EARTH SCIENCES
Within the School of Earth Sciences students can pursue a broad range of postgraduate studies, leading to the awards of Graduate Diploma of Science, Master of Applied Science (by coursework), Master of Science (by research) or Doctor of Philosophy.
GRADUATE DIPLOMA OF SCIENCE
The Diploma is available in the following options:
Earth Sciences
Economic Geology
Environmental Geoscience
Geology.
The following guidelines apply to students selecting one of the available Graduate Diploma disciplines in Geology.
A student who has attained the standard of BSc or equivalent with a major in Earth Sciences or Geology or another approved science discipline may be admitted.
The Graduate Diploma is available as a one year full-time or two year part-time course of study.
Entry is permitted either at the start of the University teaching year (end-February, intake A), or in mid-year at the start of the second semester (July, intake B).
Completion of the Graduate Diploma of Science in Earth Sciences or Geology requires undertaking 24 units of approved subjects in those disciplines. External students attending the diploma course in Economic Geology will be required to complete EA3400:03 (Ore Genesis) and EA3500:03 (Mapping and Assessment of Mineralised Systems).
The Graduate Diploma attained with a grade of Credit or above is accepted as equivalent to a Masters Qualifying Course and will entitle the holder to proceed to a MSc research degree.
The full-time Graduate Diploma course comprises 24 units of study in an approved combination of topics. It is possible to attend level 3 undergraduate subjects in Earth Sciences to cover aspects of the discipline not previously studied at this level. With the permission of the Head of School, appropriate undergraduate subjects in another relevant discipline may also be included. A maximum of 6 undergraduate units outside earth sciences is permitted.
The part-time Graduate Diploma with specialisation in Exploration and Mining Geology may be completed over a minimum of two years. This option comprises completion of all four of EA5001-5004 of the MSc in Exploration and Mining Geology, without dissertation, but including another 8 approved units or approved prior learning.
MASTER OF APPLIED SCIENCE (BY COURSEWORK) IN EXPLORATION AND MINING GEOLOGY
Any student who satisfies admission requirements for the degree of Master of Applied Science as outlined in the Award Requirements may seek admission to this program.
The course will consist of 36 units of study. Each subject offered is worth 6 units except the research dissertation, which is worth 12 units. For students pursuing the degree on either a full-time or part-time basis, a minimum of 12 units must be taken from University-based 2 week subjects (6 units each), but the reamaining units can be taken from any of the other subjects. The research dissertation subject is recommended, but optional. Students pursuing the dgree on a part-time or full-time basis will complete most subject requirements during the block-mode teaching. In interim periods, students are expected to devote time to assignments and other research relevant to the course. Students seeking admission to the program on a full-time basis must enrol in at least 18 units per year.
The degree of MAppSc will be awarded if the candidate achieves a satisfactory standard in written examinations, seminar presentations and practical exercises. If writing a dissertation, the submitted document must have sufficient content and presentation quality to satisfy the examiners.
INTER-SCHOOL POSTGRADUATE DEGREE PROGRAMS
Students may elect to enrol in relevant Earth Science subjects to satisfy the requirements of several inter-school postgraduate degree programs offered in the Science Faculty. These include Master of Applied Science (Coursework) degree programs in Environmental Chemistry and Tropical Environmental Management and Graduate Diploma programs in Environmental Chemistry, Geographical and Land Information Systems and Tropical Environmental Management. Details may be found under the above headings.
RESEARCH DEGREE PROGRAMS
Students who satisfy the appropriate admission requirements may seek admission to the research degrees of Master of Science (by thesis only) or Doctor of Philosophy. Refer to the Index for the rules for these degrees.
Thesis topics will be considered in any branch of Earth Sciences suitably related to staff research interests. See section on “Research Activities” for details of current research areas.
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