Geology is the study of the physical structure and substance of the earth. It’s a science that has diverse applications and practical relevance across many industries, from mining to farming, construction and environmental management.
The Certificate of Geology is an online professional development program that will explore the nature and scope of geology and concepts that underpin the science.
In this professional development course, you will learn about rock types, minerals, the nature of chemical change and the significance of groundwater on different sites.
You will also learn about the nature and scope of geophysics in today’s world and the practical applications of geology.
On completion of this course, you will have a foundation knowledge of the scope, nature and application of structural geology.
Course Structure
Unit - Geology
Unit 1 – Introduction
- Methodology
- Applications of geology
- Basic chemistry of rocks
- Table of significant elements
- Rocks and minerals
- Building blocks
- Minerals & mineraloids
- Formation of minerals
- Introduction to mineral groups
- Silicates
Unit 2 – Types of rocks
- Igneous rocks
- Texture
- Silica content classification of igneous rocks
- Sedimentary rocks
- Formation
- Texture and features
- Metamorphic rocks
- Formation
- Recrystallisation
- Classification of metamorphic rocks
- Foliated rocks
- Non-foliated rocks
- Mineral classification and crystal structure
- Simplified review of Pauling’s rules on crystal structures
- Geological environments and mineral formation
- Igneous minerals
- Metamorphic minerals
- Sedimentary minerals
- Hydrothermal minerals
Unit 3 – Structural geology
- Tectonics and geodynamics
- Features of structural geology
- Folds
- Boudins
- Foliations and lineations
- Describing structures in geology
- Designing tectonic models
- Measurements
- Linear features
- Planar features
- Orientation of forces
- Magnitude of stress
- Displacement
- Data acquisition: field geology
- Data synthesis and analysis
- Validating models
Unit 4 – Types of minerals
- Identifying minerals
- Crystal form
- Colour and lustre
- Transparency and cleavage
- Fracture and tenacity
- Specific gravity
- Hardness
- Mineral classification
- Silicate minerals
- Orthosilicates
- Sorosilicates
- Cyclosilicates
- Tectosilicates
- Inosilicates
- Phyllosilicates
- Non-silicate minerals
- Native elements
- Sulphides and halides
- Oxides
- Carbonates and carbon
- Sulphates and phosphates
- Borates
Unit 5 – Geobiology
- Earth’s gases
- Metabolic diversity of organisms
- Metabolic approaches
- Oxygen-producing (photosynthetic) bacteria
- Greenhouse gases
- Biophysical soil processes
- Soil chemical environment
- Soil microbiome
- Soil biology
- Influence of soil
- Underwater bio-physical processes
- Coral reef formation
Unit 6 – Geophysics
- Seismology
- Tectonics
- Hydrology
- Glaciology
- Geothermetry
- Geomagnetometry
- Petrophysics
- Mineral physics
- Plate tectonics theory
- Plate boundaries
- Divergent boundaries
- Convergent boundaries
- Oceanic-continental convergence
- Oceanic-oceanic convergence
- Continental-continental convergence
- Transform faults boundaries
- Nano tectonics
Unit 7- Geochemistry
- Geochemistry sub-disciplines
- Analytical geochemistry
- Elements and isotopes
- Isotope geochemistry
- Radiocarbon dating
- Low-temperature geochemistry
- Organic geochemistry
- Geochemical cycles
- Interactions between the earth’s layers
- Separation and concentration of elements
- Moving and mixing the earth
- Evolution of the earth’s atmosphere
- The nitrogen cycle
- The oxygen cycle
- The carbon cycle
- Fractionation
- Health impacts
Unit 8 – Groundwater hydrology
- Estimated global groundwater resources
- Types of groundwater
- Occurrence of groundwater
- Infiltration of water
- Depth to groundwater
- Aquifers
- Confined aquifer
- Unconfined aquifer
- Semi-confined aquifer
- Perched aquifer
- Properties and parameters of aquifers
- Primary and secondary porosity
- Groundwater recharge and discharge
- Specific yield
- Glaciohydrogeology
Unit 9 – Applied geology
- Groundwater management
- Value of groundwater
- Determining the value of groundwater
- Mining processes
- Prospecting and exploration
- Development and exploitation
- Surface mining and underground mining
- Rehabilitation
- Economic geology
- Engineering
- Geology in engineering applications
- Applications of geology in engineering
- Geological techniques applied to engineering
- Geohazards in engineering practices
- Methodology
- Geotourism
- Geological surveys
- Geological maps
- Objectives and aspects of geological mapping
- Remote sensing
- Geological observations
- Geochemical methodology
- Geophysical surveys
- Surface geological mapping methodology
- Traversing
- Soil: indicator of underlying rock type
- Vegetation and geomorphology
- Test drilling
- Preparing a geological map
- Interpretation of geological maps
Assessment
When you study with Australian Online Courses you will be assessed using a competency-based training method. Competency-based training focuses on a learner’s ability to receive, respond to and process information to achieve a competency result. As such, skills-based and knowledge assessments are geared towards attainment to meet industry-defined standards.
Assessment will be comprised of written assignments and exercises, including short answer questions, reports, essays, research projects and reflective tasks. There are no examinations or due dates for assessment. As a result, you can complete training in your own time and at your own pace with the assistance of unlimited tutor support.
Testimonials
My experience was good, the information I learnt was fascinating, engaging, and detailed. I enjoyed every part of the course and learnt lots of new and interesting things.
R. Kanyaro, Gosford NSW | Certificate of Geology
A huge amount of work has been put into this course by the organisers to provide a succinct foundation to the subject. It lead me into new areas of hydrology and radiometric dating along with an excellent refresher of my background from the 1960s!
I have very much enjoyed it.
J. Davies, Mullumbimby | Certificate of Geology
Course FAQs
Why Choose Australian Online Courses?
- Professional development that is widely recognised and respected;
- Improve your employment opportunities;
- Study online, anywhere via our elearning system;
- High-quality professional development programs written by industry experts;
- No entry requirements;
- All course materials provided online – no textbooks to buy;
- Unlimited tutor support;
- Easy to understand course content;
- We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply);
- Certificate of Attainment/Completion issued for your CV (hard copy provided); and
- Course may be tax deductible; see your tax advisor.
How long will it take to complete this course?
The approximate study hours for this course is 50 hours. We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply).
Can I purchase optional printed materials?
While printed materials are not available for purchase, PDF copies are available for download and self-printing for this program.
When can I start this course?
You can start within 60 minutes during business hours when you enrol and pay in full with a credit card!
Credit card: Within 60 mins during business hours.
BPAY: Within 1-2 working days.
Internet Banking: Within 1-2 working days.
Cheque/Money Order: Upon receipt of mailed cheque.
Will I receive a certificate upon completion of this course?
Yes! You will receive a Certificate of Attainment upon successful completion of your assessment.
Do I need to attend classes or undertake any work placements?
No. All courses are delivered online via our e-learning system and there are no work placement requirements in this course.
What support can I expect from Australian Online Courses?
Unlimited tutor support is available throughout your studies via email during business hours Monday to Friday. Our Administrative team are available Monday to Friday via email, live chat and telephone.
I am an international student. Can I enrol into this course?
Yes! We accept enrolments from individuals both within Australia and internationally; location is no barrier to entry into our programs.
Career Pathways
Future growth
Low
Unemployment
Strong
Professional Development for:-
- Miners
- Farmers
- Environmental Managers
- Construction Workers
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