- Students are to follow the requirements of the Handbook for the year they commenced the course.
However, the subject links below do not contain the subject information for the current year. You can view current subject information through the new Course Handbook.
Bachelor of Science (Geology)
The course information on this page is for new students commencing their degree in 2016 only.
Students should follow the rules and requirements for the year that they commenced their course. The online course information for years prior to 2016 are available from the Archives link in the menu.
Students should also review current subject availabilities via the Subject Descriptions link in the menu.
In this course you will combine fieldwork, practical experience and research to develop knowledge of the composition of Earth and its resources and the processes that have impacted, moulded and continue to influence Earth systems. You will learn how to apply geological techniques (including geological and spatial mapping), and the identification of minerals, fossils, and rocks to understand the structure of the Earth and the location of its natural resources. This will equip you with the required knowledge of current issues in Geology and enable you to propose strategies and solutions to address these problems.
Major Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this major students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate broad and coherent knowledge and understanding of the trends, processes and impacts that shape the Earth and its environment including local, national, global, cultural, Indigenous and spatial perspectives.
2. Critically evaluate information and data to assess scientific methods and frameworks in geological sciences.
3. Develop hypotheses and experiments to test against evidence-based scientific facts, laws, principles and evidence.
4. Identify and articulate real world problems derived from the geological sciences.
5. Apply knowledge and appropriate techniques, including those associated with fieldwork, to evaluate possible solutions to real world problems and defend choice of solution against alternatives.
6. Locate, synthesise and evaluate data, information, results and literature pertaining to geological sciences using appropriate methods, measurements, tools and technologies.
7. Communicate geological perspectives and knowledge effectively to a range of audiences using appropriate technologies and communication skills.
8. Demonstrate ethical, professional, public and personal conduct and capacity to reflect on and direct own learning and practice and participate constructively in decision-making within the context of geological science.
Course Structure
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Credit Points | Session(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Core | |||
| EESC101 | Planet Earth | 6 | Autumn |
| EESC103 | Earth's Dynamic Surface | 6 | Autumn |
| EESC102 | Earth Environments and Resources | 6 | Spring |
| EESC105 | Introductory Geospatial Analysis | 6 | Autumn, Spring |
| Total for major at 100-level | 24 | ||
| Recommended Electives | |||
| MATH151 | General Mathematics 1A* | 6 | Autumn |
| SCIE103 | Climate Change | 6 | Spring |
| Year 2 | |||
| Core | |||
| EESC201 | Earth's Inferno | 6 | Autumn |
| EESC207 | Advanced Geospatial Analysis | 6 | Autumn, Spring. First offered in 2017 |
| EESC209 | G-cubed: Geochemistry, Geochronology and Geophysics | 6 | Spring. First offered in 2017 |
| EESC250 | Field Geology | 6 | Summer |
| Total for major at 200-level | 24 | ||
| Recommended Electives | |||
| EESC203 | Biogeography and Environmental Change | 6 | Autumn |
| EESC202 | Shaping Earth's Surface | 6 | Spring |
| Year 3^ | |||
| Core | |||
| EESC321 | Plate Tectonics, Macrotopography and Earth History | 6 | Autumn. First offered in 2018 |
| EESC326 | Resources and Environments | 6 | Spring. First offered in 2018 |
| EESC332 | Sedimentology, Stratigraphy and Paleoenvironments | 6 | Spring. First offered in 2018 |
| EESC320 | Capstone in Earth and Environmental Sciences | 6 | Annual, Autumn, Spring. First offered in 2018 |
| Total for major at 300-level | 24 | ||
| Recommended Electives | |||
| EESC323 | Fluvial Geomorphology and River Management | 6 | Autumn. First offered in 2018 |
| EESC328 | Dung, Death and Decay: Modern Scientific Methods in Archaeology | 6 | Autumn. First offered in 2018 |
| EESC322 | Coastal Environments: Process and Management | 6 | Autumn. First offered in 2018 |
| EESC331 | Changing Global Environments | 6 | Spring. First offered in 2018 |
| Total for major | 72 | ||
| Plus elective subjects chosen from the Science or General Schedules | 72 | ||
| Degree Total | 144 | ||
* Students who have not completed HSC Mathematics at Band 4 or higher (or equivalent) are required to complete a mathematics subject (MATH151 or equivalent) normally in the first year.
^ Students interested in a career in Geology are urged to take more than the minimum required 24 credit points of 300-level EESC subjects. A graduate with 30 credit points of 300-level EESC subjects has a more comprehensive Geology degree.
Honours
See separate entry for the Bachelor of Science (Honours).
Credit Arrangements
Credit and articulation arrangements are available from the Course Finder. Refer to UOW's credit arrangements for information on how to apply for credit.
Other Information
Further information is available at:
UOW Course Finder
Email: smah-students@uow.edu.au