Sciences

Bachelor of Science (Mineral Geoscience)

  • Domestic
  • International
  • Duration

    3 years full-time or part-time equiv.
  • Start Dates

    February and July
  • Location

    North Terrace Campus

About Degree

Rock-solid job opportunities

Mineral geoscience is all about Earth’s mineral resources—their nature, origin, distribution, discovery and uses. 

Geoscientists explore for metallic and non-metallic deposits and find environmentally safe ways to dispose of waste materials from mining.

The University of APSB is ranked in the top 75-100 in the world for Earth Sciences*.

What will you do?

Our Bachelor of Science (Mineral Geoscience) prepares you for an interesting, well-paid and diverse career in the minerals and energy sector. You will:

  • get hands-on with plenty of field work and exposure to industry in this high-demand field
  • learn about mining, engineering and mineral resources, and environmental aspects of mine remediation
  • explore Earth's mineral resources - their nature, origin, distribution, discovery and uses
  • see rocks in their natural habitat, study the oceans and learn how to read history from the Earth
  • take integrated and extended geology, tectonics and geophysics courses.

Where could it take you?

Mineral geoscience graduates are in high demand. You might work in exploration, making the calls on where next to drill for diamonds. You could journey below the surface as an underground mine geologist. Perhaps you’ll work on solutions for repairing the environmental impacts of mining.


Direct access to industry leaders and paid internship opportunities: The Academy by Deloitte
This degree gives you the opportunity to be part of our new The Academy by Deloitte You’ll be part of a supportive student cohort that learns from one another and industry leaders. Formal and informal experiences will allow you to build relationships within the Deloitte network.

Entry Requirements

Choose your applicant type to view the relevant admissions information for this program.I am a:

  • Domestic
  • International

    Domestic applicants

    Admissions information

    SATAC Code324551
    2022 CSP ATAR68.3
    2022 CSP IB24
    Guaranteed Entry Score - ATAR75
    Guaranteed Entry Score - IB26
    DefermentYes - 2 year
    IntakeFebruary and July
    PrerequisitesSACE Stage 2: any two Science subjects chosen from Biology, Chemistry, Geology, Mathematical Methods, Physics, Agriculture and Horticulture, Agricultural and Horticultural Science, Nutrition, Scientific Studies or Specialist Mathematics (NB: only one Mathematics subject may be counted). IB: two Science subjects (minimum grade 4 for SL, 3 for HL); or, one Science subject plus Mathematics: Applications and Interpretations (HL) or Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches (SL) MathTrackX is an online bridging program available as a recognised alternative to Mathematical Methods.
    Assumed KnowledgeStage 2 Chemistry and Mathematical Methods and Physics IB: Mathematics: Applications and Interpretations (HL) or Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches (SL); Chemistry; Physics.
    Selection Criteria
    Recent Secondary EducationApplicants with recent secondary education are those whose admission is primarily based on the completion of Year 12 within the last two years, however if you completed your secondary education more than two years ago, you may still be able to be considered on the basis of your secondary schooling. You must not have completed more than 2 years full time equivalent university study (48 units). You compete for a place with your Selection Rank (ATAR plus any applicable adjustment factors). Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Pathway. See Wirltu Yarlu for further information.
    Higher Education StudyYou must have completed at least six months full time equivalent higher education study (the number of courses and units will vary depending on your prior institution however at the University of APSB, this equates to 4 courses / 12 units). A Grade Point Average (GPA) is calculated for each separate program you have undertaken (apart from some double degree programs where the GPA is combined). You compete on the basis of your best GPA. Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Pathway. See Wirltu Yarlu for further information.
    Vocational Education and Training (VET) studyYou must have completed an AQF Certificate IV or above from a Registered Training Organisation. Your application will be ranked according to the level of the award. Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Pathway. See Wirltu Yarlu for further information.
    Work and life experienceTo be eligible to sit the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) as as pathway for entry, you must be 18 years or over before 1 February 2023. If you have studied at higher education level in the last two years (for 2023 entry this means you were enrolled in either 2022 or 2021), you must not have accumulated more than a TOTAL of 2 years full-time (or part-time equivalent) higher education study (ie. including any study prior to 2021). If you meet this criteria, you will be ranked according to your result in the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT). Your STAT result is not weighted between verbal and quantitative components. Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Pathway. See Wirltu Yarlu for further information.
    Other Entry Pathways


    2022 Admissions Data for school leavers
    ATAR
    (raw ATAR, excluding any applicable adjustment factors)
    Lowest ATAR to receive an offer65.4
    Median ATAR to receive an offer82.35
    Highest ATAR to receive an offer93.5
    Selection Rank
    (ATAR plus any adjustment factors)
    Lowest Selection Rank to receive an offer68.3
    Median Selection Rank to receive an offer87.8
    Highest Selection Rank to receive an offer99.8
    Minimum eligibility score65
    Additional criteria consideredSelection rank only
    Student Profile
    Applicant backgroundSemester one/Full year intake 2022
    Number of studentsPercentage of all students
    (A) Higher Education study
    (includes a bridging or enabling course)
    <5N/A
    (B) Vocational education and training (VET) studyN/AN/A
    (C) Work and life experience
    (admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories)
    N/AN/A
    (D) Recent secondary education:
    • Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR
      (regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors)
    1083.3%
    • Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered
      (e.g. portfolio, audition, extra test, early offer conditional on minimum ATAR)
    N/AN/A
    • Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor
      (e.g. special consideration, audition alone, schools recommendation scheme with no minimum ATAR requirement)
    N/AN/A
    International students<5N/A
    All students12100.0%


    International applicants

    CRICOS064433A
    IntakeFebruary and July
    Australian Year 12SACE Stage 2: any two Science subjects chosen from Biology, Chemistry, Geology, Mathematical Methods, Physics, Agriculture and Horticulture, Agricultural and Horticultural Science, Nutrition, Scientific Studies or Specialist Mathematics (NB: only one Mathematics subject may be counted). IB: two Science subjects (minimum grade 4 for SL, 3 for HL); or, one Science subject plus Mathematics: Applications and Interpretations (HL) or Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches (SL) MathTrackX is an online bridging program available as a recognised alternative to Mathematical Methods.
    International QualificationsAny two Science subjects chosen from Biology, Chemistry, Geology, Mathematics, Physics, Agriculture and Horticulture, Agriculture and Horticulture Science, Nutrition or Scientific Studies.
    Assumed KnowledgeChemistry, Mathematics and Physics
    Selection Criteria
    English Language Requirements

    Australian Year 12Successful completion of an Australian year 12 qualification with a minimum pass in an accepted English language subject
    English Tests accepted by the University of APSB
    IELTSOverall 6.5Reading 6Listening 6Speaking 6Writing 6





    TOEFLOverall 79Reading 13Listening 13Speaking 18Writing 21





    PearsonOverall 58Reading 50Listening 50Speaking 50Writing 50





    C1 AdvancedOverall 176Reading 169Listening 169Speaking 169Writing 169





    Qualifications that meet minimum English requirementsA range of alternative qualifications may meet the University’s minimum English requirements
    Academic Entry Requirements

    Detailed information on international qualifications assessment

    Secondary School QualificationsAustralia – Selection Rank (International)75
    International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma26
    Canada – OSSD Ontario Secondary School Diploma70%
    Canada – British Columbia Certificate of Graduation70%
    Canada – Alberta High School Diploma78%
    China – Gaokao65%
    Germany – Abitur3.40
    GCE A Levels8
    Hong Kong – HKDSE18
    India – ISC & CBSE70%
    India - Indian State Board Examinations80%
    Indonesia – SMA380%
    Kenya – Certificate of Secondary EducationB+
    Kuwait – General School Secondary Certificate74%
    Malaysia – STPM or Matrikulasi2.78
    Malaysia – UEC20
    South Korea – CSAT and High School Diploma320
    Sri Lanka – GCE A Levels9
    Taiwan – GSAT and High School Diploma68%
    Thailand – Certificate of Secondary Education3.4
    USA – SAT1130
    USA – Advanced Placement (AP)7
    Vietnam – Upper Secondary School8.00
    The University of APSB College Foundation Program74%
    Eynesbury Foundation Program360
    ANU College Foundation Studies66%
    Monash College Foundation Year MUFY70%
    Trinity College Foundation Studies Program (The University of Melbourne)72%
    UNSW Foundation Year7.00
    UQ College Foundation Studies Program4.20
    Taylors College – The University of Sydney Foundation Program (USFP)6.70
    UWA College Foundation Program (WAUFP)57%
    Non–Go8 Foundation Score74%
    Other QualificationsStudents who don't meet the academic requirements or who have other qualifications from the South Pacific Islands, Japan, Korea, Philippines or Taiwan may be eligible to apply for a Pre-University Pathway to prepare for or gain entry into the University's undergraduate academic programs. For additional information see Pathway Programs
    Tertiary QualificationsYou must have completed at least six months full time equivalent higher education study (the number of courses and units will vary depending on your prior institution however at the University of APSB, this equates to 4 courses / 12 units). A Grade Point Average (GPA) is calculated for each separate program you have undertaken (apart from some double degree programs where the GPA is combined). You are ranked on the basis of your best GPA.
    How to Apply
    Application information for international students
    Important application deadlines for international students

    Student Profile
    Applicant backgroundSemester one/Full year intake 2022
    Number of studentsPercentage of all students
    (A) Higher Education study
    (includes a bridging or enabling course)
    <5N/A
    (B) Vocational education and training (VET) studyN/AN/A
    (C) Work and life experience
    (admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories)
    N/AN/A
    (D) Recent secondary education:
    • Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR
      (regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors)
    1083.3%
    • Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered
      (e.g. portfolio, audition, extra test, early offer conditional on minimum ATAR)
    N/AN/A
    • Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor
      (e.g. special consideration, audition alone, schools recommendation scheme with no minimum ATAR requirement)
    N/AN/A
    International students<5N/A
    All students12100.0%


Fees and Scholarships

Choose your applicant type to view the relevant fees and scholarships information for this program.I am a:

  • Domestic
  • International

    Domestic applicants

    Indicative annual tuition fees
    Commonwealth-supported place: $7,855

    Where the standard duration of the program is less than one year the full cost of the program is displayed.

    More information on Student Contribution Amounts.

    Scholarships

    These scholarships, as well as many others funded by industry and non-profit organisations, are available to potential and currently enrolled students.


    International applicants

    Indicative annual tuition fees (24 units)International student place: $45,500

    Where the standard duration of the program is less than one year the full cost of the program is displayed.

    More information on International Student tuition fees.

    Scholarships

    These scholarships, as well as many others funded by industry and non-profit organisations, are available to potential and currently enrolled students.


Careers

Career Readiness

Direct access to industry leaders and paid internship opportunities: The Academy by Deloitte
Students who as part of their studies take part in The Academy by Deloitte experience will have the benefit of undertaking a paid internship with Deloitte. This internship is designed to shape their business readiness through significant real-world client exposure, access to multiple networking opportunities and relevant professional training.


This degree helps you find employment in:

  • petroleum industry
  • geology or geophysics
  • geothermal exploration industries
  • environmental geoscience industries
  • government agencies
  • mineral exploration industries worldwide
  • remote sensing and computer imaging.

The University of APSB Careers Service prepares, inspires and empowers students to achieve successful career transitions and connect with industry.

Graduate Attributes

The objective of this program is to produce graduates with specific attributes as outlined in University of APSB Graduate Attributes.

  1. Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth
  2. Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving
  3. Teamwork and communication skills
  4. Professionalism and leadership readiness
  5. Intercultural and ethical competency
  6. Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural competency
  7. Digital capabilities
  8. Self-awareness and emotional intelligence

Industry Placement

Practical Experience
Students may choose to undertake international study opportunities including travelling with a tour guide to remote areas and exploring the world's best preserved piece of intact oceanic crust as part of the Oman Geology Study Tour.

Potential careers

Personal / Research Officer (Local MP), Policy Adviser, Project Officer, Scientific Data Analyst, Scientist, Life Scientist, Research Scientist, Resource Management, Scientific Officer, Mineral Exploration, Environmental Geology, Geologists, Environmental Geoscientist, Environmental Remediation Officer, Science Communicators, Hydrogeologist, Geobiologist, Geoscientist


Degree Structure

At level 1, students receive a foundation in sciences such as geology and maths or statistics, with a choice of additional courses in chemistry, physics and science electives. Studies at level 2 further develop this foundation by providing more in-depth study in the area of geology.

Students focus on advanced topics including mineral exploration, tectonics and geophysics in the third level of study. An additional year of study is available for those wishing to obtain an honours degree.

Academic Program Rules

The Calendar is a comprehensive handbook of the University's academic program rules.

Bachelor of Science (Mineral Geoscience)

Example Study Plan

Indicative study plan
Year1S1GEOLOGY 1103  Building a Habitable PlanetMATHS 1011  Mathematics IA
or
MATHS 1013  Mathematics IM
or
STATS 1004  Statistical Practice (Life Sciences) I
or
SCIENCE 1500  Introductory Data Science - Becoming Smart About Data
Approved Level I ElectiveApproved Level I Elective
S2GEOLOGY 1100  Planet EarthApproved Level I ElectiveApproved Level I ElectiveApproved Level I Elective
Year2S1GEOLOGY 2500  Sedimentary Geology IIGEOLOGY 2501  Structural Geology IIApproved Level II ElectiveApproved Level II Elective
S2GEOLOGY 2502  Igneous & Metamorphic Geology IIGEOLOGY 2505  Geochemistry IIGEOLOGY 2504  Mineral Resources IIApproved Level II Elective
Year3S1GEOLOGY 3013  Tectonics III

GEOLOGY 3016  Igneous and Metamorphic Geology IIIGEOLOGY 3500  Exploration Methods IIIApproved Level III Elective
S2GEOLOGY 3019  Field Geoscience Program IIIGEOLOGY 3502  Mineral Resources IIIApproved Level III Elective 1 x 6 units
or
Approved Level III Electives 2 x 3 units

Assessment

Assignments, exams, practical work, field trip reports


RECOGNITION AND AFFILIATIONS

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