Master of Hydrogeology

Program Overview

The Master of Hydrogeology is a postgraduate program designed for graduates and professionals seeking to enhance their knowledge in hydrogeology. The program covers hydrogeological processes, groundwater flow systems, contamination remediation, numerical modeling, and management. Graduates are equipped for careers in the resources, environmental, government, and research sectors. The program emphasizes the importance of groundwater resources in the context of Western Australia's arid environment and climate change.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Master of Hydrogeology is a postgraduate program designed for both recent graduates and professionals seeking to enhance their skills and knowledge in the field. It can be undertaken on a part-time basis as well. The program is structured as follows:

• Conversion Units (up to 24 points): Students who have not completed tertiary units equivalent to the conversion units must complete relevant units from this group.
These units include:
• GEOS4403 Introduction to Basin Analysis (6 points)
• SCIE4401 Data Use in Science (6 points)
• SCIE4403 Ethical Conduct and Communication of Science (6 points)
• Core Units (30 points): All students must complete these units:
• GEOS4401 Hydrogeological Systems (6 points)
• GEOS4499 Water in a Changing Climate (6 points)
• GEOS5501 Groundwater Flow Modelling (6 points)
• GEOS5504 Mining Hydrogeology (6 points)
• GEOS5511 Groundwater Hydrochemistry (6 points)
• Core Units (6 points): Students in the coursework-only program must choose one unit from this group:
• GEOS5023 Hydrogeology Field Excursion (6 points)
• GEOS5502 Hydrogeology Industry Placement (6 points)
• Option Units (24 points): Students in the coursework and dissertation program must complete all units from this group:
• GEOS5015 Masters Research Project in Hydrogeology Part 1 (6 points)
• GEOS5016 Masters Research Project in Hydrogeology Part 2 (6 points)
• GEOS5017 Masters Research Project in Hydrogeology Part 3 (6 points)
• GEOS5018 Masters Research Project in Hydrogeology Part 4 (6 points)
• Option Units (36 points): Students in the coursework-only program must complete units to the value of 36 points, with at least 4 units at Level 5.
Students in the coursework and dissertation program must complete units to the value of 12 points. These units include:
• ENVT4401 Advanced Land Use and Management (6 points)
• ENVT4406 Catchment and River Processes (6 points)
• ENVT4409 Remote Sensing of the Environment (6 points)
• ENVT5503 Remediation of Soils and Groundwater (6 points)
• ENVT5512 Ecosystem Biogeochemistry (6 points)
• ENVT5563 GIS and Spatial Analysis: Waterway Restoration (6 points)
• ENVT5566 Advanced Spatial and Environmental Modelling (6 points)
• GEOP4002 Near-Surface and Environmental Geophysics (6 points)
• GEOS4410 Tectonics of Australia in the Indo-Pacific (6 points)
• GEOS4413 Climate Geoscience (6 points)
• GEOS4418 Basin Analysis Techniques (6 points)
• GEOS5023 Hydrogeology Field Excursion (6 points)
• GEOS5502 Hydrogeology Industry Placement (6 points)
• SCIE4402 Data Management and Analysis in the Natural Sciences (6 points)

Teaching:

The Master of Hydrogeology program incorporates a variety of teaching methods, including:

• Lectures: Delivered by experienced academics and industry professionals.
• Tutorials: Provide opportunities for students to engage in discussions and problem-solving.
• Practical sessions: Offer hands-on experience with hydrogeological techniques and equipment.
• Field trips: Allow students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings.
• Guest lectures: Feature industry leaders who share their expertise and insights.

Careers:

Graduates of the Master of Hydrogeology program are well-equipped for a variety of careers in the following sectors:

• Resources Industry: Minerals, hydrocarbons, construction.
• Environmental Companies: Consulting, remediation, and management.
• Government Agencies: Water resource management, environmental protection.
• Research and Educational Institutions: Academia, research, and development.

Other:

• The program is developed in close collaboration with industry stakeholders to ensure it meets employers' requirements.
• The program offers opportunities for students to undertake research projects, which can be a stepping stone to a PhD.
• The University of Western Australia is ranked 2nd in Australia and 29th in the world for Earth & Marine Sciences (QS 2023).
• The University of Western Australia is ranked 2nd in Australia and 23rd in the world for Geology (QS 2023).
• The program offers flexibility for students to balance work and studies, with options for part-time study, after-hours units, and intensive units.