Geologists study how the Earth works, including the natural planetary processes that directly affect people – such as the formation of mineral and petroleum resources, geological hazards, climate change and environmental protection.

In this course you will gain a thorough grounding in theoretical geology with a practical emphasis on mineral, petroleum and groundwater resources and their environmental management.

In your first year you will gain a foundation in geology, chemistry, physics, maths, scientific communication and computer skills. Your second year focuses on the theoretical, laboratory and field skills required to understand geological processes. Your final year provides comprehensive coverage of one stream: Applied Geology, Mining Geology or Petroleum Geology.

The first two years of this course are based in Perth. The third-year Applied Geology stream is offered at Curtin’s Perth campus, Mining Geology is offered at our Kalgoorlie campus, and Petroleum Geology is offered at Curtin Malaysia.

Applied Geology

This stream comprehensively covers the breadth of applied geosciences, including mineral and petroleum exploration and extraction techniques, groundwater resources and environmental geosciences.

Mining Geology

This stream combines studies of resource and field geology with mining systems and estimation to effectively explore, evaluate and extract mineral resources.

Petroleum Geology

This stream combines studies of sedimentary basins and petroleum geology with aspects of geophysics and petroleum engineering related to the evaluation, development and exploitation of oil and gas resources. 

This stream is offered at Curtin Malaysia only. Transfer to Curtin Malaysia is dependent on successful application for exchange. Please note that additional costs may be incurred. The Petroleum Geology stream is not available to international students studying in Australia.

This major sits within the Bachelor of Science (Science) degree. It can also be studied as part of the Bachelor of Advanced Science course. 

Why study

• This comprehensive course qualifies graduates for a range of geology careers.
• You can choose from a range of relevant double degree options that will improve your career options.
• You'll have the opportunity to study at our Western Australian School of Mines, a leader in mining and geosciences education in Australia.

How this course will make you industry ready

This is a hands-on, practical course with direct industry involvement.

After two years of grounding in the fundamentals of geology, your final year will focus on its application in the work place. You'll study minerals, petroleum, groundwater and environmental industries and complete practical exercises that mirror as closely as possible the activities undertaken by industry professionals.

Professional recognition

Graduates are eligible for membership of the Australian Institute of Geoscientists, Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, Geological Society of Australia, International Association of Hydrogeologists, and the Petroleum Exploration Society of Australia.

Careers

• Geologist
• Geological engineer

Industries

• Environmental geology
• Groundwater extraction
• Mineral and petroleum exploration
• Mining
• Natural hazards and risk analysis
• Radioactive waste storage
• Research and development