Who is a Geologist?

A geologist or geoscientist is concerned with the physical and chemical make-up and history of the Earth. Geologists discover many of the natural resources on which human society is built. Geologists provide fundamental data and knowledge on policies that affect societies’ environment, public safety, health, and well-being. With skills you will learn in data analysis, teamwork, lab techniques and observation, you will be in demand when entering the jobs market. Geology is a discipline with many fields of specialization.   Other geological careers include contaminated land engineer, land surveyor, mudlogger, quarry manager, drilling and mechanical engineer, climate change and sustainability consultant and teacher/ academic professional.

Where Do Geologist Work?

Geologists work in the field, in the laboratory and the office. Duties commonly take geologists to the field to collect data, and samples returned to the laboratory for analysis. Data are compiled and tabulated, plots and maps are drawn, and the results are evaluated – all of which lead to the writing of reports. The tools used by geologists range from simple rock hammers and hand lenses in the field to the most sophisticated and advanced electron microscope, chemical/elemental analysis tools and computer software used in the laboratory.

The largest number of geologists are employed in the fossil fuel industry/environmental companies. State and federal governments hire several geologists to carry out research, regulatory and teaching duties. After having gained experience and a good reputation, many geologists go into private practice as consultants. Energy, mineral and water resources, increased environmental concerns present a challenging career for geologists. At present, employment opportunities in the environmental and geotechnical sectors are on the rise.

Why Study Geology at University?

Geology is a subject for people who are passionate about the planet we share. During your degree, you will learn extensively about the world, how it works, and preserve it. You will leave uni-equipped to solve some of the greatest challenges facing humanity today, such as climate change, the declining supply of natural resources, and the preparation and planning of natural hazards and disasters.

Studying geology will involve various learning and assessment methods, including lectures, seminars, laboratory work and fieldwork, both in groups and on their own. At the end of the day, the varied nature of the study will lead to a more enriching student experience and prepare you for your career as a graduate geologist.

Some modules you may study are:

• Environmental geoscience
• Computing for earth scientists
• Digital mapping and surveying
• Sedimentology
• Geochemistry
• Geophysics
• Palaeontology
• Structural geology and tectonics
• Geodynamics
• Earth materials
• Hydrogeology
• Quantitative research methods

What’s it Like to Study Geology?

While geology is a discipline focused on theory, in practice, it uses skills and knowledge from across sciences (biology, physics, and chemistry), geography, and mathematics.

During your time studying geology, you spend an average of 16 hours a week attending lectures and seminars. There will also be a lot of fieldwork, from the local areas around the campus to the country and abroad.

Over the course of your studies, you will learn about a wide range of topics, from the evolution of dinosaurs to sustainability, climate change, and how humans interact and continue to interact with the Earth. You will also see real-world examples of how geological processes can affect the planet, looking at natural wonders such as the Grand Canyon, the Great Blue Hole near Belize, or the Ring of Fire, which runs in a 25,000-mile horseshoe and is home to 75 % of the active and dormant volcanoes in the world.

Studying for a geology degree is likely to involve:

• Writing reports and essays
• Conducting research projects
• Attending lectures and seminars
• Project, presentation, and group work
• Independent study
• Fieldwork

Why Study a Master’s Degree in
Geology?

A master’s degree in geology is often chosen by students who have completed a degree in environmental science at the undergraduate level. It can be paired with various subjects, such as mining, engineering or geohydrology, allowing individuals to select a course that directly represents their potential career goals. Students will benefit from having extensive instruction in the field from trained experts once they have been accepted into a Geology Masters. The fieldwork will still be related to the subject in hand, so even the most challenging learning results in the classroom are achieved.