Future Students

Geochemistry

 Almost all Earth processes involve chemical processes in the formation, alteration and recycling of materials. These include the formation of mineral deposits, the behaviour of contaminants in the subsurface, the way landscapes evolve through weathering, and changes in the composition of groundwater and other fluids.

Its application ranges from mineral deposit exploration and environmental contamination to land rehabilitation and forensic science.

Graduates of this course will have a strong background in both geology and chemistry; this depth and breadth of knowledge will open career opportunities in both fields. You will also be able to solve geological problems requiring an in-depth knowledge of chemistry, which is vital to many areas of science, such as environmental science.

Geochemistry graduates are currently in demand in a range of fields, primarily based around the resources and environmental sector. Geochemistry is a three year named programme under the Bachelor of Science degree. Once completed you will graduate with a Bachelor of Science (Geochemistry). 

Level 1
You will study units in Earth and Environmental Science, Chemistry, and Maths.

Level 2
In Level 2 you will study Analytical and Physical Chemistry, Earth Materials, Field Geology, Geochemistry, Structural and Metamorphic Geology, and Structure Determination and Physical Chemistry. You will also be able to choose from electives such as Land, Soil and Water Systems, Geological Mapping, Earth Materials Microcharacterisation, and Green Chemistry.

Level 3
Level 3 units include Mineralogy, Geochemistry and Petrology, Orde Deposit Genesis, Environmental Chemistry and Chemistry in the Workplace. Plus units towards a major in Geology, Soil Science or Chemistry.

If you are interested in finding out which subjects you will study then have a look at the Course Outline. This will show you the core units and the options for the course, along with course rules.

You will notice that each unit has a unit code, for example BIOL1130. The first number in the unit code indicates the level of the unit - in this case level one. For a more detailed description of a particular unit, click on the unit code

Career opportunities

This course will give you a strong background in both geology and chemistry; this depth and breadth of knowledge will open career opportunities in both fields. You will also be able to solve geological problems requiring an in-depth knowledge of chemistry, which is vital to many areas of science, such as environmental science. Geochemistry graduates are currently in demand in a range of fields, primarily based around the resources and environmental sectors. Employers of geochemists include private companies, CSIRO, universities and government agencies.