1. Geoscience Graduates: Perspectives from the AusIMM – the Minerals Institute AUGEN 2015 The AusIMM Geoscience Society Alison Fairmaid, Bob Smith, Geoff Balfe & Dale Sims

2. The AusIMM provides services to professionals engaged in the global minerals sector, some 14 000 members and is supported by a network of branches and societies. The AusIMM Geoscience Society's priority is to improve links to universities and academics in the geosciences field and to support them in their educational endeavours. Two-fold basis for promoting professional pathways: 1.Encouraging a career in the minerals industry 2.Providing support for the academic community 2014 Geoscience Society membership: 3927 members in or associated with the minerals industry The minerals industry contains geoscience professionals working across Mine geology, exploration geology, resource geology, hydrogeology, geophysics, environmental science Consulting and management Graduates are required to have a broad range of skills and a strong, well-rounded geoscience foundation. The AusIMM Geoscience Society

3. The Minerals Industry in 2014 Boom/bust nature of the minerals industry We must not discourage students from undertaking Geoscience degrees! AusIMM Professional Employment Survey - September 2014. insightrix®

4. The Geoscience Society was approached by a geoscience educator to lend support and develop a skills matrix. Faculty pressure to reduce course content makes students unemployable Merging departments e.g. earth science and geography Merging individual subjects, effectively watering content down Through much discussion and review over the last six months, the Geoscience Society has developed a framework for course content that can be used as a guide when considering or developing a geoscience curriculum. Can be used as a tool by heads of department and curriculum designers for resisting faculty changes that may negatively impact a student’s employment prospects. Should not contain any surprises as most geoscience universities are already currently teaching these courses. Is not too heavily minerals industry focussed. Geoscience course content What is a geoscience/geology/earth science degree?

5. Desirable course framework Core – GeoscienceAdvanced - Geoscience GeologyExploration Geochemistry Field MappingEconomic Geology Igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic petrologyGeophysics Laboratory techniquesEnergy Fuels Structural GeologySedimentology/Basin Analysis GeochemistryPalaeontology/Palynology Ore depositsGeomorphology and regolith GeomorphologyGIS and computer modelling HydrogeologyMining geology GeophysicsHydrology Scientific MethodOre mineralogy/microscopy Statistical Methods Geochronology/Isotope studies Advanced Structural Geology Research Project Core subjects (Science): Physics Chemistry Maths and Statistics Desirable skills or experience for a graduate geologist: Industry placement/Internship/Vacation Work Computer Science/GIS/Data Management Environmental geochemistry, hydrology

6. Support for HOD and curriculum designers in ensuring that geoscience remains a well-rounded degree and that graduates are employable Identification of specialists in the Geoscience field for supplementary education opportunities provide guest lectures in specialist areas, for example resources and economics, geophysics, GIS or computer modelling. Assist academics through the establishment and maintenance of links with industry for the purposes of field trips, exposure to mining operations and student employment (e.g. Industry Placement, Vacation Work and internships). Academic memberships for access to publications, professional development courses and conferences Anything else you can think of! How the AusIMM can help