From August 2025 you can apply as a domestic student for entry to Adelaide University in 2026.
Applications for 2026 will be via SATAC for most undergraduate and postgraduate coursework programs. A direct application process will be available for 100% online degrees at a later date. In the meantime, you could start your degree at UniSA or the University of Adelaide and continue at Adelaide University.
Why Bachelor of Science?
Are you interested in improving and protecting human life by studying planet Earth? Want to know how earthquakes occur, how volcanoes form and how to predict these hazards before they happen?
With our Bachelor of Science majoring in Geology, you’ll be able to acquire these skills. Become an expert on planet Earth – how it was formed, how it has changed and how to effectively manage its natural mineral and energy resources. Combine concepts in chemistry and physics to investigate phenomena happening on Earth. Delve into the Earth’s rocks, minerals and tectonics. Study a degree that goes beyond textbook learning with plenty of hands-on opportunities. You’ll get to explore the outdoors through fieldwork and analyse geological samples in laboratory work. Be ready for a diverse career in geology – you could work in mining, agriculture, renewable energy or for the government.
Overview
In the Bachelor of Science majoring in Geology, you’ll build a solid foundation in science principles and learn about planet Earth – its systems and its evolution. You’ll build your knowledge in sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic rocks – how to identify them and how they tell a story about Earth’s history. You’ll explore contemporary issues including the extraction of Earth’s natural resources, climate change and sustainability. Learn through a mixture of theoretical work, fieldwork and laboratory work. Gain practical skills such as mapping rock formations and conducting geological surveys. You might even choose a second major to broaden your knowledge and skillset in another discipline. Graduate with the expertise to work across industries such as mining, agriculture, renewable energy, government and research.
Key features
Explore topics on climate change, sustainability and evolution.- Develop geological research, analysis and reporting skills.
- Deepen your critical thinking, analytical problem-solving and evidence-based decision-making skills.
- Choose a second major to boost your employment prospects.
- Use purpose-built labs with industry-standard tools and technologies.
- Complete a field geoscience program in your final year.
What you'll learn
During your Bachelor of Science degree majoring in Geology, you will complete a mixture of common core courses, science core courses, geology courses, elective courses and a final geoscience program. In three years, you’ll graduate with a solid scientific knowledge base and specialised skills in geology.
Build transferrable skills that can be applied to numerous careers with your common core courses, including critical thinking, analysis, writing and research skills. Your science core courses will focus on people, society and the future of our planet, exploring climate science, environmental issues, ethics and food production systems. You’ll also tackle data handling and visualisation, including quantitative methods, scientific statistics and how to make decisions using big data.
Your Geology major will explore Earth's history, systems and evolution. Discover how oceans and mountains are formed and explore concepts of heat and gravity. Learn about the formation and evolution of the solar system and the potential for habitability on other planets. Identify and analyse different types of rocks including sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic and how they can uncover historical information.
In your final year, you’ll embark on a Field Geoscience Program, with the aim of creating four-dimensional models that describe the geological evolution of terrains.
One of the best parts of studying a Bachelor of Science is you can tailor your studies with either a second major or a range of elective courses. This will help you expand your employment prospects and diversify your knowledge base.
Majors
The Bachelor of Science is also available with majors in the following:
- Biochemistry
- Genetics
- Microbiology and Immunology
- Ecology
- Evolutionary Biology and Palaeontology
- Plant Biology
- Geology and Earth Resources.
- Geology and Palaeontology
- Geophysics
- Soil Science.
What courses you'll study
You're required to complete 144 units to complete your degree, across a mix of core courses, elective and work integrated learning. A list of indicative courses is provided below.
Complete exactly 42 units from the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
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Science of People, Society and the Future Planet | SCIE1001 | 6 |
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Scientific Data Handling and Visualisation | INFO2011 | 6 |
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UG Common Core 1 | AUXX1000 | 6 |
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UG Common Core 2 | AUXX2000 | 6 |
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UG Common Core 3 | AUXX3000 | 6 |
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Physics IA | PHYS1001 | 6 |
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Physics IB | PHYS1002 | 6 |
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Chemistry IA | CHEM1001 | 6 |
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Chemistry IB | CHEM1003 | 6 |
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Calculus 1 | MATH1004 | 6 |
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Biology IA: Molecules, Genes and Cells | BIOL1003 | 6 |
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Biology IB: Organisms | BIOL1004 | 6 |
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Earth, Climate and Life Systems | ECOL1001 | 6 |
Complete exactly 6 units from the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
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Science Professional Project | SCIE3901 | 6 |
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Science Professional Placement | SCIE3900 | 6 |
Complete 6 to 54 units from the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
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Foundations in Physics | PHYS1000 | 6 |
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Foundations in Chemistry | CHEM1000 | 6 |
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Foundations in Mathematics | MATH1000 | 6 |
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Calculus 1 | MATH1004 | 6 |
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Elective 1 | AUXX1011 | 6 |
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Elective 2 | AUXX1012 | 6 |
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Elective 3 | AUXX1013 | 6 |
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Elective 4 | AUXX1014 | 6 |
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Elective 5 | AUXX1015 | 6 |
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Elective 6 | AUXX1016 | 6 |
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Elective 7 | AUXX1017 | 6 |
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Elective 8 | AUXX1018 | 6 |
Complete exactly 48 units from the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
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Planet Earth | EART1000 | 6 |
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Extra-terrestrial Geoscience | EART1002 | 6 |
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Sedimentary Geology II | GEOL2002 | 6 |
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Structural Geology II | GEOL2003 | 6 |
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Igneous and Metamorphic Geology II | GEOL2004 | 6 |
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Igneous and Metamorphic Geology III | GEOL3001 | 6 |
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Tectonics III | GEOL3002 | 6 |
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Earth Systems History III | EART3000 | 6 |
Career outcomes
Your geology expertise will open doors to all sorts of exciting careers. You could be a mining geologist, extracting minerals and metals or planning and overseeing mining operations. Perhaps you’ll monitor active volcanoes to predict eruptions and mitigate hazards for nearby populations.
Other careers might include:
- Geologist
- Environmental geologist
- Volcanologist
- Hydrogeologist
- Petroleum Geologist
- Climate change analyst
- Geophysicist
- Geomorphologist
- Field technician
- Laboratory technician
- Research scientist.
Industry trends
Geologists and Earth scientists have valuable skills that are essential in many industries, from mining and energy to government and agriculture. They develop frameworks for mineral and energy exploration, consult on geological surveys, predict and manage natural disasters, and evaluate environmental and economic impacts of mining projects. Their work is not only vital for sustainable development but also significantly boosts the economy. For instance, in 2023, geoscience contributed $76 billion in added value and supported 80,000 jobs in Australia alone (Deloitte, 2023). As new developments are made in these sectors, including shifts to renewable energy and measures to mitigate climate change, demand for Earth scientists will continue to grow. Technological advances will open new frontiers in environmental monitoring and geological exploration, and expanding environmental initiatives will create a wealth of new career paths.
How to apply
FAQs
Explore answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.
Your study experience and support
Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources.
You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more.
Student services
We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including:
- Career advice and mentoring services
- Personal counselling
- LGBTQIA+ support
- Academic support
- Fees and finance help
- Security services
- Accommodation services
- Common rooms
- Prayer rooms.
You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.
Your campus
You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.
Study hours
Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week.
Assessment
During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include:
- Case studies
- Essays and assignments
- Examinations
- Group projects
- Internships and placements
- Practicals
- Presentations
- Reports and project documentations
- Research projects
- Workplace and classroom contributions.
