Master of Earth Science
In an increasingly globalised world, demanding ever more expertise,
the new Master of Earth Science provides high-quality training in line
with trends in both Europe and North America. Two programs are offered,
equivalent to one or two years of full time study, with entry to each
dependent on the previous studies and experience of the applicant.
The program includes intensive one to two week-long theory and field-based
units which have been taught for the last fourteen years by senior staff
in the School of Earth Sciences. These have been formally evaluated
by students, industry and government attendees to ensure their relevance
and quality.
The School of Earth Sciences is a highly dynamic and innovative department,
with an extremely strong research profile and excellent links with industry.
The School houses the headquarters of both the Minerals Tertiary Education
Council (MTEC) and the Predictive Mineral Discovery Cooperative Research
Centre (PMDCRC). These connections with MTEC and PMDCRC will continue
to guide the development of Masters-level study to provide the necessary
professional qualification for graduates wishing to work in industry.
In particular, MTEC will be involved in delivering new Masters-level
subjects in ore deposits and geodynamics.
Objectives
The objective of the Master of Earth Science is to provide advanced
training in three streams of the Earth Sciences to candidates from
Australia and overseas. On completion of their studies, students will
have been given opportunities to:
- increase their knowledge and understanding of the relevant discipline
and awareness of current developments and issues relating to this
discipline;
- develop independent and critical thinking;
- improve oral and written communication skills;
- acquire advanced research skills and techniques (for example,
laboratory techniques and data collection and analysis);
- engage in independent research, under appropriate supervision;
- present their research findings in documented scholarly form; and
- interact with many Australian and overseas students studying the same subjects.
Master of Earth Science - 100 points (1 Year Full Time)
Entry requirements
An approved four year honours degree or equivalent with a final year
grade average of at least 75% (where 50% is the minimum required for
a pass result) or, an approved three year degree with two years of
relevant work experience.
Structure
Candidates normally complete three Masters-level coursework subjects
(3 x 25 points), and a minor thesis (25 points). Each 25 point coursework
subject consists of 4 one to two week-long theory and field-based
units selected from the range of electives offered each year in the
VIEPS
Handbook. VIEPS is the Victorian Institute of Earth and Planetary
Science, comprising the Schools of Earth Science at the University
of Melbourne and Monash University, who have been collaborating in
Honours and postgraduate teaching since 1989.
Some candidates with appropriate industry experience may apply to
the Master of Earth Science Advisory Panel to undertake only two coursework
subjects (2 x 25 points) and a larger minor thesis component (50 points).
A literature review and research plan are undertaken as part of the
minor thesis which is submitted in late November with a presentation
to the department in early December (or in May and June respectively
for mid-year entry students).
Three streams are available in the coursework component of the program,
based on the combination of subjects selected as indicated below:
Stream 1: Geodynamics & Petroleum
- Basin Analysis and Structure
- Petroleum & Energy Resources
- Plus one of:
- Geodynamics
- Geophysics & 3D Modelling
Stream 2: Geodynamics & Ore Deposits
- Economic Geology
- Geophysics & 3D Modelling
- Plus one of:
- Basin Analysis & Structure
- Geodynamics
Stream 3: Earth Systems
- Environment & Earth Systems
- Plus a choice of two of:
- Geophysics and 3D Modelling
- Basin Analysis & Structure*
- Geodynamics *
- Petroleum & Energy Resources
- Economic Geology
* Most common choices
To assist students in planning and completing the program, the Master
of Earth Science Advisory Panel will provide:
- individual course advice to candidates concerning the subjects to be taken within their stream; and
- advice on preparing their literature review and choosing a minor thesis topic and supervisor.
Candidature
This program can be completed in one year of full time study. Part-time
students (e.g. from industry) may complete the degree over two to four
years. Part-time study is only available to Australian students. The
full-time program is available to international students subject to
CRICOS approval.
Commencement
Candidates may commence in either semester one (February) or semester
two (July), depending on their nominated stream.
Articulation pathways
Articulation into the Postgraduate Diploma
in Science (Earth Sciences program) is available to students who
have completed the Postgraduate Certificate
in Science (Earth Sciences program). These students will be eligible
for 50 points credit towards the Postgraduate Diploma in Science.
Students who subsequently complete the Postgraduate Diploma in Science
with a 75% average will be eligible to articulate directly into the
100 point Master of Earth Science.
Master of Earth Science - 200 points (Two Years Full Time)
Entry requirements
An approved three year degree with a third year grade average of
at least 70% (where 50% is the minimum required for a pass result).
Structure
First year
The first semester of this course involves completion of the fourth
year level subject 625-497 Advanced Coursework (25 points) and commencement
of the research project (25 points) including a literature review
and research plan for the minor thesis (including a proposed paper
for publication). This program is equivalent to the first semester
of the Bachelor of Science (Honours) program and the Postgraduate
Diploma in Science program in the School of Earth Sciences.
In the second semester, students complete an additional 25 points
of coursework and 25 points of research.
Second year
During the second year of study, students will complete two 600-level
subjects (as for the 100 point Master of Earth Science)
and a minor research thesis (50 points), the majority of which will
be in the form of a paper appropriate for publication. Students will
not be able to take modules considered as introductory (or 400-level)
in this second year of study and, as with the first year of study,
an appropriate course plan will be established with the support of
the Master of Earth Science Advisory Panel.
Each 25 point coursework subject consists of 4 one to two week-long
theory and field-based units selected from the range of electives
offered each year in the . VIEPS is the Victorian Institute of Earth and Planetary
Science, comprising the Schools of Earth Science at the University
of Melbourne and Monash University, who have been collaborating in
Honours and postgraduate teaching since 1989.
Candidature
This program can be completed in two years of full time study. Part-time
study is only available to Australian students. The full-time program
is available to international students subject to CRICOS approval.
Students enrolled in the 200 point Master of Earth Science are required
to achieve a 75% average in their first 50 points of study in order
to continue in the program.
Commencement
Candidates may commence in either semester one (February) or semester
two (July), depending on their nominated stream.
Articulation pathways
Articulation into the Postgraduate Diploma
in Science (Earth Sciences program) is available to students who
have completed the Postgraduate Certificate
in Science (Earth Sciences program). These students will be eligible
for 50 points credit towards the Postgraduate Diploma in Science.
Students who subsequently complete the Postgraduate Diploma in Science
with a 75% average will be eligible to articulate directly into the
100 point Master of Earth Science.
Further information
Faculty of Science
Old Geology Building
Phone: +61 3 8344 6404
Email: science-queries@unimelb.edu.au
www.science.unimelb.edu.au