Apply for Bachelor of Science (Applied Geology)

Geology
B-GEOL

Applied Geology

Bachelor degree

Learn about Earth’s fascinating geological processes that affect our environment, climate and resources.

This offering version is phasing out and no longer taking applications. You may be able to apply for a later version.

Course outline
  • ATAR

    ATAR

    Guaranteed ATAR 70
  • Qualification
    Bachelor of Science (Applied Geology)
  • Duration

    Duration

    3 years full-time
  • Credit

    Credit

    600
  • CRICOS

    CRICOS

    003875B
Course outline

Outline

Outline

Note that from 2023, the Bachelor of Science (Applied Geology) will be replaced with the Bachelor of Applied Geology.

Geologists study how the Earth works, including the natural planetary processes that directly affect people – such as the formation of mineral and energy 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, energy and groundwater resources and their environmental management.

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.

The first two years of this course are based at Curtin Perth. In your third year, you can study the Applied Geology stream at Curtin Perth or the Mining Geology stream at Curtin Kalgoorlie, and select units to tailor your final year of study.

Applied Geology

This stream covers the breadth of applied geosciences, including mineral and energy exploration and extraction techniques, groundwater resources, environmental geosciences and climate change.

Mining Geology

This stream combines studies of resource and field geology with mining systems and resource estimation.

Double degree options

You can study a Bachelor of Science (Applied Geology) with either a Bachelor of Science (Environmental Biology) or Bachelor of Commerce (Finance).

See our handbook for more course information. 

How this course will make you industry ready

  • This is a hands-on, practical course that reflects industry practices.
  • Your final year of study focuses on applications in the workplace. Depending on the stream you choose, you'll study minerals, energy, groundwater and environmental industries; and complete practical exercises that reflect the activities of industry professionals.

What jobs can the Applied Geology lead to?

Careers

  • Geologist
  • Environmental geoscientist
  • Geochemist
  • Geological engineer.

Industries

  • Environmental geology
  • Groundwater extraction and management
  • Mineral and energy exploration
  • Mining
  • Natural hazards and risk analysis
  • Radioactive waste storage
  • Research and development.

Further study

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
  • Employ new and established technologies to collect and interpret geological data, recognising their strengths and limitations and communicate the geological information concisely and accurately using written, visual, and verbal means appropriate to the situation.
  • 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

Professional recognition

Graduates of this course within Australasia may be eligible for membership of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy. Graduates of this course in Australia may be eligible for membership of the Australian Institute of Geoscientists and the Geological Society of Australia.

Admission criteria

What you need in order to get into this course. There are different pathway options depending on your level of work and education experience.

Select an option that best suits you:

You’re considered a high school leaver if you:

  • Completed year 12 in Australia or overseas in the past two years, or
  • Completed TAFE or VET studies in the past two years.

ATAR pathway

  • Guaranteed ATAR 70

    This course has a guaranteed ATAR of 70

  • Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

    Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

    At least Maths Applications.

  • Desirable WACE subjects

    Desirable WACE subjects

    There are no desirable WACE subjects for this course.

Please see our correlation comparability for previous TEE subjects, WACE courses and WACE ATAR courses.

StepUp Entry

StepUp Entry

Successful StepUp Entry and StepUp Equity Adjustment Admission Pathway (StepUp Bonus) applicants will be eligible to be considered for admission into this course.

Alternative pathways

  • Portfolio entry

    Portfolio entry is available for those who can demonstrate equivalence to Curtin’s ATAR entry through the submission of a portfolio that includes evidence of your academic achievements, qualifications and ability.

  • UniReady

    If you don’t meet our minimum admission criteria, the UniReady Enabling Program can help you qualify for entry into a range of undergraduate courses.

  • Certificate IV + English Competency

    The certificate IV is the minimum requirement for university entry. It qualifies you for entry to Curtin courses with a 70 ATAR. You must also meet English language proficiency.

  • Indigenous applicant

    If you’re an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander applicant who hasn’t met Curtin’s minimum admissions criteria, the Centre for Aboriginal Studies offers bridging courses that are tailored to help you gain entry into this course.

  • STAT entry

    Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

    Written English, Verbal and Quantitative

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.

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

Writing

6.0

Speaking

6.0

Reading

6.0

Listening

6.0

Overall band score

6.5

Find your pathway to Curtin

Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

Pathway finder tool

How others gained admission

View the ATAR breakdown to see the low, median and high ATAR scores of students who started studying this course recently.

To see the other pathways students have taken, see the pathway breakdown.

Other requirements and notes for this course

Mid-year intake is not available for international students.

Domestic students commencing mid-year might need to study part time for one or more semesters and usually will not be able to complete the course in three years because availability of some units is limited to specific semesters.

Admission criteria may be different if you are studying this major as part of a Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree. Please contact the Admissions Office for more information.

In addition to the course-specific admission criteria listed above, please read our general admission criteria. Our general admission criteria apply to all courses at Curtin University.

You’re considered someone with work and life experience if:

You have left secondary education more than two years ago (i.e. who are not classified as recent secondary education applicants) and have not undertaken vocational education training (VET) or higher education study since then.

How we define ‘experience’
‘Experience’ includes a combination of factors sufficient to demonstrate readiness for higher education such as mature-age entry, professional experience whether completion of the Special Tertiary Admission Test (STAT) is required or not, community involvement or work experience. Applicants may have undertaken non-formal programs that have helped prepare them for tertiary education or are relevant to the proposed higher education field of study.

Pathways

  • Portfolio entry

    Portfolio entry is available for those who can demonstrate equivalence to Curtin’s ATAR entry through the submission of a portfolio that includes evidence of your academic achievements, qualifications and ability.

  • STAT entry

    Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

    Written English, Verbal and Quantitative

ATAR pathway

  • Guaranteed ATAR 70

    This course has a guaranteed ATAR of 70

  • Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

    Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

    At least Maths Applications.

  • Desirable WACE subjects

    Desirable WACE subjects

    There are no desirable WACE subjects for this course.

Please see our correlation comparability for previous TEE subjects, WACE courses and WACE ATAR courses.

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.

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

Writing

6.0

Speaking

6.0

Reading

6.0

Listening

6.0

Overall band score

6.5

Find your pathway to Curtin

Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

Pathway finder tool

Other requirements and notes for this course

Mid-year intake is not available for international students.

Domestic students commencing mid-year might need to study part time for one or more semesters and usually will not be able to complete the course in three years because availability of some units is limited to specific semesters.

Admission criteria may be different if you are studying this major as part of a Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree. Please contact the Admissions Office for more information.

In addition to the course-specific admission criteria listed above, please read our general admission criteria. Our general admission criteria apply to all courses at Curtin University.

You’re considered someone who studied at TAFE or have done an apprenticeship if:

Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study are those whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a VET course. This includes study at a public TAFE or other VET provider, whether a qualification was completed or not. Applicants with VET study may have other qualifications such as a Year 10 or Year 12 secondary school certificate.

Pathways

  • TAFE entry

    AQF Certificate IV - Separate evidence of Higher English language proficiency is required; or AQF Diploma; or AQF Advanced Diploma AND satisfied the prerequisite. The Maths Applications prerequisite can be met with: Maths Applications ATAR; or MATH1013 Introductory Mathematics; or MATH1005 Pre-Calculus.

  • Portfolio entry

    Portfolio entry is available for those who can demonstrate equivalence to Curtin’s ATAR entry through the submission of a portfolio that includes evidence of your academic achievements, qualifications and ability.

  • STAT entry

    Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

    Written English, Verbal and Quantitative

ATAR pathway

  • Guaranteed ATAR 70

    This course has a guaranteed ATAR of 70

  • Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

    Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

    At least Maths Applications.

  • Desirable WACE subjects

    Desirable WACE subjects

    There are no desirable WACE subjects for this course.

Please see our correlation comparability for previous TEE subjects, WACE courses and WACE ATAR courses.

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.

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

Writing

6.0

Speaking

6.0

Reading

6.0

Listening

6.0

Overall band score

6.5

Find your pathway to Curtin

Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

Pathway finder tool

Other requirements and notes for this course

Mid-year intake is not available for international students.

Domestic students commencing mid-year might need to study part time for one or more semesters and usually will not be able to complete the course in three years because availability of some units is limited to specific semesters.

Admission criteria may be different if you are studying this major as part of a Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree. Please contact the Admissions Office for more information.

In addition to the course-specific admission criteria listed above, please read our general admission criteria. Our general admission criteria apply to all courses at Curtin University.

You’re considered someone who has recently left university if:

Applicants with higher education are those whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a higher education course, such as a university degree. This may include applicants who are currently studying a higher education course at another education provider and want to transfer to Curtin University, or applicants who are currently studying at Curtin but want to switch to a different course. It may also include applicants who have completed past study with university and non-university higher education providers.

Curtin course switcher criteria

To switch into this course, you need to have met:

  • the admission criteria for minimum entry and the prerequisite.

The Maths Applications prerequisite can be met with:

  • Maths Applications ATAR; or
  • MATH1013 Introductory Mathematics; or
  • MATH1005 Pre-Calculus.

Higher education course switcher criteria

To switch into this course from another higher education course, you need to have met:

  • the admission criteria for minimum entry; and
  • Maths Applications ATAR or unit/s assessed as comparable to Maths Applications ATAR.

ATAR pathway

  • Guaranteed ATAR 70

    This course has a guaranteed ATAR of 70

  • Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

    Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

    At least Maths Applications.

  • Desirable WACE subjects

    Desirable WACE subjects

    There are no desirable WACE subjects for this course.

Please see our correlation comparability for previous TEE subjects, WACE courses and WACE ATAR courses.

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.

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

Writing

6.0

Speaking

6.0

Reading

6.0

Listening

6.0

Overall band score

6.5

Find your pathway to Curtin

Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

Pathway finder tool

Other requirements and notes for this course

Mid-year intake is not available for international students.

Domestic students commencing mid-year might need to study part time for one or more semesters and usually will not be able to complete the course in three years because availability of some units is limited to specific semesters.

Admission criteria may be different if you are studying this major as part of a Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree. Please contact the Admissions Office for more information.

In addition to the course-specific admission criteria listed above, please read our general admission criteria. Our general admission criteria apply to all courses at Curtin University.

Unsure what option suits you?

We’re here to help you navigate the complexities of university admission. Choose the support you need from the options below.

Find your pathway to Curtin

Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

Pathway finder tool
Credit for recognised learning (CRL)

Use your experience to get credit towards your degree

Finish your course sooner with credit for your previous study or work experience.

Fees and charges

Fee information is not available for this course at this time. Find estimated course fees.

Looking for more detail on the course structure?

View course structure

Frequently asked questions

Search our FAQs
  • The offering information on this website applies only to future students. Current students should refer to faculty handbooks for current or past course information.

    The information on this page may be subject to change. In particular, Curtin University may change the content, method or location of delivery or tuition fees of courses.

    While Curtin uses reasonable efforts to ensure that the information provided on this page is accurate and up to date, errors and omissions sometimes occur. Curtin makes no warranty, representation or undertaking (expressed or implied) nor does it assume any legal liability (direct or indirect) for the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of any information.

    View courses information disclaimer.

  • Curtin course code: B-GEOL
  • CRICOS code: 003875B
  • Last updated on: 28 March 2024

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