Undergraduate
Earth and Marine Sciences (Geology)
Revolutionary theories of the development of Earth and the variety of new data on which they are based, make Geology a useful study. A selection of geology courses may be taken at first, second and third-year levels within the BSc, BComptlSci, BSc (Res&EnvMan), and BSc (Forestry) degree courses and as part of other degrees of the University.
An additional (fourth) year at honours level or as a Graduate Diploma is available for those wishing to prepare for a professional career in Geology.
Topics dealt with include:
- Global change: Interactions between the interior of Earth and the external environment, including the evolution of the atmosphere and oceans
- Mineralogy:Minerals - the main components of rocks and soils, their chemistry, physical properties and originsPetrology and Geochemistry. Study of rocks - the chemistry and genesis of magmas that form volcanoes and igneous intrusions. The mineral assemblages and tectonic origins of metamorphic rocks. Sedimentary geochemical processes and dating of rocks
- Surficial Geology and Sedimentation: Weathering, soil formation, erosion and transport of debris and their deposition and conversion to rocks
- Tectonics: Deformation of rocks and the processes involved in the formation of mountain chains, ocean basins, and Plate Tectonics
- Geophysics: Physical properties of Earth's crust and interior, and the processes operating therein
- Geomorphology: Sculpturing of Earth's surface
- Stratigraphy: Earth's history as recorded in crustal rocks
- Palaeontology: Life of the past and its contribution to Earth history and climate studies
- Economic Mineral Deposits, Ores: Genesis, distribution and utilisation
- Geological Mapping: Field excursions to illustrate the methods involved in mapping the distribution of rock types, and the deduction of geological histories
- Geographic Information Systems: Geographic information systems with special reference to multiple sources of geophysical, geochemical and geological data.
These topics may be put together to make a purely academic study of the nature and history of the planet for further research in the geosciences, or to provide an essential background to studies in areas such as evolution, prehistory, oceanography, conservation and an appreciation of the environment. They may also be grouped in various ways to provide specialist courses in such applied fields as Mining and Petroleum Geology, Engineering Geology, Environmental Geology and Exploration Geology.
Employment opportunities
Geologists usually begin their professional lives in jobs that involve field work. In some areas of employment, out-of-doors work extends throughout a career, though usually advancement involves moving into the office or laboratory.
Most geologists are at present employed either by resource-based industries or by governmental agencies such as the Australian Geological Survey Organisation and the various State Geological Surveys. Education and pure research account for most of the remainder. Geologists employed by government are largely involved in mapping projects in an attempt to provide a fundamental understanding of the continent, and along with those in industry, take part in resource projects that require insight into water-supply problems, foundation studies for constructions ranging from dams to highways, and ore- and fuel-location studies. With the increasing awareness of the deterioration of the physical environment, an increasing number of geologists are being employed by town planners, land-use agencies and private construction companies. This kind of employment is often with consultants who offer their services in a wide range of engineering and conservation fields, but it is also available in some sections of the public service.
An Earth-science education is broadly based and involves learning to make judgements on limited information derived from a variety of sources; consequently, many geologists find themselves moving into management positions. This applies not only to work in private industry, but also to the public service. Employment opportunities for geologists fluctuate with the state of the economy. The future looks promising, and in the fields of gold exploration, energy resources, geophysics, soil conservation and environmental studies, a continuing demand is anticipated. No matter what social changes are in store, there will be a need to discover and manage Earth resources such as metals, fuels, water and construction materials, all of which will be progressively more difficult to find and exploit in a socially acceptable way. Ultimately, our material welfare depends on the wise use of what we find on and in Earth’s crust.
While employment of professional geologists stood at high levels, earth-science teaching in schools attracted few graduates. Consequently, there is now an unhappy situation in secondary schools where many students are not even introduced to the main features of Earth and its development. The teaching of Earth science is a field worthy of our best graduates.
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