Earth Sciences
MJRH-ADESC

Earth Sciences (Advanced)

Undergraduate major

Gain the knowledge and the skill sets for careers in a range of industries involved with Earth materials and planetary systems.

Course outline
  • Qualification
    Earth Sciences Major (BAdvSci) (Honours)
  • Credit

    Credit

    800
Course outline

You can study this course as part of the following degrees

Visit your preferred degree page for information on admission criteria, course fees and study locations.

Course outline

Overview

Overview

Earth scientists are essential to the safe management of the environment, and to the discovery and sustainable extraction of mineral and energy resources. They use sophisticated instruments to determine the properties of Earth and planetary materials, and to help understand the evolution of the Earth and the controls and direction of its climate and biosphere.

This major is a Bachelor of Advanced Science honours course for high-performing science students. If gives you a flexible approach to learning, allowing you to explore the field of Earth sciences through opportunities for immersive research experiences, industry placement and team-based projects.

In this course, you will gain a comprehensive body of knowledge in Earth sciences, as well as the skillsets for careers in the diversity of industries involved with Earth materials and planetary systems.

A significant part of your learning will be in Curtin’s Earth sciences research facilities – which are among the best-equipped in Australia. And, in your final-year capstone experience, you’ll have the opportunity to pursue Earth and planetary science projects ranging from pure research through to translational (entrepreneurial) science.

How this course will make you industry ready

You'll have opportunities for immersive research experiences, industry placement and team-based projects. Your capstone experience offers the opportunity to pursue an earth and planetary science research project.

What jobs can the Earth Sciences (Advanced) course lead to?

Careers

  • Earth scientist
  • Environmental geoscientist
  • Geochemist
  • Hydrogeologist
  • Geologist
  • Geotechnical engineer
  • Geotechnician

Industries

  • Mineral exploration and mining
  • Environmental consultancy
  • Climate science
  • Geotechnical services
  • Geological surveys

What you'll learn

  • exhibit depth and breadth of knowledge and excellence in research and its application in Earth sciences, recognising its links to other disciplines. Contribute new knowledge to Earth sciences by designing appropriate investigations, including using field, laboratory, or remote sensing techniques; accessing, synthesising, and critically evaluating knowledge from a range of sources; analysing and interpreting data; and constructing arguments and conclusions while recognising the limitations in the approaches used, GC1
  • be resilient and equipped to engage in self-driven, continuous and reflective discipline and professional lifelong learning and development, demonstrating acquired Earth science and entrepreneurship skills in fostering innovation in Earth processes and systems understanding, and effective and sustainable Earth resource management to creatively explore natural system problems, the green economy and drive positive change, GC2
  • effectively capacity build, communicate and promote the value of sharing ideas, knowledge, approaches and solutions relating to the processes and evolution of the geosphere, as well as its intersection with the hydrosphere, atmosphere and biosphere to a range of audiences (academia, industry, government and public), for a range of purposes using a variety of oral, textual, visual modes or other digital media, GC3
  • demonstrate awareness of global citizenship, and capability to address complex natural systems, resource, climate, environmental and sustainability problems by applying practical and/or theoretical scientific techniques and clean technologies, recognising that scientific endeavours are required to comply with ethical, cultural and legal standards, and should reduce inequalities, GC4
  • demonstrate an advanced and coherent understanding of the nature and relevance of Earth sciences, the social and cultural context of natural systems, and the contribution of different knowledge systems, including Indigenous perspectives, especially around Earth observation and management, natural resources, and relationship to Country, GC5
  • demonstrate accountability, integrity and work responsibly and respectfully with people from diverse cultural backgrounds and ways of working in a range of applied settings, including laboratory and field contexts, both as an independent, self-directed scientist and collaboratively within multi-stakeholder partnerships, with cognisance of equity, equality and all appropriate regulatory and professional considerations within and adjacent to the Earth sciences sector, GC6

Why study Earth Sciences (Advanced) at Curtin?

Advanced science expertise

Curtin's Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours) courses are designed for high-performing science students, with opportunities for immersive research experiences, industry placement and team-based projects.

World-ranked global university

Curtin ranks in the top 1% of universities in the world, based on our ARWU ranking. (Academic Ranking of World Universities, 2025).

Australia's best in Earth Sciences

Curtin outranks all other Australian universities in the area of Earth Sciences. (Shanghai Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2024)

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 scholarships

Please view the degree for indicative fees.

Looking for more detail on the course structure?

View course structure

How to apply

Please review information on how to apply for the campus of your choice

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

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  • Curtin course code: MJRH-ADESC
  • Last updated on: 8 October 2025

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