and our research strengths include crystal evolution, geodynamics, and isotope geochemistry.

We are home to The Institute for Geoscience Research (TIGeR), the Earth Dynamics Research Group and the Timescales of Mineral Systems Group.

The practical emphasis and comprehensive content of our undergraduate courses attracts students of all ages and backgrounds from Australia and overseas. Our location in Western Australia and industry links make Curtin an outstanding choice for an honours degree. Our postgraduate coursework degrees improve career options for geoscience graduates and allow graduates in other disciplines to move into geoscience careers.

With an impressive suite of facilities and expertise, and a range of funding from academic and industry sources, we undertake research projects all over the world in most fields of geoscience.

In the Australian Government’s Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) 2018 assessment, Curtin University is ranked well above world standard in Geology and Geochemistry.

Our undergraduate courses

• Bachelor of Science (Applied Geology)
• Bachelor of Advanced Science (Earth Sciences) (Hons)

Our postgraduate courses

• Graduate Certificate in Mineral Exploration Geoscience
• Graduate Diploma in Mineral Exploration Geoscience
• Master of Science (Geology)

Our discipline encompasses a range of activities concerned with location on the Earth’s surface. We deliver undergraduate teaching programs in surveying, and postgraduate training in geospatial intelligence. Our research strengths include geodesy, global navigation and satellite systems, photogrammetry, laser scanning, remote sensing, and geographic information science.

We are home to the Western Australian Geodesy Group.

Our undergraduate courses

Surveying is a highly specialised discipline and is a long-established profession, having played a crucial role in the development of Australia since settlement. Curtin is proud to offer the only comprehensive honours degree in surveying in Western Australia.

• Bachelor of Surveying (Honours)
• Bachelor of Surveying Technology (Mine Surveying)

Our postgraduate courses

Our postgraduate courses prepare students to develop advanced knowledge and skills for professional or highly skilled work. Curtin is the only university in Western Australia to offer the below courses.

• Graduate Certificate in Geospatial Intelligence
• Graduate Diploma in Geospatial Intelligence
• Master of Geospatial Intelligence

Our research courses

Our Higher Degree by Research courses provides opportunities for students to obtain further specialist qualifications in surveying and mapping. Our courses also provide the opportunity for students to undertake research investigation in the theory or application of geographic information systems.

• Master of Philosophy (Geographic Information Science)
• Master of Philosophy (Surveying and Mapping)
• Doctor of Philosophy (Spatial Sciences)

Professional recognition

Graduates are eligible for membership of the Surveying and Spatial Sciences Institute and the WA Institution of Surveyors.

Our four-year undergraduate Bachelor of Surveying (Honours) course is recognised by the Land Surveyors Licensing Board of WA (LSLBWA) and the corresponding Boards of the other states and territories of Australia and also of New Zealand (unified under the Council of Reciprocating Surveyors Boards of Australia and New Zealand – CRSBANZ), as an approved pathway to licensing as a Licensed Surveyor.

This course is also accepted by the Australasian Hydrographic Surveyors Certification Panel for level 1 and level 2 certification with additional practical experience. Furthermore, the Mines Survey Board of the WA Government Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety accepts the four year course for a Grade 1 Certificate – with additional practical experience. The alternate exit pathway Bachelor of Surveying Technology (Mine Surveying) (exit award after three years) is accepted by the Mines Survey Board of the WA Government Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety for a Grade 1 and Grade 2 Certificate – with additional practical experience.

Partnership

Our research developments and innovations have been fostered by our many highly-valued partnerships and collaborations in industry and government. We particularly acknowledge the partnerships through Landgate and FrontierSI.

Our research groups

• Photogrammetry and Laser Scanning (PaLS) Research Group
• Open Source Geospatial Laboratory

Basins, Oceans and Biogeosciences encompasses the study of sedimentary basins, oceans and the biological and chemical processes that operate on the surface and within the earth. We use seismic, molecular and isotopic data (from biomarkers and paleogenomics) to understand the evolution of sedimentary basins and the resources that they contain; acoustic tools to listen to the diversity of natural and human activity that occurs in oceans and to map habitats, biomass and the seafloor; optical tools and satellite remote sensing to study oceans and land environments; and sophisticated analytical techniques to understand the interaction between all forms of life, from evolution to extinction, within the geosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere.

Our discipline is home to the Western Australian Organic & Isotope Geochemistry Centre, the Centre for Marine Science and Technology and the Remote Sensing and Satellite Research Group.

Planetary and space science involves the study and exploration of our solar system. Our researchers are involved in a number of space missions, and analyse meteorites and material from the Moon and Mars, to understand how our solar system formed, and the geological and impact history of the planets and moons within it. Our engineers build systems for tracking fireballs and satellites, and we have recently started our own small satellite development program.

With established partnerships with NASA and Lockheed Martin, the Curtin Space Science and Technology Centre is home to the largest planetary research group in the Southern Hemisphere.

Geophysics is a non-invasive and non-destructive applied Earth Science that utilises physical phenomena to remotely image and characterise the subsurface. It has applications in environmental studies such as groundwater sustainability, geothermal research and carbon capture and storage, as well as the resources industry.

When you study Geophysics at Curtin you will use seismic, magnetic, electromagnetic, radiometric and gravitational technologies and techniques to determine the structure and composition of natural (and sometimes artificial) materials below the Earth’s surface without the need for drilling or excavation. During this process you will use advanced software and hardware to collect, process, display and interpret data, and apply physics, computing and mathematics in practical ways on commercial and environmental projects.

In the Australian Government’s Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) 2015 assessment, Curtin University ranked above world standard in Geophysics.

Professional recognition

We are a dedicated team of highly respected, professional trainers and researchers who will provide you with all the skills and training you need to become a fully-qualified professional geophysicist. When you complete your geophysics degree with us you will be able to gain admission to the following prestigious societies:

• The Australian Society of Exploration Geophysicists (ASEG)
• Society of Exploration Geophysicists (United States)
• The European Association of Geoscientists and Engineers (EAGE)
• The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM).