Associate Degree of Geoscience

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Associate Degree of Geoscience

  • Objectives On successful completion of a CQUniversity Associate Degree of Geoscience program, graduates should demonstrate: 1. ability to apply knowledge of basic, geoscience and mine technology fundamentals 2. ability to communicate effectively, not only with others in mining but also with the community at large 3. competence to support and complement mine geotechnology activities 4. ability to undertake simple problem identification and formulation; and to identify, apply and adapt appropriate procedures, techniques and resources in their resolution 5. understanding and knowledge of the application of geoscientific standards, codes of practice and industry regulations 6. ability to function effectively as an individual and in multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams, with the capacity to be an effective team member and leader 7. understanding of the social, cultural, global and environmental responsibilities of the geoscience Associate 8. understanding of the need for sustainable design and development 9. understanding of professional and ethical responsibilities and commitment to them 10. expectation of the need to undertake lifelong learning and the capacity to do so.
  • Entry requirements In addition to the normal requirements it is highly recommended that students studying the Applied Geology specialisation have relevant work at a mine during the period of their study in order to complete the required competencies.
  • Academic title Associate Degree of Geoscience
  • Course description Are you curious about how the planet was formed and how it works? Do you enjoy solving problems? If you would like to be at the cutting edge of scientific and technological advancements, then becoming an Geoscience Associate will provide a challenging career where you can utilise these interests and abilities and turn ideas into reality.

    As a geoscience associate you can focus on applications and interactions within the Earth's systems. Geoscience associates combine a sound geoscientific understanding with modern technology to apply and adapt sustainable practices for communities, society and the environment in general. Geoscience associates often work in support of professional geologists or geophysicists in a team environment.

    Applied Geology typically uses knowledge of geological processes which sculptured the earth since its formation to provide an understanding of geological resources below the surface - metals, minerals, coal, oil and gas, and construction materials.  It classifies and interprets the major geological structures and assists in the development of the mechanisms of accessing and extracting the geological resources.

    Geophysics typically involves assessing the validity of undertaking geophysical surveys at a site and interpreting the results of such a survey; designing a geophysical survey; applying the appropriate geophysical methods - seismic, magnetic, gravity, nuclear, electrical, electromagnetic to a survey design.


    Career Opportunities

    Associate Degree of Geoscience graduates enjoy a wide variety of challenging career options across a range of industries and government sectors. As a geoscience associate you will apply your knowledge of geoscientific principles.

    Geoscience (Geophysics) associates, have specialised knowledge in -

        * obtaining and interpreting basic geological and geomechanical data;
        * the use of maps, geographic information systems, and remote sensing imagery;
        * the geological processes which sculptured the earth since its formation;
        * the definition of and be able to identify the more common rock types;
        * and be able to undertake geophysical surveys,
        * geophysical instruments as measurement systems,
        * geophysical survey design,
        * the application of geophysical methods - seismic, magnetic, gravity, nuclear, electrical, electromagnetic
        * the principles of geophysical field data interpretation

    Geoscientists typically find employment in national and international public and private industry sectors including the mining, geophysical exploration, energy, transportation, construction, and education industries.

    The Associate Degree of Geoscience program is based on the project-based learning philosophy which offers the opportunity to learn in context. This approach is designed to produce work-ready graduates with industry-relevant skills.


    Program Structure

    This program is aimed at the education of engineering associates in 1 of 2 specialisations:

        * Applied Geology
        * Geophysics

    This program is only available for external part-time study. Students who wish to progress through the program at a faster rate should apply in writing to the Faculty stating the reasons for their application.

    Applied Geology

    All students enrol in a common first year and then select a discipline stream.

    Students intending to study in the Applied Geology specialisation will need to enrol in:
    Course Code     Course Name
    Year 1 - T1
    ENAG11006     Professional Engineering Communication
    Mining Industry Competencies     
    year 1 -T2
    ENAG12001     Sustainable Technology and the Environment
    Mining Industry Competencies     
    Year 2 - T1
    MATH11160     Technology Mathematics
    Mining Industry Competencies     
    Year 2 - T2
    ENAG11002     Energy & Electricity
    Mining Industry Competencies     
    Year 3 - T1
    ENAG11005     Mechanics
    PHYG12003     Geological Science
    Year 3 - T2
    ENAR11001     Resource Geology
    Mining Industry Competencies     
    Year 4 - T1
    ENAG11001     Engineering Drafting
    Mining Industry Competencies     
    Year 4 - T2
    ENAR12002     Structural Geology and Mineral Sampling
    ENTG11001     Computer Aided Drafting
    Geophysics

    Students intending to study in the Geophysics specialisation will need to enrol in:
    Course Code     Course Name
    Year 1 - T1
    ENAG11006     Professional Engineering Communication
    MATH11160     Technology Mathematics
    Year 1 - T2
    ENAG11002     Energy & Electricity
    ENAG12001     Sustainable Technology and the Environment
    Year 2 - T1
    ENAG11001     Engineering Drafting
    PHYG12003     Geological Science
    Year 2 - T2
    ENAR11001     Resource Geology
    PHYG13004     Earth Science
    Year 3 - T1
    ENAG11005     Mechanics
    PHYG13005     Geophys Instrumentation
    Year 3 - T2
    ENAR11002     Mining and Metallurgy
    ENAR12002     Structural Geology and Mineral Sampling
    Year 4 - T1
    ENAR12004     Mine Management and Safety
    GEOG19021     Geographic Information Systems
    Year 4 - T2
    ENAR12006     Rock Engineering
    ENTC13011     Environmental Engineering

    Students enrolled in the Associate Degree of Geoscience (Applied Geology) study units of credit with CQUni and Mining Industry Competencies. Students will need to apply for a block exemption for the Mining Industry Competencies making the total of 96 units of credit they are required to study to obtain an Associate Degree.

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