Understanding our Earth from the Core to the Surface Earth Evolution
CAREERS IN GEOLOGY
Natural Hazards
Environment
Promoting geoscience knowledge in the community
Mineral and Energy Resources
Careers in Geoscience Geoscience is interwoven into almost every aspect of our daily lives, and geologists work in a wide range of jobs with dozens of specialities. Thousands of geologists are employed in the resource sector where they are responsible for almost all of the minerals and energy you use, the majority of materials you come in contact with every day (from metals to glass to gravel) and are responsible for more than 40% of the nation's export earnings. Geologists also work in environmental industries, protecting groundwater resources, managing hazardous materials, and restoring areas of land degradation.
Geologists collaborate with engineers to site roads and public facilities, assess the risk of geological hazards, such as landslides and earthquakes, and mitigate damage caused by urban development. Other geologists are employed by governments, universities and research organisations to understand topics such as climate change and the evolution of our planet.
Geological careers can take people to the most remote areas of the outback and overseas, to offshore drilling rigs, to the Great Barrier Reef or Antarctic glaciers, and to all the major Australian cities. Some geologists will spend much of their time in a fourwheel drive vehicle in the bush, while others will be in airconditioned offices working on the most sophisticated computers. Some day a geologist will be one of the first humans to step onto Mars.
Geoscience has something for everyone!
GEOLOGICAL ORGANISATIONS Geological Society of Australia http://www.gsa.org.au/ Geological Society of Australia (Queensland Branch) http://www.qld.gsa.org.au/ Australian Institute of Geoscientists http://www.aig.org.au/ Geological Survey of Queensland http://www.dme.qld.gov.au/mines/ about_us.cfm Geoscience Australia http://www.ga.gov.au/
How to become a geologist?
Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation http://www.csiro.au/
Geologists generally require university training with a minimum of a BSc degree in Geology, Geoscience, or Earthscience. Honours and Masters Degrees have traditionally been required for employment by many exploration companies, but current need is so great that many companies employ students with only a BSc degree.
GEOLOGY CAREERS INFORMATION
Three universities in Queensland provide undergraduate degrees in Geology: James Cook University, Queensland University of Technology and the University of Queensland. Links to these universities can be found to the right.
Geological Society of Australia Careers Information http://www.gsa.org.au/resources/ careers.html Careers page for the Queensland Resource Council http://www.qrc.org.au/01_cms/details. asp?ID=686 Skills Page for the Queensland Resource Council http://www.qrc.org.au/01_cms/details. asp?ID=1356
QUEENSLAND UNIVERSITY GEOSCIENCE DEPARTMENTS James Cook University http://www.jcu.edu.au/ees/ Queensland University of Technology http://nrs.sci.qut.edu.au/ undergraduate/geoscience/index.jsp The University of Queensland http://www.earthsciences.uq.edu.au/
Publications Easy to understand publications on the rocks and landscapes of Queensland are available for purchase from the GSA Queensland Division. Included are the very popular Rocks & Landscapes booklets on various districts and National Parks of the State. Rocks and Landscape Notes leaflets on smaller areas can be downloaded freely. Just go to www.qld.gsa.org.au/rocks.htm to check catalogue.
Student assistance and encouragement
AIG Geoscience Bursaries for Tertiary Students
Both the GSA and AIG provide encouragement to high school and tertiary students studying earth sciences; including bursaries, awards and other financial assistance.
The AIG Student Bursary Program was initiated to promote and support geoscience research and education in Australia. The program began in 2001 to mark the 20th Anniversary of the AIG, and since then up to eighteen bursaries have been awarded each year. The awards, which have values between A$1,000 and A$2,500, are funded by the AIG and the generous sponsorship of individuals and organisations. Bursaries are available to students enrolled at Third Year, Honours or Postgraduate level in a geoscience course at an Australian tertiary institution; Honours and Third Year Bursaries are awarded to provide general financial support and encouragement for students. Postgraduate Bursaries are awarded to provide financial support for a special project or activity that will enhance an applicant's postgraduate research project and promote interaction with other scientists in their field, outside of their normal place of study.
GSA QLD Division Awards Medals for Secondary and Tertiary Students The GSA Qld Division awards medals annually to high school students who achieve outstanding results in earth sciences in year 12 and to the highest achieving undergraduate from each of UQ, JCU and QUT. Additionally the Dorothy Hill and Neville Stevens medals are awards for distinguished service to the Queensland geological community. Visit www.qld.gsa.org.au for mor information. For example, GSA Qld Division awards medals annually to high school students who achieve outstanding results in earth sciences in year 12 and to the highest achieving earth science undergraduate from each of UQ, JCU and QUT. Visit www.qld.gsa.org.au for more information.
The Australian Institute of Geoscientists (AIG) represents professional geoscientists on a range of public issues, promotes geological education and development of members and students, and provides avenues for developing and maintaining standards of professional practice. Visit www.aig.org.au/branches/queensland
The Geological Society of Australia (GSA) is a non-profit organisation which disseminates geological knowledge to professional geologists and government, improving public awareness of geological issues, and promoting better stewardship of our natural geological resources and environment while helping meet community health and economic needs.Visit www.gsa.org.au and www.qld.gsa.org.au for more information.