Program Overview

Introduction to Geology

Geology explores the earth-building processes of our planet, enabling us to best use natural resources, plan land developments and infrastructure, and monitor natural hazards such as volcanoes and earthquakes. With over 500 million years of geological history, Aotearoa is a rich and unique place to study this earth science.

What Will My Study Involve?

• Focus on climate change, natural disasters, and other earth systems affecting geological processes.
• Learn from experts on earthquake research, with opportunities to take part in real disaster response and observation.
• Complete practical lab and fieldwork in various stations across Te Waipounamu South Island, visiting real geological phenomena, such as earthquake faultlines and volcanoes.

Courses

Geology Major

For the major in the Bachelor of Science, complete the following courses:

• 100-level:
  • GEOL101 Building Planet Earth: Fundamentals of Earth Science
  • GEOL102 Environmental Earth System Science
• 200-level:
  • GEOL240 Field Studies A – Mapping
  • GEOL242 Rocks, Minerals and Ores
  • GEOL243 Depositional Environments and Stratigraphy
  • GEOL244 Structural Geology and Global Geophysics
  • GEOL241 Field Studies B – Field Techniques is also recommended.
• 300-level:
  • GEOL351 Advanced Field Techniques
  • GEOL352 Advanced Field Mapping
  • 30 points chosen from 300-level GEOL courses If you are interested in postgraduate studies in Geology, you will also need to take two additional 300-level GEOL courses. At least one 100-level MATH and one 100-level STAT course is also required for entry to Engineering Geology postgraduate study.

Geology Minor

For the minor in the Bachelor of Arts, Commerce, Digital Screen, Health, Product Design, Science, Social and Environmental Sustainability, Sport, or Youth and Community Leadership, complete the following courses:

• 75 points in 100 to 300-level GEOL courses, with at least 45 points above 100-level

Career Opportunities

Study in Geology offers a wide range of work environments and employment opportunities across the globe, particularly in areas of science and engineering informing on old and new earth developments. Career pathways can include:

• Energy, mining, and petroleum industries
• Government and geotechnical planning
• Conservation
• Research and exploration

Qualifications

• Certificate in Science
• Diploma in Science
• Bachelor of Science
• Bachelor of Arts
• Bachelor of Arts (Specialisations)
• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Digital Screen with Honours
• Bachelor of Health
• Bachelor of Product Design
• Bachelor of Social and Environmental Sustainability
• Bachelor of Sport
• Bachelor of Youth and Community Leadership

Related Subjects

Choose an area that you are interested in and learn how UC's range of study options can let you study what you want to.

• Engineering: Learn how to use physical science and mathematics to solve complex problems.
• Spatial Data Science: An emerging field that combines art and science to explore geographical data.