A geologist is a scientist who studies the history and structure of earth as well as the processes which shape it. Geologists study how the earth was made by studying the rocks, soil, fossils and features which occur both on the earth’s surface and under the surface deep into the earth’s core. Geology is a very broad-based science, which draws from virtually every other science including the natural, engineering and economic sciences.
There are various careers within the field of geology, for example: cartography, economic geology, environmental geology, engineering geology, geochemistry, geotechnology, geohydrology, geophysics, mineralogy, mining geology, palaeontology, petroleum geology.
Geological research helps in locating mineral deposits, predicting earthquakes, and advising on the suitability of sites for buildings, dams and highways. The knowledge obtained is also used in a wide variety of ways, from determining the components of plaster on walls of buildings where lime and other mixtures are used, to the discovery and refinement of oil and other energy sources.
They recommend the acquisition of land, exploration and mapping programmes, and mine development, and they conduct geological and geophysical studies for regional development, site selection and the development of public works projects.
They identify and anticipate natural risks, such as slope erosion, landslides, soil instability, subsidence, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, and they may supervise and coordinate well drilling, completion and work-over, as well as mining activities.
Geologists work in a variety of settings. They may work outdoors at a site under investigation, with conditions varying from sub-zero temperatures to the scorching heat in a desert. In addition, they may work indoors in laboratories, offices and classrooms.
The broad areas of specialisation within this field include: earth material; earth processes and earth history. The sub-specialities include: economic geology, mineralogy, geochemistry, geophysics, palaeontology, marine geology, mineral economics, engineering geology and environmental planning.
General geologists can specialise in various fields of application, of which only a few are discussed here:
Schooling & School Subjects
Compulsory Subjects: Mathematics, Physical Science
Recommended subjects: Geography
Additional:
Degree: BSc with Geology as a major - RU, US, UJ, UP, UFH, UFS, NWU, UV; Geological Science - UKZN, UCT or Geoscience - Wits and NMMU; a second major in Chemistry, Physics or Mathematics is recommended. Computer Science and Statistics are also useful majors with Geology because of the rapidly growing application of these fields. Some universities specialise at the BSc (Hons) level in subjects such as Geochemistry, Geohydrology, Geophysics, Sedimentology or Engineering Geology.
The minimum qualification required for registration as a professional natural scientist (Geology) at the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions, is a BSc (Hons) degree or a 4-year BTech degree in Geology, at a university of technology. Postgraduate study (for masters and doctors degrees) is possible at most South African universities.
Those who study at universities of technology register as geotechnologists and work closely with geologists in various fields.
Geological Society of South Africa
CSIR Mining Precinct (formerly CSIR Miningtek)
Corner Rustenburg and CarlowRoads
Melville,South Africa
Tel: (011) 358-0028
www.gssa.org.za
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