Applied Geoscience (ERTH30002)
Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
Overview
| Availability | Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
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: 4 March 2025
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
A minimum of two of
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| GEOL30007 | Geobiology | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| GEOL30009 | Field Geology | July (Off Campus) |
12.5 |
| GEOL30004 | Geochemistry | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| GEOL30002 | Tectonics and Geophysics | Semester 1 (Early-Start) (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| GEOL30003 | Sedimentary Geology and Hydrogeology | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
OR
Admission into or selection of one of the following:
- MC-GEOSC Master of Geoscience
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Assessment
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
Two individual practical reports or exercises, equally weighted
| Week 7 and end of Week 1 of Examination Period | 50% |
Group presentation (every student will present)
| Week 9 | 25% |
Practical test
| Week 4 | 25% |
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Dates & times
- Semester 2
Principal coordinator Brandon Mahan Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 2 hours of lectures per week (22 hours–11 Weeks) 2 hours of practicals per week (22 hours–11 weeks) 6-hour field visit–one day of fieldwork (Week 10, depending on field conditions) Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 28 July 2025 to 26 October 2025 Last self-enrol date 8 August 2025 Census date 1 September 2025 Last date to withdraw without fail 26 September 2025 Assessment period ends 21 November 2025 Semester 2 contact information
What do these dates mean
Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:
- Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
- And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
- Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Further information
- Texts
- Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Please note Single Subject Studies via Community Access Program is not available to student visa holders or applicants
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
Last updated: 4 March 2025