Discipline/School details [KDA]
Geology – School of Earth Sciences
The Geological Sciences include Geology, Geophysics, Geochemistry, Economic Geology,
Environmental Geology and Environmental Resource Science.
Geology is the study of the Earth. It includes studies of tectonic processes leading to
volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and the generation of mineral, petroleum and water
deposits in the Earth’s crust. By combining studies in Geology with other science majors it
is possible to broaden one’s job horizons and to become involved in some exciting areas of
geoscience.
A combination of physics and geology leads into geophysics, which uses the physical
properties of the crust to study the structure, composition and location of mineral, water,
oil and gas deposits. Combining chemistry and geology leads to geochemistry, while
combining geography and geology leads into geomorphology and environmental geology.
Economic Geology is a combination of geology, physics and chemistry in the study of the
formation and exploration of mineral deposits.
A recently developed stream in Environmental Resource Science is designed to produce
graduates equipped to tackle environmental issues related to the mining, mineral
processing and chemical industries.
There are seven recommended streams of study in the Geological Sciences which lead to a
career as a professional geoscientist:
Career outcomes
Graduates from the School of Earth Sciences have pursued a wide range of well paid,
satisfying careers in the mining, energy (oil, gas and coal) and environmental industries.
Careers in Environmental geoscience, including hydrogeology (the search for and
maintenance of water resources), have continued to grow steadily whilst demand for
geoscientists in other resource areas is more cyclical.
Geology graduates with a good all-round science background (including maths,
computing, physics and chemistry) are expected to be in demand. Honours graduates in
geophysics are in strong demand from all industry areas. The School of Earth Sciences’ 4
year honours courses in Economic Geology (BSc(Hons) Economic Geology), Geophysics
(BSc(Hons) Geophysics) and Geochemistry (BSc(Hons) Geochemistry) are recognised by
the Australian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy.
Theme area
All units taught by the School of Earth Sciences are in the National and State
Development theme area. Majors and courses offered in this theme include the Geology
major in the BSc; four year BSc specimen course in Economic Geology; BSc Honours fields
in geochemistry, geology, geophysics and economic geology; the Master of Economic
________________________________________
University of Tasmania Discipline/School details for academic year
February 16, 2016, 02:51 AM, page –1
Discipline/School details [KDA]
Geology; Master of Science (Exploration Geoscience); and Master of Science Studies
(Geology).
Stream 1: General Geology
For students wishing to obtain a broad education in geology; suitable for a career in a
government geological survey, the petroleum industry, teaching geology or academic
research.
Stream 2: Environmental Geology
For students with an interest in the environment, resource management and the key issues
of conservation and development in geoscience.
Stream 3: Geophysics
A combination of physics, geology and computing, for students looking for a career in
mineral geophysics, petroleum geophysics, or geophysical research.
Stream 4: Geochemistry
A combination of geology with chemistry, for students looking for wider career
opportunities in mineral exploration geochemistry, isotope geochemistry or hydrothermal
geochemistry research.
Stream 5: Environmental Resource Science
For students wanting to become environmental scientists with expertise in tackling
environmental problems in the mining, mineral processing and chemical industries.
Stream 6: Petroleum Geology
For students intending to pursue a career in the oil and gas industry.
Stream 7: Economic Geology
For students wishing to learn about the Earth’s mineral resources and processes leading to
their formation and discovery; designed for students intending a career in mineral
exploration, mining geology, mineral economics, resource management or research in ore
deposit genesis.
Stream 1: BSc(Hons) General Geology
Unit code
unit title
________________________________________
University of Tasmania Discipline/School details for academic year
weight
campus offered
February 16, 2016, 02:51 AM, page –2
Discipline/School details [KDA]
Year 1
KEA101
KEA102
Understanding Earth Systems
Earth Resources, Environments & Evolution
12.5%
12.5%
Hbt~1, Ltn~2
Hbt~2
Plus a choice of 3 other Group 1 core units (75%) from Geography & Environmental Studies, Botany, Zoology,
Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science (may include one Group 1A subject).
Year 2
KEA205
Geology 2
25%
Plus 75% from other Group 2 units (can include KEA230 and/or KEA240):
KEA230
Introduction to Geophysics & Computer Applications 12.5%
KEA240/340
Fossils and Environments Through Time
12.5%
Hbt~1&2,
Hbt~2,
Hbt~1,
Year 3
KEA300
Geology 3
50%
Hbt~1&2,
Plus 50% from other Group 3 units (either a second major or other KEA3– units).
Year 4 BSc(Honours)
KEA410/411
Geology 4 (Honours)
100%/50
%
Hbt~1&2,
(includes a fieldbased research thesis and selected coursework)
Stream 2: BSc(Hons) Environmental Geology
Unit code
unit title
weight
Understanding Earth Systems
Earth Resources, Environments & Evolution
Geography and Environmental Studies 1
12.5%
12.5%
25%
campus offered
Year 1
KEA101
KEA102
KGA100
Hbt~1, Ltn~2
Hbt~2
Hbt~1&2,
plus a choice of 2 other Group 1 core units (50%) generally from Life Sciences.
Year 2
KEA205
Geology 2
Either KEA230 OR KEA240
KEA230
Introduction to Geophysics & Computer Applications
KEA240/340
Fossils and Environments Through Time
25%
Hbt~1&2,
12.5%
12.5%
Hbt~2,
Hbt~1,
50%
12.5%
12.5%
Hbt~1&2,
Hbt~1,
Hbt~2,
Plus a choice of 2 of the following units:KEA332, KEA341, KEA342, KEA343 (25%):
KEA332
Computers in Geoscience
12.5%
KEA341
Economic Geology
12.5%
KEA342
Exploration Geophysics
12.5%
Hbt~2,
Hbt~1,
Hbt~1,
Year 3
KEA300
KEA338
KEA348
Geology 3
Sedimentary Environments
Environmental Geology
________________________________________
University of Tasmania Discipline/School details for academic year
February 16, 2016, 02:51 AM, page –3
Discipline/School details [KDA]
KEA343
Mineral Exploration
12.5%
Hbt~2,
Year 4 BSc(Honours)
KEA410/411
Geology 4 (Honours)
100%/50
%
Hbt~1&2,
(includes a fieldbased research thesis on an environmental geology-based project, plus selected coursework).
Stream 3: BSc(Hons) Geophysics[a]
Unit code
unit title
weight
Understanding Earth Systems[b]
Earth Resources, Environments & Evolution[b]
Physics 1B[b]
Physics 1A[b]
12.5%
12.5%
12.5%
12.5%
campus offered
Year 1
KEA101
KEA102
KYA102
KYA101
Hbt~1, Ltn~2
Hbt~2
Hbt~2,
Hbt~1,
plus a choice of 2 other Group 1 core units (50%) preferably including Maths (Calculus and Linear Algebra)
and Computer Science (Computer Science).
Year 2
KEA205
KYA201
KYA202
KEA230
Geology 2[b]
Electromagnetism and Kinetic Theory
Waves and Thermodynamics
Introduction to Geophysics & Computer
Applications[b]
25%
12.5%
12.5%
12.5%
Hbt~1&2,
Hbt~1,
Hbt~2,
Hbt~2,
Plus one other Group 2 unit (16.67%) (AusIMM applicants require one other Group 2 unit in Physics or Maths)
Year 3
KEA300 (or KEA355)
KEA300
Geology 3
KEA355
Geology for Geophysicists[b]
KEA332
Computers in Geoscience[b]
KEA342
Exploration Geophysics[b]
50%
25%
12.5%
12.5%
Hbt~1&2,
Hbt~1&2,
Hbt~2,
Hbt~1,
Plus a choice of 2 of the following units: KEA341, KEA338, KEA343, KEA348 (25%):
KEA341
12.5%
Economic Geology[b]
KEA338
Sedimentary Environments
12.5%
KEA343
Mineral Exploration
12.5%
KEA348
Environmental Geology
12.5%
Hbt~1,
Hbt~1,
Hbt~2,
Hbt~2,
Year 4 BSc(Honours)
KEA420/421
Geophysics 4 (Honours)
100%/50
%
Hbt~1&2,
(includes a fieldbased research thesis on a geophysics-based project, plus selected coursework).
Stream 4: Geochemistry[a]
________________________________________
University of Tasmania Discipline/School details for academic year
February 16, 2016, 02:51 AM, page –4
Discipline/School details [KDA]
Unit code
unit title
weight
Understanding Earth Systems[b]
Earth Resources, Environments & Evolution[b]
Chemistry 1A[b]
12.5%
12.5%
25%
campus offered
Year 1
KEA101
KEA102
KRA110
Hbt~1, Ltn~2
Hbt~2
Hbt~1&2,
plus a choice of 2 other Group 1 core units (50%) preferably including Physics, Maths or Computer Science.
Year 2
KEA205
KRA210
KRA213
KEA230
Geology 2[b]
Chemistry 2
Analytical Chemistry[b]
Introduction to Geophysics & Computer
Applications[b]
25%
25%
12.5%
12.5%
Hbt~1&2,
Hbt~1&2,
Hbt~2,
Hbt~2,
Geology 3[b]
Economic Geology[b]
Mineral Exploration[b]
50%
12.5%
12.5%
Hbt~1&2,
Hbt~1,
Hbt~2,
Year 3
KEA300
KEA341
KEA343
Plus a choice of 2 of the following units: KEA332, KEA338, KEA342, KEA348 (25%):
KEA332
Computers in Geoscience
12.5%
KEA338
Sedimentary Environments
12.5%
KEA342
Exploration Geophysics
12.5%
KEA348
Environmental Geology
12.5%
Hbt~2,
Hbt~1,
Hbt~1,
Hbt~2,
Year 4 BSc(Honours)
KEA440/441
Geochemistry 4 (Honours)
100%/50
%
Hbt~1&2,
(includes a fieldbased research thesis on a geochemistry-based project, plus selected coursework).
Stream 5: Environmental Resource Science
Unit code
unit title
weight
campus offered
Understanding Earth Systems
Earth Resources, Environments & Evolution
Geography and Environmental Studies 1
Botany 1G
12.5%
12.5%
25%
25%
Hbt~1, Ltn~2
Hbt~2
Hbt~1&2,
Hbt~1&2,
Geology 2
Environmental Chemistry
Introduction to Geophysics & Computer Applications
25%
12.5%
12.5%
Hbt~1&2,
Hbt~1, Ltn~1
Hbt~2,
Year 1
KEA101
KEA102
KGA100
KPA150
Year 2
KEA205
KRA211
KEA230
Year 3
________________________________________
University of Tasmania Discipline/School details for academic year
February 16, 2016, 02:51 AM, page –5
Discipline/School details [KDA]
KEA365
KEA338
KEA348
KGA381
Geology for Environmental Scientists
Sedimentary Environments
Environmental Geology
Environmental Impact Assessment
25%
12.5%
12.5%
12.5%
Hbt~1&2,
Hbt~1,
Hbt~2,
Hbt~2
Plus a choice of 3 other relevant units (KEA3– or KGA3–) to make up another 37.5%
Year 4 BSc(Honours)
KEA410/411
Geology 4 (Honours)
100%/50
%
Hbt~1&2,
(includes a fieldbased research thesis on an environmental/geochemistry-based project, plus selected
coursework).
Stream 6: Petroleum Geology
Unit code
unit title
weight
Understanding Earth Systems
Earth Resources, Environments & Evolution
Physics 1A
Physics 1B
Chemistry 1A
12.5%
12.5%
12.5%
12.5%
25%
campus offered
Year 1
KEA101
KEA102
KYA101
KYA102
KRA110
Hbt~1, Ltn~2
Hbt~2
Hbt~1,
Hbt~2,
Hbt~1&2,
Plus one other Group 1 core unit preferably from Maths or Computer Science.
Year 2
KEA205
KEA230
KEA240/340
KRA210
Geology 2
Introduction to Geophysics & Computer Applications
Fossils and Environments Through Time
Chemistry 2
25%
12.5%
12.5%
25%
Hbt~1&2,
Hbt~2,
Hbt~1,
Hbt~1&2,
Geology 3
Computers in Geoscience
Sedimentary Environments
Exploration Geophysics
Environmental Geology
50%
12.5%
12.5%
12.5%
12.5%
Hbt~1&2,
Hbt~2,
Hbt~1,
Hbt~1,
Hbt~2,
100%/50
%
Hbt~1&2,
Year 3
KEA300
KEA332
KEA338
KEA342
KEA348
Year 4 BSc(Honours)
KEA410/411
Geology 4 (Honours)
(includes a petroleum-based research project)
Stream 7: BSc(Hons) Economic Geology
Unit code
unit title
weight
campus offered
Year 1
________________________________________
University of Tasmania Discipline/School details for academic year
February 16, 2016, 02:51 AM, page –6
Discipline/School details [KDA]
KEA101
KEA102
KRA110
Understanding Earth Systems
Earth Resources, Environments & Evolution
Chemistry 1A
12.5%
12.5%
25%
Hbt~1, Ltn~2
Hbt~2
Hbt~1&2,
Plus a choice of 2 other Group 1 core units (50%), preferably including units from physics, mathematics or
computer science.
Year 2
KEA205
KRA210
KEA230
Geology 2[b]
Chemistry 2[b]
Introduction to Geophysics & Computer Applications
25%
25%
12.5%
Hbt~1&2,
Hbt~1&2,
Hbt~2,
50%
12.5%
12.5%
12.5%
Hbt~1&2,
Hbt~1,
Hbt~2,
Hbt~1,
100%/50
%
Hbt~1&2,
Plus other Group 2 units from physics, mathematics or computer science [b].
Year 3
KEA300
KEA341
KEA343
KEA342
Geology 3[b]
Economic Geology[b]
Mineral Exploration[b]
Exploration Geophysics
plus other 3rd-year units in geology.
Year 4
KEA450/451
Economic Geology 4 (Honours)
(includes an economic geology based research project).
[a]
Four-year stream recognised by Australian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy
(AusIMM)
[b]
Compulsory unit for AusIMM Scholarship applicants
________________________________________
University of Tasmania Discipline/School details for academic year
February 16, 2016, 02:51 AM, page –7