Environmental Geology
UndergraduateUNE-GEOL3132025
Delve deeper into science to explore human interaction with the Earth’s rocks, soil, air and water. You’ll investigate human impacts on the environment, like mining and climate change. Conduct a research project on a real environmental geology problem.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Enrol by
- 12 Oct 2025
- Entry requirements
- Part of a degree
- Duration
- 16 weeks
- Start dates
- 23 June 2025,
- 20 Oct 2025
- Price from
- $2,351
- Upfront cost
- $0
- Loan available
- FEE-HELP available
Environmental Geology
About this subject
Upon completion of this subject, students will be able to:
- demonstrate a broad and coherent theoretical/technical understanding of the geological processes and their controls and influences on many aspects of environmental science;
- apply independent research skills and well developed judgement to analyse and evaluate source reliability and data evaluation;
- communicate effectively through report writing using appropriate referencing;
- demonstrate a broad and coherent theoretical/technical knowledge of the subject using geological concepts in applications regarding community-based, and industry-based issues; and
- demonstrate a broad and coherent theoretical/technical knowledge of the subject by using those skills to solve unpredictable and sometimes complex problems arising within the subject.
- Topics will be available to enrolled students in the subjects moodle site approximately one week prior to the commencement of the teaching period.
Without the geologic environment – the rocks, soil, air and water – that surrounds us, there would be no life on Earth. Environmental and geological processes shape human life, while human activity impacts the environment in significant ways. This subject introduces you to current topics and controversies in environmental geology. You will explore geological hazards, and a range of issues related to human impacts on the environment, including land use and resource management. Learning about volcanic hazards, earthquakes, tsunami, flooding, ground water resources, mineral resources and mining, soil resources and aspects of earth’s climate, you will be ready to apply your knowledge to community and industry-based problems. A research project and a forum where you present your findings offers you the opportunity to investigate an environmental geology problem of your choice, in a location that suits you. Fine tune your critical thinking, analytical and scientific communication skills.
Assignment 1 Research Proposal. 1000 words. Relates to Learning Outcomes 1-3;
Online Assessment: 5 x online quizzes worth 7% each. 2000 words. Relates to Learning Outcomes 1-4;
Assignment 2 Research: 2000 words. Relates to Learning Outcomes 1, 3, 5.
Practical Participation: The School of Environmental and Rural Science considers all practical/laboratory/tutorial activities as essential to student learning. Attendance and participation in all practical/laboratory/tutorial classes (sessions) is mandatory - exemptions will not be granted without supporting evidence.- Assignment 1 - Research Proposal - 1000 words (20%)
- Online Assessment - 5 x online quizzes worth 7% each. 2000 words (35%)
- Assignment 2 - Research - 2000 words (45%)
- Practical Participation
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
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Entry requirements
Part of a degree
To enrol in this subject you must be accepted into one of the following degrees:
Elective
- UNE-DSC-DIP-2025 - Diploma in Science
Prior study
You must either have successfully completed the following subject(s) before starting this subject, or currently be enrolled in the following subject(s) in a prior study period; or enrol in the following subject(s) to study prior to this subject:
Please note that your enrolment in this subject is conditional on successful completion of these prerequisite subject(s). If you study the prerequisite subject(s) in the study period immediately prior to studying this subject, your result for the prerequisite subject(s) will not be finalised prior to the close of enrolment. In this situation, should you not complete your prerequisite subject(s) successfully you should not continue with your enrolment in this subject. If you are currently enrolled in the prerequisite subject(s) and believe you may not complete these all successfully, it is your responsibility to reschedule your study of this subject to give you time to re-attempt the prerequisite subject(s).
Additional requirements
- Equipment requirements - Headphones or speakers (required to listen to lectures and other media). Headset, including microphone (highly recommended). Webcam (may be required for participation in virtual classrooms and/or media presentations).
- Software requirements - It is essential for students to have reliable internet access in order to participate in and complete your units, regardless of whether they contain an on campus attendance or intensive school component. Please refer students to link for requirements: http://www.une.edu.au/current-students/support/it-services/hardware
- Other requirements -
Textbook information is not available until approximately 8 weeks prior to the commencement of the Teaching period.
Students are expected to purchase prescribed material.
Textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.
Related degrees
Once you’ve completed this subject it can be credited towards one of the following courses
UndergraduateUNE-DSC-DIP