Major - Environmental Geology

To be read in conjunction with the program of study requirements for the

• Bachelor of Science
• Bachelor of Arts and Science
• Bachelor of Design and Technology Innovation
• Bachelor of Applied Geographical Information Systems

• Aims
• Learning outcomes
• Program of study

Aims

Environmental geology is geology or geoscience applied to the living environment of humans. This course will examine how geological processes and hazards influence human activities and how human activities influence the earth environment. Geology is the study of the earth including its oceans, rivers, atmosphere, as well as the solid earth of rock and soil. In order to assess and find solutions to environmental problems, a comprehensive knowledge of how the earth works is fundamental.

Learning outcomes

On completion of the major students will be able to:

• know and understand the fundamentals of earth science relevant to human and environmental context
• understand and describe basic processes of geology, hydrology and ecology and how these disciplines were developed
• analyse and critically evaluate information, data and concepts pertaining to earth science and be able to apply relevant scientific principles to solve problems using hypotheses, predictions, experiments and analysis of data
• design and implement earth science investigations using appropriate techniques, methods and ethics
• communicate their findings to general public, general scientific and managerial audiences in written and spoken format
• appreciate that earth science is multidisciplinary with links to many other science and technical disciplines
• work and learn independently and appreciate the need for continuing professional development
• contribute effectively as part of a team in order to achieve outcomes.

Program of study

Major - Environmental Geology - Year 1 topics

22.5 units comprising:

Core - Year 1 Topics

 EASC1101  Earth and Environmental Sciences  (4.5 units)
 EASC1102  Marine Sciences  (4.5 units)
 GEOG1001  Environment and Society  (4.5 units)
 STEM1002  Introduction to Geographical Information Systems  (4.5 units)

Option - Year 1 Topics

Plus at least one of:

 MATH1121  Mathematics 1A  (4.5 units)
 MATH1701  Mathematics Fundamentals A  (4.5 units)
 STAT1122  Biostatistics  (4.5 units)

Major - Environmental Geology - Year 2 topics

18 units comprising:

Core - Year 2 Topics

 ENVS2731  Coastal Processes  (4.5 units)
 ENVS2752  Geological Processes  (4.5 units)
 STEM2001  Remote Sensing for all Disciplines  (4.5 units)

Option - Year 2 Topics

4.5 units from the listed options^

Major - Environmental Geology - Year 3 topics

18 units comprising:

Core - Year 3 Topics

 ENVS3731  Ecohydrology  (4.5 units)
 ENVS3750  Field Studies in Environmental Disciplines  (4.5 units)
 ENVS3752  Geology of Australia  (4.5 units)

Option - Year 3 Topics

4.5 units from the listed options^

^Option List

BIOL3791  Ecology and Geomorphology of Coastal Environments  (4.5 units)
EASC2702  Global Climate Change  (4.5 units)
EASC3741  Physical Hydrogeology  (4.5 units)
EASC3782  Contaminant and Tracer Hydrology  (4.5 units) 
ENGR2832  Engineering Geology and Geomechanics  (4.5 units)
GEOG3040  Environmental Impact Assessment  (4.5 units)
STEM1003  GIS Airborne and Ground Data Capture for all Disciplines  (4.5 units)
STEM2002  Applied Problem Solving with Computers  (4.5 units)