| AQF Level |
Level 9 Masters by Coursework Degree |
| CRICOS Code |
083788E |
| Overview and Aims of the Program |
The Master of Geoscience provides an advanced degree that prepares students to work in private industry and government agencies. The graduate program also gives professional geoscientists an opportunity to build upon and improve their professional/job skills. The Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at Macquarie University (http://eps.mq.edu.au/) has an international reputation for its multidisciplinary research and study programs, with expertise in geology, geochemistry, geophysics and geodynamics. These fields are critical to understanding many environmental and industry-related problems. Unique to this degree is its multidisciplinary and “big-picture” problem-solving approach, necessary to tackle 21st century problems. Our teaching is also supported by the world-class ARC research centre Core to Crust Fluid Systems and various other high profile research groups. Although there are no formal specialisations within the masters program, students must complete 16 credit points of the degree by a research project supervised by one of the academic staff in the Department (please refer to http://eps.mq.edu.au/staff.htm) who has an area of expertise appropriate to your research interests. All students will be assigned an academic advisor within the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences who will assist the student, before beginning the masters, in planning a course of study appropriate to his/her area of interest. |
| Graduate Capabilities |
The Graduate Capabilities Framework articulates the fundamentals that underpin all of Macquarie’s academic programs. It expresses these as follows:
Cognitive capabilities
(K) discipline specific knowledge and skills
(T) critical, analytical and integrative thinking
(P) problem solving and research capability
(I) creative and innovative
Interpersonal or social capabilities
(C) effective communication
(E) engaged and ethical local and global citizens
(A) socially and environmentally active and responsible
Personal capabilities
(J) capable of professional and personal judgement and initiative
(L) commitment to continuous learning |
| Program Learning Outcomes |
By the end of this program it is anticipated you should be able to:
KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING
1. create detailed maps and logs where rocks are reasonably well exposed, understand how aerial photos can be used to help create accurate maps, and determine the geological history and changing palaeoenvironments of an area
2. identify key systems and their interplay within the Earth
3. construct a critical evaluation of current scientific knowledge in geosciences
4. understand how to collect, prepare, describe and interpret geoscientific data and information
5. comprehend and articulate the essential links between Earth Sciences and other science disciplines in order to deepen your comprehension of Geosciences
6. identify and suggest explanations for geoscientific problems related to environmental and industry-related activities
7. understand and apply recent techniques and conceptual developments in the selected area of professional practice
8. understand and apply research principles and methods applicable to the selected area of practice.
SKILLS AND CAPABILITIES
9. collect and analyse quantitative geoscientific data (e.g. geochemical, geophysical, geological, environmental, etc) to solve a range of geological problems.
10. infer depositional environments from field observations, and effectively use several field instruments.
11. formulate hypotheses and use appropriate techniques to test and evaluate these through experimentation and observation.
12. research and extract relevant geoscientific information in order to describe and communicate a coherent understanding of earth system processes.
13. co-ordinate and integrate multiple strands of knowledge in order to solve geoscientific problems through a combination of any or all of literature research, field and laboratory studies and theoretical techniques.
14. summarise and effectively communicate scientific understanding. this will include presentation of information, articulating and evaluating arguments and justifying conclusions via a range of mechanisms (oral, written and visual) to a diversity of audiences for a variety of purposes. |
| Learning and Teaching Methods |
Students will be encouraged throughout this program to acquire the relevant subject skills, methods, knowledge and understanding through a variety of independent and collaborative activities. In the Earth Science Project and other project units, the student will undertake guided reading and analysis of a geoscientific problem, and gain expertise in written communication of a review on the chosen topic. In the fieldwork unit, the student will acquire advanced skills in sedimentary facies and log analyses, and data analyses, in a condensed form by tutoring in the field. This unit will also build generic teamwork and fieldwork skills. In the compulsory research project, the student will undertake guided practical research, typically in the laboratory and/or during fieldwork. The research topic will be closely supervised by an academic staff member who will guide the student towards completion of a major masters thesis. Towards the end of the program, students will gain skills in communicating their results at an advanced professional level, as well as being able to understand the works of others and communicate those results to their colleagues. The program is structured to promote and steadily encourage independent learning. |
| Assessment |
The assessment methods are mostly based on the submission of individual coursework, although some in-class tests will also be carried out. The assessment methods will range from undertaking numerical and descriptive assignments to oral presentations, the production of scientific reports and to the preparation of a master thesis. The program incorporates formative and summative feedback. Formative feedback is that which is received whilst students are working on a task. Typically this may take the form of editing and marking of early drafts of a report of thesis. Summative feedback is that received once students have completed a task. Both forms of feedback are extremely important and provide students with information and guidance on their development and progress. Feedback may mainly be provided in written form, but complemented by ongoing oral discussion with teachers.
Towards the end of the program there is one substantial masters thesis (16cp unit) that will require students to bring together a combination of most likely fieldwork, research and analytical skills, and write up the resultant research outcomes in a coherent and logical format that may often be publishable in the scientific literature. |
| Recognition of Prior Learning |
Macquarie University may recognise prior formal, informal and non-formal learning for the purpose of granting credit towards, or admission into, a program. The recognition of these forms of learning is enabled by the University’s Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Policy and its associated Procedures and Guidelines. For recognition of prior informal and non-formal learning, please refer to the relevant RPL Plan, which describes the evidential requirements and approval processes for recognising prior learning for entry or credit in this program.
For undergraduate RPL plans visit www.goto.mq.edu.au/nonschoolrpl
For postgraduate RPL plans visit www.goto.mq.edu.au/pgrpl |
| Support for Learning |
Macquarie University aspires to be an inclusive and supportive community of learners where all students are given the opportunity to meet their academic and personal goals. The University offers a comprehensive range of free and accessible student support services which include academic advice, counselling and psychological services, advocacy services and welfare advice, careers and employment, disability services and academic skills workshops amongst others. There is also a bulk billing medical service located on campus.
Further information can be found at www.students.mq.edu.au/support/
Campus Wellbeing contact details:
Phone: +61 2 9850 7497
Email: campuswellbeing@mq.edu.au
www.students.mq.edu.au/support/health_and_wellbeing/contact_us |
| Program Standards and Quality |
The program is subject to an ongoing comprehensive process of quality review in accordance with a pre-determined schedule that complies with the Higher Education Standards Framework. The review is overseen by Macquarie University's peak academic governance body, the Academic Senate and takes into account feedback received from students, staff and external stakeholders. |
| Graduate Destinations and Employability |
The Master of Geoscience provides an advanced degree that prepares students to work in private industry and government agencies. The graduate program also gives professional geoscientists an opportunity to build upon and improve their professional/job skills. |
| Assessment Regulations |
This program is subject to Macquarie University regulations, including but not limited to those specified in the Assessment Policy, Academic Honesty Policy, the Final Examination Policy and relevant University Rules. For all approved University policies, procedures, guidelines and schedules visit www.mq.edu.au/policy. |
| Accreditation |
This is an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) accredited qualification.
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