Groundwater Hydrology
Postgraduate Awards in Groundwater Hydrology
(Mid-year entry application closing date: 25th July 2008 for all
three courses.)
- Graduate Certificate in Science (Groundwater Hydrology)
- Graduate Diploma in Science (Groundwater Hydrology)
- Master of Science (Groundwater Hydrology)
For thousands of years, groundwater has been exploited as a water
resource in countries across the globe. Yet we are only now starting to gain
an in-depth understanding, based on scientific investigation, of groundwater
science, management and policy. As water issues abound in the 21st century,
expertise in groundwater hydrology is now in increasing demand.
| Fast Facts |
| Course Level: | Postgraduate |  |
| Course Length: | Graduate Certificate - 0.5 years full time (18 units)
Graduate Diploma - 1 year full time (36 units)
Master - 2 years full time (72 units)
Part time study options are available. |
| Location: | Taught on-campus at Flinders. |
| Available To: | Australian
(Commonwealth Supported) and international students. |
| Entry Requirements: | An undergraduate degree in any relevant discipline of science or engineering, from an approved tertiary institution. |
| Course Program Details: | Program of Study for:
Graduate Certificate
Graduate Diploma
Master |
About the CourseWhy study Groundwater Hydrology?
Groundwater is not only a water resource on planet
earth, it also plays a vital role in many environmental phenomena.
Groundwater hydrology is the study of the occurrence,
distribution, movement and quality (both chemical and biological) of water in
subsurface geological systems. It is paramount in sustaining water supplies or
for drinking, agriculture, industry and other uses.
We rely on the knowledge gained by groundwater hydrology to
fight against dryland salinity, prevent or remediate contamination, and maintain
biodiversity and ecosystems.
Groundwater hydrology projects might examine the
sustainability of water resources for large users such as water authorities and
industry irrigators (e.g. grapes, cotton, mining), the characteristics of
groundwater dependent ecosystems, surface water-groundwater interaction, and the
role of groundwater in environmental flows. We are now beginning to appreciate
that surface water and groundwater are intimately connected and that impacts on
one ultimately affect the other.
 Top of page
What Will I Study?
Graduate
Certificate and
Graduate
Diploma
students gain an understanding of the basic scientific concepts relevant to
groundwater, current pressing groundwater management issues and the technologies
employed to deal with them. They also receive basic training in a range of
field, laboratory and computational methods, as well as learning communication
skills and problem-based and critical thinking skills.
The
Masters
marries coursework with a significant research/industry training project. It
provides training in research methodology and preparation of a professional
thesis or report – from project conception, design of methods, collection of
results and their analysis, through to final conclusions and recommendations for
future work.
All three courses are offered in partnership
with the Centre for Groundwater Studies, the
largest centre specialising in groundwater education and research in the
southern hemisphere.
This articulated program enables
scientists, engineers and other environmental professionals whose work requires
groundwater knowledge to complete a professional and industry-focused study of
groundwater hydrology. Groundwater hydrology is not taught in isolation. Other
associated topics teach students the critical interrelationships groundwater has
in the hydrologic cycle such as surface water hydrology and soil-plant
hydrology, amongst others. Students will gain a wide understanding of
environmental hydrological processes and phenomena, including but not limited to
groundwater.
If you have completed a
bachelors degree in another relevant area of engineering or science, this course
will build on your skills and knowledge to apply to groundwater hydrology.
The courses articulate and the
sequentially developed topics allow progression through the three awards.
Candidates who have completed the Graduate Certificate are awarded credit towards the
Graduate Diploma and candidates who have completed the Graduate Diploma are
awarded credit towards the Masters.
Top of page
How can I use Groundwater
Hydrology knowledge in my career?
Groundwater
hydrology is a major growth area for employment worldwide and trained
professionals in this area are in demand. The Commonwealth and State
governments, water authorities, local councils, business, industry,
environmental groups, consultancy firms and universities all employ groundwater
hydrologists.
Graduates from
the Groundwater Hydrology programs at Flinders have found jobs in:
- natural resource and environment agencies of government (local, state and Commonwealth);
- environmental consultancies; and
- industry sectors such as agriculture, mining, aquaculture, water resource planning and management.
Graduates of this
degree will be particularly suited for job opportunities in
land and water resource monitoring and management, and in water
resources management planning and allied technical roles.
The team-based and
problem-based learning skills encouraged in this course are designed to transfer
well to workplaces.
The Masters course can also be a pathway to a PhD for those who
don’t have an honours degree and want to pursue a research career.
Top of page
Why come to Flinders
University in Adelaide?
Flinders
University is an international leader in
groundwater hydrology education and research with one
of the largest groups in any Australian university working in the area.
It is the only university in Australia to offer a complete undergraduate
specialisation in groundwater hydrology.
Our strong undergraduate and postgraduate groundwater hydrology teaching program
is complemented by a leading research program for the training of MSc and PhD by
research.
Flinders University is a key partner in the
Centre for Groundwater Studies (CGS)
which is located on the Flinders campus. This provides access to a large range
of expertise not otherwise available by way of strong industry links with CSIRO
Land and Water and other partners
in the CGS. Students have access to CGS National Groundwater Short Courses
for professional training which are formally credited to their degrees, and
through CGS, students have access to excellent industry-based research projects.
Groundwater
researchers also have strong links with numerous leading State and Federal
agencies such as CSIRO Land and Water and Department of Water, Land and Biodiversity
Conservation.
Surveys have ranked Flinders
University highly among Australian universities for student satisfaction,
teaching quality, teaching and research links, employer satisfaction with
students and research spending and publication rate. The student population is
about 15,600, with international students making up about 12%. The campus boasts
halls of residence and off-campus, affordable accommodation is available nearby.
Regular and frequent public transport services the campus on several routes.
Affordable Adelaide, capital of the state of
South Australia, is a city of about 1 million people with an eye to the future –
a future you can be part of, for the time of your course or the rest of your
life. It has the lowest cost of living of all major Australian cities. The state
government has a focus on developing, in collaboration with private enterprise,
a vibrant, innovative culture that looks to a bright future – quality of life in
a sustainable environment.
Top of page
Entry requirements
All Applicants
For any of the three awards, applicants normally must hold an approved degree or equivalent qualification in any relevant discipline of science or engineering from an approved tertiary institution.
Australian Students
Australian students should contact:
Faculty of Science and Engineering
Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide SA 5001
Tel: (08) 8201 2515 or 1800 803 131 (freecall within Australia)
Fax: (08) 8201 3399
Email: soak.up.science@flinders.edu.au
International Students
CRICOS Provider Code: 00114A
See the Why choose Flinders section for the following information about this and other Flinders courses:
- Tuition fees
- Course entry requirements
- English language requirements
- Australian visa and health cover requirements
For further information about studying in Australia:
The
International Office
Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide SA 5001
Tel (+ 618) 8201 2727
Fax (+ 618) 8201 3177
Ask Flinders - International enquiry form
Apply Now!
If you've read enough and want to apply for entry into this course then:
International Students:
Australian Students:
Three easy steps:
- Visit the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC) website
- Link via the GradStart button. Click on 'Want to Apply?' to begin your
application
- Submit your application. You will be sent a confirmation e-mail
You can apply for admission at any time during the year and GradStart
applications are free.
If you receive any correspondence from SATAC requesting further information you
will need to supply what is requested. Your application cannot be processed
until all requested information is received. Note: you must be a citizen or
permanent resident of Australia to apply through GradStart.
Credit Transfer
Students who have completed the Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma (or other qualifications deemed equivalent) receive credit when progressing to the Graduate Diploma or Masters.
An Application for Credit form and relevant policies are available on the web.
Top of pag
Course Fees
In 2008 these courses have been approved to have Commonwealth Supported (CS)
places.
These courses are also offered on a fee-paying basis. See the appropriate fee schedule for
Australian students and
International Students. Contact
the relevant faculty office for further information.
Australian citizens, and those holding an Australian permanent humanitarian visa who meet eligibility criteria, are eligible to defer their fees through the Higher Education Loan Program (FEE-HELP). Contact Student Finance Services on (08) 8201 3143 for details.
Top of page
Further Information
Flinders Web Resources
The following are additional links within the University of Flinders website where you will find information on costs, financial assistance, and other courses offered by the University.
Contact Us
If you would like to find out more about this course, or any of our other courses, please contact us:
Admissions Office
Science & Engineering
Course Co-ordinator
Last reviewed November 2006.
Top of page
| 
Administration
Smaller Text
Larger Text
Printable Version