2018 Undergraduate Courses
  • Students are to follow the requirements of the Handbook for the year they commenced the course.

    However, the subject links below do not contain the subject information for the current year. You can view current subject information through the new Course Handbook.

Bachelor of Science (Geology) | 2018

In this course you will combine fieldwork, practical experience and research to develop knowledge of the composition of Earth and its resources and the processes that have impacted, moulded and continue to influence Earth systems. You will learn how to apply geological techniques (including geological and spatial mapping), and the identification of minerals, fossils, and rocks to understand the structure of the Earth and the location of its natural resources. This will equip you with the required knowledge of current issues in Geology and enable you to propose strategies and solutions to address these problems.

Major Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this major students will be able to: 

  1. Demonstrate broad and coherent knowledge and understanding of the trends, processes and impacts that shape the Earth and its environment including local, national, global, cultural, Indigenous and spatial perspectives. 
  2. Critically evaluate information and data to assess scientific methods and frameworks in geological sciences.  
  3. Develop hypotheses and experiments to test against evidence-based scientific facts, laws, principles and evidence. 
  4. Identify and articulate real world problems derived from the geological sciences. 
  5. Apply knowledge and appropriate techniques, including those associated with fieldwork, to evaluate possible solutions to real world problems and defend choice of solution against alternatives. 
  6. Locate, synthesise and evaluate data, information, results and literature pertaining to geological sciences using appropriate methods, measurements, tools and technologies.
  7. Communicate geological perspectives and knowledge effectively to a range of audiences using appropriate technologies and communication skills.  
  8. Demonstrate ethical, professional, public and personal conduct and capacity to reflect on and direct own learning and practice and participate constructively in decision-making within the context of geological science.      

Course Structure

To qualify for award of the degree, the Bachelor of Science (Geology), a candidate must successfully complete at least 144 credit points, as outlined below.

Subject CodeSubject NameCredit PointsSession(s)
Year 1
EESC101Planet Earth6Autumn
EESC103Earth's Dynamic Surface6Autumn
EESC102Earth's Interconnected Spheres6Spring
EESC105Introductory Geospatial Analysis6Autumn, Spring
Total for major at Year 124
Recommended Electives
MATH151General Mathematics 1A*6Autumn
SCIE103Climate Change6Spring
Year 2
EESC201Earth's Inferno6Autumn
EESC207Advanced Geospatial Analysis6Autumn, Spring
EESC209G-cubed: Geochemistry, Geochronology, Geophysics6Spring
EESC250Field Geology6Summer 2018/2019
Total for major at Year 224
Recommended Electives
EESC203Biogeography and Environmental Change6Autumn
EESC202Shaping Earth's Surface6Spring
Year 3^
EESC321Plate Tectonics, Macrotopography and Earth History6Autumn
EESC326Resources and Environments6Spring
EESC332Sedimentology, Stratigraphy and Palaeoenvironments6Autumn
EESC320Capstone:Earth and Environmental Sciences6Spring
Total for major at Year 324
Recommended Electives
EESC323Fluvial Geomorphology and Sedimentology6Autumn
EESC328Dung, Death and Decay: Modern scientific methods in archaeology6Autumn
EESC322Coastal Environments: Process and Management6Spring
EESC331Changing Global Environments6Spring
Total for major72
Plus elective subjects chosen from the Science or General Schedules72
Degree Total144

Please click the subject codes in the above table for information on sessions of offer for each subject at different locations. For information regarding timetables, tutorials, and classes please the visit the Timetables and Classes page.

* Students who have not completed HSC Mathematics at Band 4 or higher (or equivalent) are required to complete a mathematics subject (MATH151 or equivalent) normally in the first year.

^ Students interested in a career in Geology are urged to take more than the minimum required 24 credit points of 300-level EESC subjects. A graduate with 30 credit points of 300-level EESC subjects has a more comprehensive Geology degree.  

Honours

See separate entry for the Bachelor of Science (Honours).

Entry Requirements and Credit Arrangements

Information on academic and English language requirements, as well as eligibility for credit for prior learning, is available from the Course Finder.

Other Information

For further information please email: smah-students@uow.edu.au

Last reviewed: 1 February, 2018