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?
Ever wondered what causes the ground to shake or volcanoes to erupt? Or how Earth’s magnetic field protects us from harmful solar radiation? Take a deeper look inside Earth’s interior – measure its movements and understand its behaviour. Discover the physical and chemical processes that keep the Earth turning on a microscopic and global scale.
Our Bachelor of Science majoring in Geophysics will prepare you for a career as an Earth scientist, poised to provide expertise across a range of industries. Keen to explore beneath the Earth’s surface? Learn about critical mineral deposits and conduct geological surveys.
Apply theories and techniques from physics to understand geological phenomena and solve practical problems through hands-on laboratory and fieldwork.
Overview
Geophysics focuses on the application of the physical laws of the earth. Your major will focus on scales of natural phenomena from the microscopic to the planetary, and the processes that control the formation of natural structures. Learn how to ethically collect data to produce case studies and laboratory experiments.
Gain a comprehensive understanding of the solid, liquid and atmospheric components of Earth and our surrounding planets. Experience hands-on field-based practicals, collecting physical specimens for examination in our experimental labs. Broaden your knowledge of geophysical techniques and apply these to a range of industries in the future.
Benefit from flexible course structure and collaboration with research academics and professional industry partnerships. Take a visual step into the world of geophysics through interactive computer labs and apply your knowledge on a global, exploration and environmental scale.
Key features
Learn about the solid, liquid and atmospheric components of the Earth. - Apply methods of geophysical data analysis, computer modelling, visualisation and interpretation.
- Investigate diffusive and wave-based geophysical techniques such as earthquake seismology and frequency-domain electromagnetics.
- Get hands-on – discover geophysical techniques through field-based practicals.
- Detect and map mineral and energy resources using 3D technology in specialised computer labs.
- Complete a professional placement or project in your final year.
What you'll learn
Our Bachelor of Science is a flexible degree that allows you to design your own degree based on your strengths and interests. Designed to build your analytical, problem-solving and computational skills, you’ll be an asset across a range of industries. Whether you want to make an influence on global change or become an expert in research, our degree will give you the skills you need.
Your Geophysics major will use physical principles and methods to study the Earth and its environment. Study the physical processes and properties of the Earth, through data visualisation and field work. Apply theories and techniques from physics to understand geological phenomena and solve practical problems.
Advance your knowledge in physics, mathematics and chemistry, building a solid foundation applicable across your major. Learn about the Earth from its core to its surface and its atmosphere and magnetosphere. Investigate the structure of the Earth and its processes both at the surface and deep within it. Learn how to recognise and identify different types of rocks and minerals through laboratory experiments, fieldwork and computer visualisation. Examine how mathematics is the underlying basis for discovering diffusive heat flow, earthquake seismology and electromagnets.
You will experience a diverse range of teaching environments to ensure you can put into practice what you’re learning. There will be opportunities to go out in the field to collect specimens and study them in our specialised experimental labs. Collaborate with experts in the field in third year and build important relationships by undertaking a professional project or placement aligned to your major.
Engage in collaborative learning on-campus through tutorials and workshops, seminars and lectures and the potential online delivery for some courses, allowing flexibility in how your study.
This degree will build your skills and knowledge to allow for collaboration with professionals in geology, engineering, environmental science and other related fields.
Majors
The Bachelor of Science is also available with majors in the following:
- Geology
- Geology and Earth Resources
- Geology and Palaeontology
- Biochemistry
- Biotechnology
- Genetics
- Microbiology and Immunology
- Ecology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Evolutionary Biology & Palaeontology
- Marine and Wildlife Conservation
- Plant Biology
- Environmental Science
- Environmental and Geospatial Science
- 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Science of People, Society and the Future Planet | SCIE1001 | 6 |
|
|
Scientific Data Handling and Visualisation | INFO2011 | 6 |
|
|
UG Common Core 1 | AUXX1000 | 6 |
|
|
UG Common Core 2 | AUXX2000 | 6 |
|
|
UG Common Core 3 | AUXX3000 | 6 |
|
|
Physics IA | PHYS1001 | 6 |
|
|
Physics IB | PHYS1002 | 6 |
|
|
Chemistry IA | CHEM1001 | 6 |
|
|
Chemistry IB | CHEM1003 | 6 |
|
|
Calculus 1 | MATH1004 | 6 |
|
|
Biology IA: Molecules, Genes and Cells | BIOL1003 | 6 |
|
|
Biology IB: Organisms | BIOL1004 | 6 |
|
|
Earth, Climate and Life Systems | ECOL1001 | 6 |
Complete exactly 6 units from the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Science Professional Project | SCIE3901 | 6 |
|
|
Science Professional Placement | SCIE3900 | 6 |
Complete 6 to 54 units from the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Foundations in Physics | PHYS1000 | 6 |
|
|
Foundations in Chemistry | CHEM1000 | 6 |
|
|
Foundations in Mathematics | MATH1000 | 6 |
|
|
Calculus 1 | MATH1004 | 6 |
|
|
Elective 1 | AUXX1011 | 6 |
|
|
Elective 2 | AUXX1012 | 6 |
|
|
Elective 3 | AUXX1013 | 6 |
|
|
Elective 4 | AUXX1014 | 6 |
|
|
Elective 5 | AUXX1015 | 6 |
|
|
Elective 6 | AUXX1016 | 6 |
|
|
Elective 7 | AUXX1017 | 6 |
|
|
Elective 8 | AUXX1018 | 6 |
Complete exactly 48 units from the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Planet Earth | EART1000 | 6 |
|
|
Geophysics II | EART2003 | 6 |
|
|
Geophysics IIIB: Electromagnetics and Seismology | PHYS3010 | 6 |
|
|
Geophysics IIIC: Seismic Processing and Interpretation | EART3004 | 6 |
|
|
Data Ethics and Management I | INFO1015 | 6 |
|
|
Data Handling and Visualisation II | INFO2012 | 6 |
|
|
Data Taming and Prediction II | INFO2013 | 6 |
|
|
Geophysics IIIA: Potential Fields and Geothermics | PHYS3009 | 6 |
Career outcomes
Earth Scientists are uniquely placed to contribute their expertise across a range of industries where an understanding of the Earth System is desirable.
You might explore the impact of mining operations on groundwater and surface environmental processes. Maybe you’ll consult for federal or state government geological surveys and environment departments. Perhaps you’ll manage and predict earthquake risks and climate impacts.
Career outcomes include:
- Geophysicist
- Seismologist
- Geophysical data analyst
- Field technician
- Laboratory technician
- Research scientist.
Geophysicists are employed in a wide range of industries, including petroleum and mineral exploration, groundwater, contaminants and salinity evaluation, state and government geological surveys, defence science and academic research.
Industry trends
The demand for geologists and geophysicists is strong in Australia, with most graduates finding employment in the exploration and mining industries (Australian Institute of Geoscientists, 2019).
The modernisation of geophysics by organisations like the National Computational Infrastructure (NCI), means that new high-performance datasets are changing the way research is conducted. The geophysics research community now has access to high-performing national-scale datasets for the foreseeable future (NCI, 2023). This allows them to change the way we discover new compositions and structures of Australia’s surface and subsurface – revolutionising the field of research.
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.
