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Applied Geoscience (ERTH30002)

Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

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Semester 2
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This subject teaches practical skills and applied knowledge for a range of careers in geoscience. It builds on an understanding of fundamental geological processes and systems and explores a range of topics including: resource exploration, responsible extraction of water and mineral resources, ore deposits, hazards, remediation, sustainability and infrastructure applications. The subject is based on four modules in sequence: 1. Mineral Futures, 2. Applied Geophysics, 3. Engineering Geoscience, 4. Environmental Geoscience and Water Resources. Each module includes background theory, topical discussion and practical classes, with a strong emphasis on case studies from past and present. One of the modules will include a one-day field trip which will focus on an ongoing remediation challenge in Victoria, and draws together the different aspects of the course. The course will bring together theoretical frameworks, active research and industry applications.

Intended learning outcomes

At the completion of this subject, you should be able to:

  • Apply strategies to acquire, analyse and interpret geoscientific data
  • Apply and integrate different types of data, samples and observations to assess and evaluate geological processes and resources in the context of sustainability.
  • Communicate geoscientific topics succinctly to non-specialists through presentations and reports.
  • Interrogate and discuss geoscientific data in small groups.
  • Classify the wide variety of metalliferous and non-metalliferous Earth resources and how they are used in society.
  • Categorise the geological and geophysical distribution of different Earth resources and the processes leading to their formation and/or concentration
  • Consider the range of challenges and hazards associated with the cross section of infrastructure, society and the underlying geology

Generic skills

On completion of this subject, students should have developed the following generic skills:

  • Time-Management skills: the ability to meet deadlines and balance competing commitments
  • Critical thinking skills: the ability to organise observations of complex Earth systems and analyse these within different frameworks
  • Problem-solving skills: the ability to engage with unfamiliar problems and identify relevant solution strategies
  • Scientific skills: to design and test hypotheses

Last updated: 8 November 2024