2020 Undergraduate Courses
  • 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) | 2020

In this course you will combine fieldwork, practical experience and research to develop knowledge of the composition of our Earth and the processes that have impacted, moulded and continue to influence the planet on which we live. You will study how to apply geological techniques (including geological and spatial mapping), and the identification of minerals, fossils and rocks to understand the history and structure of the Earth, the location of its natural resources, as well as its long-term climate. This will equip you with the 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: 

MLO Description
1 Demonstrate broad and coherent knowledge and understanding of the trends, processes and impacts that shape the Earth and its environment.
2 Evaluate critically 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

To qualify for award of the degree, the Bachelor of Science (Geology), a candidate must successfully complete at least 144 credit points, comprised of 78 credit points of core and 66 credit points of electives.

Note:

  • Students may use  the elective space below to complete a minor study from the general schedule. For more information please see below
  • Students completing a double degree are required to complete core subjects below, and electives (if any) required to bring the total to 90 credit point
Subject Code Subject Name Credit Points Session(s)
Year 1 - Autumn
EESC101 Planet Earth 6 Autumn
EESC105 Introductory Geospatial Analysis 6 Autumn, Spring
SCII101 Global Challenges in Science 6 Autumn
*MATH151 MUST be completed by all students who have not completed NSW HSC mathematics or equivalent at Band 4 or higher
MATH151 General Mathematics 1A 6 Autumn, Summer 2020/2021
Plus 6 credit points (if not required to do MATH151) of elective subjects from the General Elective Schedule or Science Schedule
Year 1 - Spring
EESC103 Earth's Dynamic Surface 6 Spring
EESC102 Earth's Interconnected Spheres 6 Spring
Plus 12 credit points of elective subjects from the General elective Schedule, Science Schedule or from the list of suggested subjects below
SCIE103 Climate Change 6 Spring
GEOG123 Indigenous Geographies: Questioning Country 6 Spring
Year 2 - Autumn
When selecting 200 level subjects, students should note the pre-requisites required for the 300 level subjects they wish to take
GEOS215 Sedimentology, Stratigraphy and Palaeoenvironments 6 Autumn
EESC207 Advanced Geospatial Analysis 6 Autumn, Spring
Plus 12 credit points of elective subjects from the General Elective Schedule, Science Schedule or from the list of suggested subjects below
EESC203 Biogeography and Environmental Change 6 Autumn
CRLP200 Career Ready Learning & Practice 6 Autumn, Spring, Summer 2020/2021
Year 2 - Spring
EESC209 G-cubed: Geochemistry, Geochronology, Geophysics 6 Spring
EESC250 Field Geology 6 Summer 2020/2021
Plus 12 credit points of elective subjects from the General Elective Schedule, Science Schedule or from the list of suggested subjects below
EESC202 Shaping Earth's Surface 6 Spring
CRLP200 Career Ready Learning & Practice 6 Autumn, Spring, Summer 2020/2021
Year 3 - Autumn
EESC321 Plate Tectonics, Macrotopography and Earth History 6 Autumn
GEOS309 Igneous-metamorphic geology methods and processes 6 Not available in 2020
Plus 12 credit points of elective subjects from the General Elective Schedule, Science Schedule or from the list of suggested subjects below
EESC323 Fluvial Geomorphology and Sedimentology 6 Autumn
EESC328 Dung, Death and Decay: Modern scientific methods in archaeology 6 Autumn
Year 3 - Spring
EESC326 Resources and Environments 6 Spring
EESC320 Project Management in the Earth and Environmental Sciences 6 Spring
Plus 12 credit points of elective subjects from the General Elective Schedule, Science Schedule or from the list of suggested subjects below
SCII302 Science Interdisciplinary Project 6 Spring
EESC322 Coastal Environments: Process and Management 6 Spring
EESC331 Changing Global Environments 6 Spring


^Students interested in a career in Geology are urged to take more than the minimum required 24 credit points of 300- level EESC/GEOS subjects. A graduate with 30 credit points of 300- level EESC/GEOS subjects has a more comprehensive Geology degree.Degree Total: 144 credit points

NOTE: Students may be required to contribute to food, transport and accommodation costs associated with the provision of field trips that form part of the course of study.

Minors

Students are encouraged to consider taking a Minor study as part of the BSc program. Inclusion of a minor in support of your major area of study allows you to broaden your view, knowledge and expertise while specialising in areas of interest.

Details on Minors can be found at 2020 Schedule of minors

Options include (but not limited too): Earth and Environmental Science, Geoscience, Physical Geography, Archaeology, Biochemistry, Biodiversity, Ecology, Molecular Biology, Geology, Marine Biology

A selection of research internships or project-based subjects may also be available to high achieving students wishing to complement their coursework with research projects. Entry into these subjects requires approval from the Head of School.
 

Honours

See separate entry for the Bachelor of Science (Honours).

Entry Requirements and Credit Arrangements

Information on academic and English language requirements, as well as eligibility for credit for prior learning, is available from the Course Finder.

Other Information

For further information please email: smah-students@uow.edu.au

Last reviewed: 5 June, 2020