Planning a BSc in Geology

The Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree is a three year, full time programme, that allows you to study from a wide variety of subject majors and specializations. You take a BSc by studying courses in a subject major or specialisation, plus other subjects of relevance or interest. A major is the subject that you study to the highest level of your undergraduate degree.

In your first year of university study, you should enrol in Stage I courses only. You should take a range of subjects but ensure that you include the appropriate courses for your chosen major, as well as other recommended Stage I courses.

You commence your major in Geology with GEOLOGY 103 and GEOLOGY 104. These are both prerequisites for the core Stage II course, GEOLOGY 201.

The other course that you must take for the Geology major is GEOLOGY 301; other courses are optional.

In order to advance in Geology beyond the first year we encourage students to develop a good background in Chemistry, Physics or Mathematics. Courses from at least two of these subjects should be included in every Geology student’s programme of study and for some students Biology and Geography may also prove helpful.

Double major degrees with Geography or Chemistry are possible and the specialisation in Geophysics is appealing for some students. Alternatively a selection of professional engineering courses can give you a Geology degree with an applied emphasis.

You will need a total of 360 points to graduate with a BSc, including 75 points at Stage lll level.

For a single or first major in Geology you will need:

• GEOLOGY 103 and GEOLOGY 104
• GEOLOGY 201 and at least 2 courses from: GEOLOGY 202 - GEOLOGY 204
• GEOLOGY 301 and at least 2 courses from: GEOLOGY 302 - GEOLOGY 305
• plus at least one other Stage lll Geology course.

For a second major in Geology you will need:

• GEOLOGY 103 and GEOLOGY 104
• GEOLOGY 201 and at least 2 courses from: GEOLOGY 202 - GEOLOGY 204
• GEOLOGY 301 and at least 2 courses from: GEOLOGY 302 - GEOLOGY 305.

For more information about planning your BSc, refer to the Faculty of Science Prospectus. The full BSc regulations are set out in the University Calendar. It is essential that you consult the Calendar when planning your degree and during enrolment.

Faculty of Science Undergraduate Prospectus

The University of Auckland Calendar