Where To Study Geology In South Africa

Last Updated on December 28, 2022

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Which university is best for Geology in South Africa?

Table of Contents

  • Which university is best for Geology in South Africa?
  • Which university offers Geology in South Africa?
  • Does UniSA offer Geology?
  • What colleges offer degrees in Geology?
  • Which country is best for geology?
  • Which subjects are required for geology?
  • Does Nsfas fund bridging courses at Unisa?
  • Which country is best for geology study?
  • How many years does it take to become a geologist?
  • Is there a future in geology?
  • What can you do with a geology degree in South Africa?
  • What kind of degree does the Department of Geological Sciences offer?
  • Can you get a PhD in geology at UCT?
  • Are there any courses at University of Cape Town?

Which university is best for Geology in South Africa?

Best Global Universities for Geosciences in South Africa

  • University of Cape Town.
  • University of Johannesburg.
  • University of Witwatersrand.Which university offers Geology in South Africa?University of Pretoria
    Geology | University of Pretoria.Does UniSA offer Geology?Courses – Engineering and Environmental Geology – Study at UniSA.What colleges offer degrees in Geology?Here are the best colleges with a Geology Major
    • Princeton University.
    • Harvard University.
    • Columbia University.
    • Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
    • Yale University.
    • Stanford University.
    • University of Chicago.
    • University of Pennsylvania.Which country is best for geology?Best countries to study geology
    • USA.
    • Lebanon.
    • Finland.Which subjects are required for geology?You will need to have taken the following subjects at high school:
      • English (Home Language or First Additional Language)
      • Pure Mathematics.
      • Physical Science.
      • Life Sciences.

Department of Geological Sciences

Studying Geology at UCT

Why study geology? 

Geoscientists follow paths of exploration and discovery in quest of solutions to some of society’s most challenging problems.

  • Predicting the behaviour of Earth systems and the universe
  • Finding adequate supplies of natural resources, such as ground water, petroleum, and metals
  • Conserving soils and maintaining agricultural productivity
  • Developing natural resources in ways that safeguard the environment
  • Maintaining quality of water supplies
  • Reducing human suffering and property loss from natural hazards, such as volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, floods, landslides, hurricanes, and tsunamis
  • Determining geological controls on natural environments and habitats and predicting the impact of human activities on them
  • Defining the balance between society’s demand for natural resources and the need to sustain healthy ecosystems
  • Understanding global climate patterns

What is a GEOSCIENTIST?
Geoscientists are stewards or caretakers of Earth’s resources and environment. They work to understand natural processes on Earth and other planets. Investigating the Earth, its soils, oceans, and atmosphere; forecasting the weather; developing land-use plans; exploring other planets and the solar system; determining environmental impacts; and finding new sources of useful Earth materials are just a few of the ways geoscientists contribute to our understanding of Earth processes and history. Geoscientists provide essential information for solving problems and establishing governmental policies for resource management; environmental protection; and public health, safety, and welfare.

Geoscientists are curious about the Earth and the solar system. Is there life on other planets? How are they changing? What effects will shrinking glaciers have on the oceans and climate? What makes a continent move, a mountain form, a volcano erupt? Why did the dinosaurs become extinct?

Geoscientists are concerned about the Earth. How is the global climate changing? How do Earth systems work? How and where should we dispose of industrial wastes? How can society’s growing demands for energy and water be satisfied while conserving natural resources for future generations? As global populations increase, can we grow enough food and fiber to sustain them?

The Earth is an outdoor laboratory filled with opportunities to observe Earth processes in action. By applying their knowledge of forces and factors that shape the Earth, geoscientists seek to reconstruct the past and anticipate the future.


What Do GEOSCIENTISTS Do?
Geoscientists gather and interpret data about the Earth and other planets. They use their knowledge to increase our understanding of Earth processes and to improve the quality of human life. Their work and career paths vary widely because the geosciences are so broad and diverse. The National Science Foundation considers geology, geophysics, hydrology, oceanography, marine science, atmospheric science, planetary science, meteorology, environmental science, and soil science as the major geoscience disciplines. The following list gives a glimpse of what geoscientists do in these disciplines and a variety of subdisciplines.

Atmospheric scientists study weather processes; the global dynamics of climate; solar radiation and its effects; and the role of atmospheric chemistry in ozone depletion, climate change, and pollution.

Economic geologists explore for and develop metallic and nonmetallic resources; they study mineral deposits and find environmentally safe ways to dispose of waste materials from mining activities.

Engineering geologists apply geological data, techniques, and principles to the study of rock and soil surficial materials and ground water; they investigate geologic factors that affect structures such as bridges, buildings, airports, and dams.

Environmental geologists study the interaction between the geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, biosphere, and human activities. They work to solve problems associated with pollution, waste management, urbanization, and natural hazards, such as flooding and erosion.

Geochemists use physical and inorganic chemistry to investigate the nature and distribution of major and trace elements in ground water and Earth materials; they use organic chemistry to study the composition of fossil fuel (coal, oil, and gas) deposits.

Geochronologists use the rates of decay of certain radioactive elements in rocks to determine their age and the time sequence of events in the history of the Earth.

Geomorphologists study Earth’s landforms and landscapes in relation to the geologic and climatic processes and human activities, which form them.

Geophysicists apply the principles of physics to studies of the Earth’s interior and investigate Earth’s magnetic, electric, and gravitational fields.

Glacial geologists study the physical properties and movement of glaciers and ice sheets.

Hydrogeologists study the occurrence, movement, abundance, distribution, and quality of subsurface waters and related geologic aspects of surface waters.

Hydrologists are concerned with water from the moment of precipitation until it evaporates into the atmosphere or is discharged into the ocean; for example, they study river systems to predict the impacts of flooding.

Marine geologists investigate the ocean-floor and ocean-continent boundaries; they study ocean basins, continental shelves, and the coastal environments on continental borders.

Meteorologists study the atmosphere and atmospheric phenomena, including the weather.

Mineralogists study mineral formation, composition, and properties.

Oceanographers investigate the physical, chemical, biological, and geologic dynamics of oceans.

Palaeoecologists study the function and distribution of ancient organisms and their relationships to their environment.

Palaeontologists study fossils to understand past life forms and their changes through time and to reconstruct past environments.

Petroleum geologists are involved in exploration for and production of oil and natural gas resources.

Petrologists determine the origin and natural history of rocks by analyzing mineral composition and grain relationships.

Planetary geologists study planets and their moons in order to understand the evolution of the solar system.

Sedimentologists study the nature, origin, distribution, and alteration of sediments, such as sand, silt, and mud. Oil, gas, coal and many mineral deposits occur in such sediments.

Seismologists study earthquakes and analyze the behavior of earthquake waves to interpret the structure of the Earth.

Soil scientists study soils and their properties to determine how to sustain agricultural productivity and to detect and remediate contaminated soils.

Stratigraphers investigate the time and space relationships of rocks, on a local, regional, and global scale throughout geologic time — especially the fossil and mineral content of layered rocks.

Structural geologists analyze Earth’s forces by studying deformation, fracturing, and folding of the Earth’s crust.

Volcanologists investigate volcanoes and volcanic phenomena to understand these natural hazards and predict eruptions.


Where Do GEOSCIENTISTS Work?
Geoscientists may be found sampling the deep ocean floor or examining rock specimens from the Moon or Mars. But the work of most geoscientists is more “down to Earth.” They work as explorers for new mineral and hydrocarbon resources, consultants on engineering and environmental problems, researchers, teachers, writers, editors, and museum curators as well as in many other challenging positions. They often divide their time among work in the field, the laboratory, and the office.

Field work usually consists of making observations, exploring the subsurface by drilling or using geophysical tools, collecting samples, and making measurements that will be analyzed in the laboratory. For example, rock samples may be X-rayed, studied under an electron microscope, and analyzed to determine physical and chemical properties. Geoscientists may also conduct experiments or design computer models to test theories about geologic phenomena and processes.

In the office, they integrate field and laboratory data and prepare reports and presentations that include maps and diagrams that illustrate the results of their studies. Such maps may pinpoint the possible occurrence of ores, coal, oil, natural gas, water resources, or indicate subsurface conditions or hazards that might affect construction sites or land use.

Source:  American Geosciences Institute,
Image credit, Geotripper Blog (Garry Hayes)

South Dakota Mines

Degree Page Generic Banner Image

Geology Degree

Program Offerings

• Bachelor of science degree in Geology
• Accelerated master’s in Geology and Geological Engineering (earn your bachelor’s and master’s in as little as five years)
• Accelerated master’s in Paleontology (earn your bachelor’s and master’s in as little as five years)
• Master of science degree in Paleontology
• Master of science degree in Geology and Geological Engineering
• Doctor of philosophy degree in Geology, Geological Engineering, and Mining Engineering
• Minors: Geology, Geospatial Technology, and Petroleum Systems
• Certificates: Geospatial Technology (undergraduate and graduate) and Petroleum Systems.

What is Geology?

Geology is the study of the structure, evolution, and history of Earth and its mineral and energy resources.

Geology students at South Dakota Mines take advantage of the rich geological and paleontological resources of the region. They also can access the extensive fossil and mineral collections of the Museum of Geology, located on campus. Students have an opportunity to work at the Sanford Underground Research Facility; model earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides, and other geologic hazards; reconstruct the early history of the solar system through experimental petrology; study environmental issues from geothermal energy to water protection; and excavate and prepare fossils ranging from dinosaurs to saber-tooth cats.

What does a geologist do?

Geologists analyze the processes that have shaped the Earth, using rocks, minerals, and fossils to reconstruct that history. They study how the Earth was formed, how it has developed, and how life has evolved in reaction to tectonic and climatic changes.

The geology program at South Dakota Mines takes advantage of the proximity of the Black Hills through a rigorous field and laboratory-based education that provides students a unique blend of hands-on experiences with strong theoretical foundations.

Some duties a professional geologist might do on the job include:
• Plan and carry out field studies to collect data and samples
• Use a variety of data sources, such as satellite images, geophysical data, rock samples, and geologic maps to locate natural resources
• Conduct laboratory tests on samples collected in the field
• Make geologic maps and cross-sections
• Prepare written scientific reports
• Present their findings to clients, colleagues, and the public
TuitionWhy MinesSummer CampsAll Degrees

First-Year Courses

Course Curriculum

Internships and Co-ops

At South Dakota Mines, 77% of students land internships and co-ops in their field, earning an average salary of $20.00/hour. Geology students have interned with such companies and agencies as:
• Wyoming Dinosaur Center
• South Dakota Department of Transportation
• Coeur in Alaska
• OceanaGold Haile Gold Mines
• Rapid City GIS Department
• Badlands National Park

They’ve worked with faculty who’ve discovered new fossil species and conducted fieldwork spanning continents, from Turkey to Death Valley.https://lightwidget.com/widgets/e9d334985afa5b1eabf0806b433a2105.html

Career Outlook

The average starting salary for 2019-20 South Dakota Mines geology graduates was $56,500. The job placement rate was 86%.

Careers

With a geology degree from South Dakota Mines, you have your choice of a wide range of careers, including:

• Mineral exploration
• Petroleum exploration
• Water resource and environmental firms
• Paleontology resource management
• Museum management
• Research lab employees
• Geospatial technology
• Geochemist
• Geophysicist
• Graduate education in these areas

Employers

South Dakota Mines geology graduates work for a variety of employers, including:

• American Engineering & Testing
• Apex Systems
• Barrick Gold
• The Mammoth Site
• US Geological Survey
• Freeport McMoRan
• Coeur Mining
• Bureau of Indian Affairs
• Haliburton
• Braun Intertec

Geology Research

At South Dakota Mines, you won’t have to wait for graduate school to engage in research. Geology faculty and students from undergrad to graduate level conduct research on a wide variety of topics. For more information please visit our research page.

South Dakota Mines

  • About
  • Admissions
  • Academics
  • Campus Life
  • Athletics
  • Research & Innovation

Degree Page Generic Banner Image

Geology Degree

Program Offerings

• Bachelor of science degree in Geology
• Accelerated master’s in Geology and Geological Engineering (earn your bachelor’s and master’s in as little as five years)
• Accelerated master’s in Paleontology (earn your bachelor’s and master’s in as little as five years)
• Master of science degree in Paleontology
• Master of science degree in Geology and Geological Engineering
• Doctor of philosophy degree in Geology, Geological Engineering, and Mining Engineering
• Minors: Geology, Geospatial Technology, and Petroleum Systems
• Certificates: Geospatial Technology (undergraduate and graduate) and Petroleum Systems.

What is Geology?

Geology is the study of the structure, evolution, and history of Earth and its mineral and energy resources.

Geology students at South Dakota Mines take advantage of the rich geological and paleontological resources of the region. They also can access the extensive fossil and mineral collections of the Museum of Geology, located on campus. Students have an opportunity to work at the Sanford Underground Research Facility; model earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides, and other geologic hazards; reconstruct the early history of the solar system through experimental petrology; study environmental issues from geothermal energy to water protection; and excavate and prepare fossils ranging from dinosaurs to saber-tooth cats.

What does a geologist do?

Geologists analyze the processes that have shaped the Earth, using rocks, minerals, and fossils to reconstruct that history. They study how the Earth was formed, how it has developed, and how life has evolved in reaction to tectonic and climatic changes.

The geology program at South Dakota Mines takes advantage of the proximity of the Black Hills through a rigorous field and laboratory-based education that provides students a unique blend of hands-on experiences with strong theoretical foundations.

Some duties a professional geologist might do on the job include:
• Plan and carry out field studies to collect data and samples
• Use a variety of data sources, such as satellite images, geophysical data, rock samples, and geologic maps to locate natural resources
• Conduct laboratory tests on samples collected in the field
• Make geologic maps and cross-sections
• Prepare written scientific reports
• Present their findings to clients, colleagues, and the public
TuitionWhy MinesSummer CampsAll Degrees

First-Year Courses

• Physical Geology
• Introduction to Geology, Geological Engineering, and Mining Engineering
• Chemistry
• English Composition
• Mathematics

Course Curriculum

Internships and Co-ops

At South Dakota Mines, 77% of students land internships and co-ops in their field, earning an average salary of $20.00/hour. Geology students have interned with such companies and agencies as:
• Wyoming Dinosaur Center
• South Dakota Department of Transportation
• Coeur in Alaska
• OceanaGold Haile Gold Mines
• Rapid City GIS Department
• Badlands National Park

They’ve worked with faculty who’ve discovered new fossil species and conducted fieldwork spanning continents, from Turkey to Death Valley.

Mechanical engineering major Bettina Rebman is currently on co-op with Nucor Tubular Products in...

Career Outlook

The average starting salary for 2019-20 South Dakota Mines geology graduates was $56,500. The job placement rate was 86%.

Careers

With a geology degree from South Dakota Mines, you have your choice of a wide range of careers, including:

• Mineral exploration
• Petroleum exploration
• Water resource and environmental firms
• Paleontology resource management
• Museum management
• Research lab employees
• Geospatial technology
• Geochemist
• Geophysicist
• Graduate education in these areas

Employers

South Dakota Mines geology graduates work for a variety of employers, including:

• American Engineering & Testing
• Apex Systems
• Barrick Gold
• The Mammoth Site
• US Geological Survey
• Freeport McMoRan
• Coeur Mining
• Bureau of Indian Affairs
• Haliburton
• Braun Intertec

Geology Research

At South Dakota Mines, you won’t have to wait for graduate school to engage in research. Geology faculty and students from undergrad to graduate level conduct research on a wide variety of topics. For more information please visit our research page.

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