Bachelor of Science (Mineral Geoscience) (BSc(MineralGeosc))
Bachelor of Science (Mineral Geoscience) (BSc(MineralGeosc))
Program Code
BSC
Program Faculty
Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology
Academic Year
2025
These Program Rules should be read in conjunction with the University's policies (https://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies).
Overview
The Bachelor of Science (Mineral Geoscience) integrates and extends courses in geology & geophysics, mining engineering, geography & environmental studies, chemistry, mathematics and physics. This program has extensive field work and is specifically designed to meet the industry demand for high-calibre graduates in the mineral resources sector. The first year of this program provides a foundation in sciences such as geology and maths or statistics, with a choice of additional courses in chemistry, physics and science electives. Second year develops this foundation by providing more in-depth study in the areas of geology. In third year, students will focus on advanced topics including mineral exploration, tectonics and geophysics. Students will benefit from direct exposure to professionals in the mineral geoscience industry that will enable them to form mentoring relationships.
The Bachelor of Science (Mineral Geoscience) is an AQF Level 7 program with a standard full-time duration of 3 years.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate a coherent understanding of earth sciences, mineral geoscience and economy of resources by: 1.1. articulating the methods of science and explaining why current scientific knowledge is both contestable and testable by further inquiry 1.2. explaining the role and relevance of mineral geoscience and technology development in exploration and for society and industry applications, and basics of resource modelling, economy of mining and industrial cycles.
- Exhibit depth and breadth of earth sciences and mineral geoscience knowledge by: 2.1. demonstrating well-developed knowledge in at least one disciplinary area in earth sciences 2.2. demonstrating knowledge in at least one other disciplinary area with relevance to mineral exploration and resources.
- Critically analyse and solve scientific problems in earth sciences by: 3.1. gathering, synthesising and critically evaluating geological, geochemical and/or geophysical information from a range of sources 3.2. designing and planning a laboratory-based and field-based science investigation, including digital and numerical modelling of geoscience/geochemical data, with relevance to earth sciences and mineral exploration 3.3. selecting and applying practical and/or theoretical techniques or tools in order to conduct a laboratory-based and/or field-based investigation 3.4. collecting, accurately recording, interpreting and drawing conclusions from geological and spatial scientific data 3.5. demonstrating the cooperativity and effectiveness of working in a team environment.
- Be effective communicators of science by: 4.1. communicating scientific results, information, or arguments, to a range of audiences, for a range of purposes, and using a variety of modes 4.2. understanding the common modes of communicating earth science research and the process of peer-reviewed publication.
- Be accountable for their own learning and scientific work by: 5.1 being independent and self-directed learners 5.2 working effectively, responsibly and safely in an individual or team context 5.3 demonstrating knowledge of the regulatory frameworks relevant to their disciplinary area in earth sciences and personally practicing ethical conduct and scientific integrity.
Conditions
Interruption of program: Students must apply for permission from the Executive Dean or delegate before taking a Leave of Absence. Any extension of the leave without approval will result in the loss of place in the program but an application may be made to be re-admitted to the program subject to the admission procedures in place at the time.
Program Maximum Duration: As specified in Table 1 of the Coursework Academic Programs Policy, this program must be completed within a Maximum Duration which includes any periods of non-enrolment, leave of absence or approved study at other institutions for credit towards a Program.
Academic Program Rules for Bachelor of Science (Mineral Geoscience)
There shall be a Bachelor of Science (Mineral Geoscience).
Qualification Requirements
To qualify for the degree of Bachelor of Science (Mineral Geoscience), the student must complete satisfactorily a program of study consisting of the following requirements with a combined total of not less than 72 units, comprising:
- Core courses to the value of 39 units.
- Elective courses to the value of 33 units.
- Level I courses not exceeding 30 units.
- Level III Science courses to the value of at least 24 units.
- Broadening experience.
Core Courses
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Core Courses
To satisfy the requirements for Core Courses students must complete courses to the value of 39 units.
Level I
All of the following courses must be completed:
Subject/Catalogue Course Title Unit Value GEOLOGY 1100 Planet Earth 3 GEOLOGY 1103 Building a Habitable Planet 3 and
Courses to the value of 3 units from the following:
Subject/Catalogue Course Title Unit Value MATHS 1011 Mathematics IA 3 MATHS 1013 Mathematics IM 3 SCIENCE 1500 Introductory Data Science - Becoming Smart About Data 3 STATS 1000 Statistical Practice I 3 Level II
All of the following courses must be completed:
Subject/Catalogue Course Title Unit Value GEOLOGY 2500 Sedimentary Geology II 3 GEOLOGY 2501 Structural Geology II 3 GEOLOGY 2502 Igneous and Metamorphic Geology II 3 GEOLOGY 2504 Mineral Resources II 3 GEOLOGY 2505 Geochemistry II 3 Level III
All of the following courses must be completed:
Subject/Catalogue Course Title Unit Value GEOLOGY 3013 Tectonics III 3 GEOLOGY 3016 Igneous and Metamorphic Geology III 3 GEOLOGY 3019 Field Geoscience Program III 3 GEOLOGY 3500 Exploration Methods III 3 GEOLOGY 3525 Mineral Resources III 3
Electives
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Elective Courses
To satisfy the requirements for Elective Courses students must complete courses to the value of 33 units.
Electives may include other undergraduate courses offered by the University that are not listed as elective courses from the degree of Bachelor of Science up to the value of 9 units in total at levels I and/or II with no more than 6 units at level I.
Level I
Level I Elective courses from the degree of Bachelor of Science or other undergraduate courses offered by the University that are available to the student.
Level II
Level II GEOG courses to the value of 6 units and/or courses from the degree of Bachelor of Science or other undergraduate courses offered by the University that are available to the student.
Level III
Courses to the value of up to 9 units from the following:
Subject/Catalogue Course Title Unit Value GEOLOGY 3022 Geophysics IIIA: Potential Fields and Geothermics 3 GEOLOGY 3023 Geophysics IIIB: Electromagnetics and Seismology 3 GEOLOGY 3505 Earth Systems History III 3 PALAEO 3005 Geochronology, Fossils and Palaeoenvironments III 3 SPATIAL 3007WT GIS for Environmental Management III 3 SPATIAL 3010 Earth Observation III 3 or
Level III Elective courses from the degree of Bachelor of Science.
-
Broadening Experience
The broadening experience requirement can be met by any of the following:
Study abroad or exchange
or
Courses to the value of at least 3 units from the following:
Subject/Catalogue Course Title Unit Value SCIENCE 3200 Communicating Science III 3 SCIENCE 3500 Science International Study Tour 3 SCIENCE 3510 Science International Study Tour B 3 SCIENCE 3520 Science Experience III 3 STEM 3700 STEM Internship 3 or
courses outside the major area of study.