Program Overview
The Graduate Certificate in Economic Geology equips geoscientists with advanced knowledge in mineral exploration, mining, and environmental management. Through a combination of core and elective units, students gain expertise in ore deposit geology, exploration strategies, and data analysis techniques. The program prepares graduates for career advancement in the mining industry, government organizations, and further academic pursuits.
Program Outline
Degree Overview
The Graduate Certificate in Economic Geology program is crafted for professionals working as geoscientists. It provides an extensive overview of the fundamentals of Economic Geology, encompassing the latest developments in mineral exploration, mining, and environmental management. The curriculum introduces concepts in the theory, acquisition, analysis, and interpretation of geological data sets that influence the mining value chain. The program boasts a faculty of esteemed national and international experts from the realms of industry, academia, and the government sector. The program's delivery format incorporates "face-to-face" learning opportunities, supplemented by comprehensive online content. It equips graduates with enhanced techniques for producing valuable geological information in mining environments, catering to the requirements of mining engineers and metallurgists. Upon completion, candidates will have acquired the proficiency to analyze contemporary challenges within the minerals industry using geoscientific and data analysis methods. They will be able to deduce ore formation processes and corresponding exploration strategies using geological, geophysical, and geochemical classification systems. Additionally, they will possess the ability to convey geological and regulatory knowledge to contribute to responsible and ethical decision-making for diverse stakeholders.
Outline
The Graduate Certificate in Economic Geology (GCertEconGeol) comprises two 25-credit point units, requiring a minimum duration of 0.5 years and a maximum duration of 2 years for completion. Students are required to select one core unit and one elective unit from the following options:
Core Unit
- Fundamentals of Economic Geology (KEA716): This compulsory unit provides the foundational skills and theory essential for economic geologists. It covers topics including ore deposit geology, exploration techniques, and mining methods.
Elective Units
- Ore Deposit Geochemistry, Hydrology, and Geochronology (KEA709): This unit delves into the theory and application of geochemistry, hydrology, and geochronology in mineral exploration, environmental management, and studies of ore deposit genesis. It provides an in-depth examination of geochemical processes, hydrothermal systems, and geochronological techniques.
- Ore Deposit Models and Exploration Strategies (KEA712): This unit explores the diverse range of ore deposit models and the exploration strategies employed to discover them. It examines the geological, geochemical, and geophysical characteristics of different deposit types, as well as the techniques used to identify and evaluate potential exploration targets.
- GeoData Analytics (KEA713): This unit introduces the fundamental concepts of database handling and manipulation, statistical analysis, pattern recognition, and machine learning. Students learn to apply these techniques to process, analyze, and model large volumes of multivariate geoscience data.
- Advanced Field Skills in Economic Geology (KEA718): This highly practical unit focuses on developing advanced field skills in economic geology.
Careers
Graduates of the Graduate Certificate in Economic Geology are well-positioned for career advancement within the geoscience field. They possess the expertise to work on the technical aspects of mineral exploration and mining projects both domestically and internationally. Additionally, they can pursue roles in government organizations, such as state and national geological surveys. The program also provides a pathway for further studies, enabling graduates to progress into the Master of Economic Geology program.
