Future Students

Mineral Geoscience

This includes understanding how mineral deposits form and where the metals and other elements come from.

Deposits which contain important minerals such as gold, diamonds, nickel, copper, zinc and ilmenite (for titanium) form in a very diverse set of geological settings so the study of mineral deposits also requires a good understanding of geological processes both deep within our planet and at or near Earth's surface. Currently there is strong demand for geoscience graduates to work in the minerals industry.

Level 1
In Level 1 you will study Earth and Environmental Sciences, Chemistry, and Mathematics and Statistics. You will also choose from units in Economics, Geography, Biology and Physics.

Level 2
At Level 2 you will study Earth Materials, Field Geology, Geographic Information Systems, Earth History Methods, Geochemisty and Structural and Metamorphic Geology. You will also choose elective units such as Engineering Geology and Geomechanics, Earth Surface Processes and Soils, Environmental Hydrology, Environmental Policy and Law, Coastal Geomorphology and Sediments, and Environmental Economics.

Level 3
Level 3 units will include Geological Mapping, Structural Geology and Tectonics, Mineral Resources, Mineral Exploration Technology, Basin Analysis, Mineralogy, Geochemistry and Petrology, and Ore Deposit Genesis.

Level 4
At Level 4 you will undertake a supervised research project worth 50 per cent of your mark for fourth year. You will also study the unit GIS and Remote Sensing, in addition to other units of your choice.

You may earn Honours based on your marks for the project, plus your four best marks from level three units.

Career opportunities

The Bachelor of Science (Mineral Geoscience) leads to careers working in the resources industries. You will have a variety of scientific and practical skills for working as a geologist in the minerals industry in diverse geological regions hosting commodities such as gold, base metals (lead, zinc), or iron ore.