Bachelor of Science in Mineral Geoscience

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Mineral Geoscience equips students with a comprehensive understanding of Earth's mineral resources, their exploration, and sustainable management. Through hands-on field work, industry engagement, and a unique field trip to Oman, students develop the skills and knowledge necessary for careers in the minerals and energy sector. The program emphasizes geological principles, data analysis, and environmental stewardship, preparing graduates for a wide range of roles in exploration, mining, and environmental management.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Overview:
The Bachelor of Science (Mineral Geoscience) provides a comprehensive understanding of Earth's mineral resources, their nature, origin, distribution, discovery, and uses. Students gain hands-on experience in field work and have exposure to industry professionals, preparing them for careers in the minerals and energy sector.
• Objectives:
The program aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills to:
• Explore mineral resources and understand their geological context
• Apply geoscientific principles to mineral exploration and resource management
• Conduct field work and laboratory analyses to gather and interpret geological data
• Communicate scientific findings effectively
• Work as part of a team and contribute to the mineral geoscience industry
• Program Description:
The program combines theoretical coursework with practical field work and industry engagement. Students learn about geology, tectonics, geophysics, and mineral exploration. They also develop skills in data analysis, mapping, and geological modeling. The program includes a field trip to Oman, where students study the world's best-preserved piece of oceanic crust.

Outline:

• Content:
The program covers a wide range of topics in mineral geoscience, including:
• Geology: Earth's history, structure, and composition
• Tectonics: The forces that shape Earth's crust
• Geophysics: The physical properties of Earth's interior
• Mineral Exploration: The techniques used to find and extract mineral resources
• Environmental Geoscience: The impact of mining on the environment and the development of sustainable mining practices
• Structure:
The program is normally completed in 3 years full-time or part-time equivalent. It is divided into three levels of study:
• Level 1: Introductory courses in geology, mathematics, and science electives
• Level 2: More advanced courses in geology, including mineral exploration, tectonics, and geophysics
• Level 3: Focus on advanced topics in mineral exploration, mineral resources, and environmental geoscience
• Course Schedule:
The courses offered in each level are listed below: Level 1
• Semester 1
• GEOLOGY 1103: Building a Habitable Planet
• MATHS 1011: Mathematics IA
• MATHS 1013: Mathematics IM
• STATS 1004: Statistical Practice (Life Sciences) I
• SCIENCE 1500: Introductory Data Science - Becoming Smart About Data
• Semester 2
• GEOLOGY 1100: Planet Earth
• Approved Level I Elective
• Approved Level I Elective
• Approved Level I Elective
Level 2
• Semester 1
• GEOLOGY 2500: Sedimentary Geology II
• GEOLOGY 2501: Structural Geology II
• Approved Level II Elective
• Approved Level II Elective
• Semester 2
• GEOLOGY 2502: Igneous & Metamorphic Geology II
• GEOLOGY 2505: Geochemistry II
• GEOLOGY 2504: Mineral Resources II
• Approved Level II Elective
Level 3
• Semester 1
• GEOLOGY 3013: Tectonics III
• GEOLOGY 3016: Igneous and Metamorphic Geology III
• GEOLOGY 3500: Exploration Methods III
• Approved Level III Elective
• Semester 2
• GEOLOGY 3019: Field Geoscience Program III
• GEOLOGY 3502: Mineral Resources III
• Approved Level III Elective 1 x 6 units
• Approved Level III Electives 2 x 3 units

Assessment:

• Methods:
The program uses a variety of assessment methods to evaluate student learning, including:
• Assignments: Written reports, presentations, and research projects
• Exams: In-class tests and final exams
• Practical work: Laboratory exercises and field work reports
• Field trip reports: Reports on geological observations and data collected during field trips
• Criteria:
The assessment criteria vary depending on the specific assessment task. However, all assessments are designed to measure students' knowledge, understanding, and skills in mineral geoscience.

Teaching:

• Methods:
The program is taught using a variety of methods, including:
• Lectures: Presentations of course material by faculty members
• Tutorials: Small-group sessions where students discuss course material and work on problems
• Laboratories: Hands-on sessions where students conduct experiments and collect data
• Field trips: Excursions to geological sites to observe and study geological features
• Industry engagement: Guest lectures and internships with industry professionals
• Faculty:
The program is taught by a team of experienced faculty members who are experts in mineral geoscience. They are actively involved in research and industry projects, and they bring their expertise and knowledge into the classroom.
• Unique Approaches:
The program includes a number of unique approaches to teaching and learning, such as:
• The Academy by Deloitte: A partnership with Deloitte that provides students with access to industry leaders, paid internships, and exclusive networking opportunities
• Field trip to Oman: A 10-day field trip to Oman, where students study the world's best-preserved piece of oceanic crust
• Industry mentorship program: A program that pairs students with industry mentors who provide guidance and support

Careers:

• Potential Career Paths:
Graduates of the program are qualified for a wide range of careers in the minerals and energy sector, including:
• Exploration geologists: Search for and evaluate mineral deposits
• Mining geologists: Plan and supervise mining operations
• Environmental geologists: Assess and mitigate the environmental impact of mining
• Geotechnical engineers: Design and oversee the construction of structures in geological environments
• Geophysicists: Study the physical properties of Earth's interior using geophysical methods
• Opportunities:
The program provides students with opportunities to gain hands-on experience in the field, network with industry professionals, and develop the skills and knowledge necessary for a successful career in mineral geoscience.
• Outcomes:
Graduates of the program are highly sought-after by employers in the minerals and energy sector. They are well-prepared for careers in exploration, mining, environmental management, and other related fields.