Geochemistry major
Geochemistry is the application of chemistry to understanding Earth's systems and processes. It is very broad in its scope, extending to the deep Earth, its continents and oceans, as well as to the atmosphere and biosphere through time. Exploration of other planets also focuses on geochemical characterisation of materials to understand planetary evolution. Geochemistry is also widely applied to exploration for a wide range of resources, especially in Western Australia. This major focuses on enabling students to gain critical skills in earth science and chemistry to take advantage of employment opportunities arising from technological advances. It will also enable students to learn how to gather and apply geochemical data to environmental and mineral exploration and production contexts in an increasingly digital world.
Outcomes
Students are able to (1) demonstrate understanding of key geological concepts and application of knowledge and skills in the interpretation of major geological processes operating at local to global scales; (2) demonstrate practical skills in the recognition and interpretation of Earth materials, and solve earth science problems using field-based and laboratory-based skills in analysis and interpretation of geoscientific datasets; (3) demonstrate teamwork and professional conduct skills including understanding of fieldwork and laboratory safety; (4) demonstrate knowledge of the properties of common classes of chemicals and matter, and the principles of chemical safety
; (5) solve basic chemical problems; (6) demonstrate essential knowledge of chemical kinetics, thermodynamics, spectroscopy, reaction mechanisms, equilibria and periodic properties; (7) analyse chemical data, develop and test hypotheses and interpret experimental results; (8) demonstrate developed skills in communicating knowledge and interpretations in appropriate oral, written and graphical formats; (9) apply knowledge and practical skills in geochemistry, including integration of geoscientific datasets to solve fundamental and applied earth science problems; and (10) apply relevant employability skills for geochemistry.
Broadening guidelines
All students studying towards a Bachelor's Degree at UWA are required to Broaden their studies by completing a minimum of four units (24 points) of study outside their degree specific major. Broadening is your opportunity to explore other areas of interest, investigate new disciplines and knowledge paradigms and to shape your degree to suit your own aspirations and interests. Many of you will be able to undertake more than this minimum amount of broadening study and we encourage you to do so if this suits your aspirations. Over the next few months you will find here some broadening suggestions related to your degree-specific major. While we know that many students value guidance of this sort, these are only suggestions and students should not lose sight of the opportunity to explore that is afforded by your Broadening Choices. Advice can also be sought from your Allocated Student Advising Office.
Prerequisites
Mathematics Methods ATAR or WACE Mathematics: Specialist 3A/3B or equivalent. Students otherwise take MATH1721, or MATH1720 and MATH1721 at Level 1 depending on prior study. Chemistry ATAR or equivalent.
Geochemistry can only be taken as a degree-specific major in the following degree courses:
BP004 Bachelor of Science
BH005 Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours)
Overview of unit sequence
Geochemistry is a degree-specific double major comprising:
- five Level 1 units
- five Level 2 units
- eight Level 3 units
Key to availability of units: |
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S1 = Semester 1; S2 = Semester 2; NS = non-standard teaching period |
Level 1
Take all units (30 points):
Availability | Unit code | Unit name | unit requirements |
---|---|---|---|
S1, S2 | CHEM1001 | Chemistry—Properties and Energetics |
|
S1, S2 | CHEM1002 | Chemistry—Structure and Reactivity |
|
S2 | EART1104 | Discovering Earth |
|
S1 | EART1105 | Dynamic Planet |
|
S1 | SCOM1101 | Communicating Science |
|
Bridging units must be successfully completed within the first 48 points of study. Students who have not achieved a scaled mark of at least 50 in Mathematics Methods ATAR or equivalent or higher are required to complete MATH1721. Students who have not achieved a scaled mark of at least 50 in Mathematics Applications ATAR or equivalent or higher are required to complete MATH1720 and MATH1721. Students who have not achieved a scaled mark of at least 50 in Chemistry ATAR or equivalent or higher are required to complete CHEM1003.
Availability | Unit code | Unit name | unit requirements |
---|---|---|---|
S1, S2 | CHEM1003 | Introductory Chemistry |
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S1, S2 | MATH1720 | Mathematics Fundamentals |
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S1, S2 | MATH1721 | Mathematics Foundations: Methods |
|
Level 2
Take all units (30 points):
Availability | Unit code | Unit name | unit requirements |
---|---|---|---|
S1 | CHEM2001 | Core Chemical Concepts and Techniques | |
S2 | CHEM2002 | Physical and Analytical Chemistry |
|
S1 | EART2231 | Earth Materials |
|
NS | EART2232 | Field Geology | |
S2 | EART2234 | Earth Processes |
|
Level 3
Take all units (48 points):
Availability | Unit code | Unit name | unit requirements |
---|---|---|---|
S1 | CHEM3001 | Essential Chemical Skills |
|
S2 | CHEM3002 | Chemical Explorations |
|
S1 | CHEM3005 | Chemical Spectroscopy and Structure |
|
S2 | CHEM3006 | Chemistry Beyond the Laboratory |
|
S1 | EART3342 | Geochemistry and Petrology | |
NS | EART3343 | Structural Geology and Tectonics | |
S2 | EART3344 | Basin Analysis | |
S2 | EART3353 | Geological Mapping |
Choosing your degree-specific major
Specialised degrees – Bachelor of Advanced Computer Science (Honours), Bachelor of Automation and Robotics, Bachelor of Environmental Design, Bachelor of Music
You must satisfy the requirements of the degree-specific major in your degree before you complete your course. (You have the choice to either nominate your degree-specific major when you first enrol in the course or delay nominating it until your second year.)
Bachelor of Philosophy, Politics and Economics
This comprehensive degree does not allow you to choose a double major.
General degrees
You must satisfy the requirements of a degree-specific major before you complete your course. The flexible structure of an undergraduate course allows you to try out a number of different subjects to see what interests you before nominating your degree-specific major. You have the choice to either nominate your degree-specific major when you first enrol in the course or delay nominating it until your second year.
To plan the first year of your study without nominating a degree-specific major, you are advised to choose units that will pave the way to two or more degree-specific majors that are of interest to you. For examples of the choice of units available in first year, search the first-year study plans .
To fully understand the structure of an undergraduate course, read the course structure information and the Undergraduate Degree Course Rules.
There are more choices open to you. For more examples, search the study plans .