If COVID-19 restrictions apply, we may need to make changes to units and/or delivery modes.
Applied Geology, Environmental Biology
Bachelor Double Degree
BB-GLGBIO
Outline
Geologists and environmental biologists provide knowledge for the management of Earth resources, including managing climate change and responsibly sourcing metals for renewable energy generation and storage.
If COVID-19 restrictions apply, we may need to make changes to units and/or delivery modes.
Global Education
You’ll have access to a range of international study opportunities.
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Top 1 %
Curtin is ranked in the top one per cent of universities worldwide.
Academic Ranking of World Universities 2021.
In this double degree you'll study fundamental geological and biological processes and apply them to mineral exploration and resource extraction and groundwater resources. You'll also learn how to manage ecosystems and rehabilitate landscapes impacted by salt degradation and resource extraction activity.
This combination of skill sets for extraction and environmental protection is increasingly important to the resources sector and to society.
See our handbook for more course information.
Why study
- Our future depends on us understanding the geological and biological basis of our life-support systems. We need well-trained professionals in fields related to geoscience and biology to solve issues such as resourcing metals for renewable energy technologies, managing groundwater resources and their dependent ecosystems, food production, population regulation, land care and restoration, pollution, and conservation of our biodiversity.
- Our geoscience biology students are well equipped for this task, as they gain a thorough understanding of geological and biological principles and practices, obtained through a practical, hands-on approach involving plenty of fieldwork.
- Our geology and environmental biology disciplines are highly regarded in the international geological/environmental communities, and are renowned for teaching, research and student engagement.
- This is a hands-on course that reflects industry practices.
- We offer a range of relevant double degree options with enhanced career options.
Student profile
View our student profile table to get an indication of the likely peer cohort for new students at Curtin University. This table provides data on students that commenced undergraduate study and passed the census date in the most relevant recent intake period for which data are available. It includes those admitted through all offer rounds and international students studying in Australia.
Professional recognition
Graduates of the Bachelor of Science (Applied Geology) are eligible for membership of the Australian Institute of Geoscientists, the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy and the Geological Society of Australia. Graduates are also eligible for Associate Membership of the Australian Institute of Biology and the Environment Institute of Australia, and can apply for full membership after three or four years of professional practice.
Career information
Graduates are well suited to employment within the private sector, including organisations involved in mineral exploration, resource extraction and post-extraction restoration, mine management, environmental consulting, ecotourism and environmental restoration.
Graduates are also equipped with skills aligned to the needs of government agencies involved in water resources, environmental regulation, environmental protection, transport, regional development and local government.
What you'll learn
- apply fundamental geological or biological principles and concepts in theoretical, practical and vocational situations; expand discipline knowledges through research where appropriate
- solve discipline based problems applying scientific methods and creative thinking in a logical and rational way
- access, evaluate and synthesise information and data from multiple sources using discipline skills and knowledge to analyse and present findings
- communicate effectively and appropriately to varied audiences using a variety of communication methods
- select and employ appropriate technologies to fulfil requirements of Biological and Applied Geological environments; recognising advantages and disadvantages of various technologies as required
- develop an independent ability to acquire information as required and recognise the need to remain current to industry and discipline requirements
- recognise and appreciate international perspectives and global standards as they impact upon collecting and reporting data and other relevant scientific pursuits
- acknowledge the need for sustainable use of earth resources, and value environmental, indigenous and other community perspectives on geological and geophysical activities
- work ethically and professionally independently and as part of a team, complying with applicable legislation and managing time and other resources efficiently and effectively; develop employability and leadership skills as appropriate
Admission criteria
Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.
| IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System) | |
|---|---|
| Writing | 6.0 |
| Speaking | 6.0 |
| Reading | 6.0 |
| Listening | 6.0 |
| Overall band score | 6.5 |
You may demonstrate English proficiency using the following tests and qualifications.
I recently attended high school
Applicants with recent secondary education are those whose admission is primarily based on the achievement of the required ATAR within the last two years. This includes applicants whose secondary education was undertaken interstate or overseas.
- Guaranteed ATAR : 70
- Essential WACE subjects (pre-requisites):
At least Mathematics Applications ATAR and one ATAR science course, or equivalent.
- STAT entry : Written English, Verbal and Quantitative
Please see our correlation comparability for previous TEE subjects, WACE courses and WACE ATAR courses.
Other admission options
Recipients of the John Curtin Undergraduate Scholarship will receive an early offer to study this course.
Successful StepUp Entry and StepUp Equity Adjustment Admission Pathway (StepUp Bonus) applicants will be eligible to be considered for admission into this course.
If you’re an indigenous applicant who hasn’t met Curtin’s minimum admissions criteria, the Centre for Aboriginal Studies offers bridging courses that are tailored to help you gain entry into this course.
Lowest selection rank to which a recent Year 12 student offer was made (including the consideration of any equity or other adjustment factors)
View the lowest selection rank (incorporating ATAR plus any adjustments) of an applicant to which an offer of a place was made in the most relevant recent intake period, this includes any ATAR adjustments.
Selection rank adjustments (previously referred to as ATAR related adjustments)
Details of the types of adjustment factors (bonus points) commonly available to applicants can be found on our StepUp to Curtin webpage.
ATAR and selection rank profile for those offered places wholly or partly on the basis of ATAR in the most recent intake period
View data on the ATAR and selection rank profile of offers made from the most relevant recent intake period.
I have work and life experience
Applicants with work and life experience are those who left secondary education more than two years ago (i.e. who are not classified as recent secondary education applicants) and have not undertaken vocational education training (VET) or higher education study since then.
‘Experience’ includes a combination of factors sufficient to demonstrate readiness for higher education such as mature-age entry, professional experience whether completion of the Special Tertiary Admission Test (STAT) is required or not, community involvement or work experience. Applicants may have undertaken non-formal programs that have helped prepare them for tertiary education or are relevant to the proposed higher education field of study.
- Guaranteed ATAR : 70
- Essential WACE subjects (pre-requisites):
At least Mathematics Applications ATAR and one ATAR science course, or equivalent.
- STAT entry : Written English, Verbal and Quantitative
Please see our correlation comparability for previous TEE subjects, WACE courses and WACE ATAR courses.
I’ve studied at TAFE or done an apprenticeship
Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study are those whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a VET course. This includes study at a public TAFE or other VET provider, whether a qualification was completed or not. Applicants with VET study may have other qualifications such as a Year 10 or Year 12 secondary school certificate.
- Guaranteed ATAR : 70 OR
- TAFE:
- AQF Certificate IV - Separate evidence of Higher English language proficiency is required; or
- AQF Diploma; or
- AQF Advanced Diploma
AND
- satisfied the prerequisites: Maths Applications and one Science (from the following: Biology ATAR, Chemistry ATAR, Earth and Environment Science ATAR, Human Biology ATAR, Integrated Science ATAR, or Physics ATAR).
The Maths Applications prerequisite can be met with:
- Maths Applications ATAR; or
- MATH1013 Introductory Mathematics; or
- MATH1005 Pre-Calculus.
The Science prerequisite can be met with:
- Biology ATAR/Chemistry ATAR/Earth and Environment Science ATAR/Human Biology ATAR/Integrated Science ATAR/Physics ATAR
- BIOL1000 Functional Biology/BCCB1000 Cell Biology/CHEM1003 Introduction to Chemistry/CHEM1001 Biological Chemistry/PHYS1006 Foundations of Physics/GEOL1005 Fundamentals of Geology 1.
- Essential WACE subjects (pre-requisites):
At least Mathematics Applications ATAR and one ATAR science course, or equivalent.
- STAT entry : Written English, Verbal and Quantitative
Please see our correlation comparability for previous TEE subjects, WACE courses and WACE ATAR courses.
I’ve gone to university before
Applicants with higher education are those whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a higher education course, such as a university degree. This may include applicants who are currently studying a higher education course at another education provider and want to transfer to Curtin University, or applicants who are currently studying at Curtin but want to switch to a different course. It may also include applicants who have completed past study with university and non-university higher education providers.
Not all Curtin courses accept course switchers from other institutions.
- Curtin offers a variety of bridging courses to help you meet the admission criteria for this course. Find out more about our bridging courses.
- Essential WACE subjects (pre-requisites):
At least Mathematics Applications ATAR and one ATAR science course, or equivalent.
Please see our correlation comparability for previous TEE subjects, WACE courses and WACE ATAR courses.
Curtin course switcher criteria
To switch into this course, you need to have met:
- the admission criteria for minimum entry; and
- the prerequisites.
The Maths Applications prerequisite can be met with:
- Maths Applications ATAR; or
- MATH1013 Introductory Mathematics; or
- MATH1005 Pre-Calculus.
The Science prerequisite can be met with any of the following:
- Animal Production Systems ATAR, Applied Information Technology ATAR, Biology ATAR, Chemistry ATAR, Computer Science ATAR, Earth and Environmental Science ATAR, Engineering Studies ATAR, Human Biology ATAR, Integrated Science ATAR, Marine and Maritime Studies ATAR, Physics ATAR, Plant Production Systems ATAR, or Psychology ATAR; or
- BIOL1000 Functional Biology; or
- BCCB1000 Cell Biology; or
- CHEM1003 Introduction to Chemistry; or
- CHEM1001 Biological Chemistry; or
- PHYS1006 Foundations of Physics; or
- GEOL1005 Fundamentals of Geology 1.
Higher education course switcher criteria
To switch into this course from another higher education course, you need to have met:
- the admission criteria for minimum entry; and
- Maths Applications ATAR or unit/s assessed as comparable to Maths Applications ATAR; and
- Science ATAR or unit/s assessed as comparable to Science ATAR.
Advanced standing
At Curtin, we understand that everyone’s study journey has been different.
You may have already studied some of the units (subjects) listed in your Curtin course, or you may have work experience that matches the degree requirements.
If this applies to you, you can apply for credit for recognised learning (CRL), which means your previous study is recognised and matched against a similar unit in your intended Curtin course.
A successful CRL application exempts you from having to complete certain units within your course and means you could finish your degree in a shorter amount of time.
CRL is also known as recognition of prior learning, advanced standing and credit transfer.
Use the CRL search to find out how much CRL you qualify for, or contact us at:
Webform: Submit here
Curtin Connect: 1300 222 888
Fees & charges
Australian and New Zealand student indicative fees
Fee year: 2022
| Student type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Commonwealth supported | $7,500* |
Fees are indicative first year only and are subject to passage of legislation.
*The indicative first-year fee is calculated on 200 credit points, which is the typical full-time study load per year, however some courses require additional study to be completed, in which case the fee will be higher than that shown.
This fee is a guide only. It may vary depending on the units you choose and does not include incidental fees (such as lab coats or art supplies) or the cost of your textbooks – visit other fees and charges for more information. For more information on fees and to determine your eligibility for HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP, please visit fee basics or the Study Assist website
If you’re not an Australian citizen, permanent resident or New Zealand citizen, please see information for international students.
Location
For start dates, please view the academic calendar.
2022
Semester 2
- On campus
2023
Semester 1
- On campus
Semester 2
- On campus
2024
Semester 1
- On campus
Semester 2
- On campus
2025
Semester 1
- On campus
Semester 2
- On campus
All endeavours are made to ensure location information for courses is up to date but please note they are subject to change.
The University reserves the right to withdraw any unit of study or program which it offers, to impose limitations on enrolment in any unit or program, and/or to vary arrangements for any program.
How to apply
Please review information on how to apply for the campus of your choice
Please note that each campus has different application deadlines. Please view our application deadlines page for further information.
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The offering information on this website applies only to future students. Current students should refer to faculty handbooks for current or past course information. View courses information disclaimer.
- Curtin course code: BB-GLGBIO
- CRICOS code: 043265G
- Last updated on: July 2, 2022
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