Geology
© Courtesy of Matt Guiang (Study Abroad student 2014) on a Geology field trip to Castle Hill.
Scholarships
Ranking
Top 150 in the world for Earth and Marine Sciences (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2019)
Download Brochure
Scholarships
Ranking
Top 150 in the world for Earth and Marine Sciences (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2019)
Download Brochure
Qualifications
Overview
Aotearoa New Zealand, on the active margin of the Pacific with its volcanoes, earthquakes, dramatic geomorphology, and 500 million years of geological history, is one of the best places on Earth to study geological processes. Our position in mid-southern latitudes and relative proximity to Antarctica means that Aotearoa New Zealand is a key location for climate change research.
Geologists are directly involved in the monitoring, prediction, and assessment of hazards such as volcanoes, earthquakes, landslides, and tsunamis. The geologist has an important role in land planning processes and in assessing environmental impact.
Geologists have developed one of the most exciting scientific theories of the 20th century – plate tectonics – which explains the origin and locations of all the major geological features and Earth building processes of the planet. Geologists also search for the natural resources that sustain our technological society, not least of all, water. The construction of buildings, bridges, roads, dams, and reservoirs requires geological expertise.
- Te Tari Pūtaiao ā-nuku | Department of Geological Sciences at UC is one of the top geoscience research departments in the country and, not surprisingly, we are leading the world in our studies of earthquakes. First-year students have their own laboratory for practical classes and teaching staff are readily contactable.
- Field sciences are a distinctive feature of the subjects offered at UC and are supported through a range of field facilities at Cass and Kawatiri Westport. Field studies are carried out in the locations and environments around these field stations.
- UC is ranked in the top 150 universities in the world for Earth and Marine Sciences (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2019).
Entry into first-year Geology courses is open to all students who are eligible to enter an Aotearoa New Zealand university.
There are no specific requirements for starting first-year studies in Geology and while some knowledge of basic science is preferable, it is not essential. All you need is enthusiasm and an interest in the world around you.
100-level courses
You can take one, two, or all three of the 100-level courses on offer, depending on preference. However it is normally necessary to take and pass two in order to gain entry into 200-level Geology courses. To major in this subject, students need to take GEOL 111 and one of the other two courses.
- GEOL 111 Planet Earth: An Introduction to Geology (required)
- GEOL 113 Environmental Geohazards
- GEOL 115 The Dynamic Earth System
These courses involve lectures and one practical class per week plus one day in the field.
GEOL 113 Environemental Geohazards is an optional first-year course that will be of interest to Science and non-Science students alike, and can be credited towards a Bachelor of Arts as well as the Bachelor of Science.
Students should also note that 60 points from the following subjects at 100-level is required for entry into honours in Geology: Astronomy, Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Computer Science, Geography, Mathematics, Physics, or Statistics.
200-level and beyond
The six core 200-level Geology courses develop and expand on much of the first-year material. Important geological principles and techniques are taught here, such as the interpretation of sediments, volcanic processes, how rocks deform in the Earth's crust, how ancient geological events are dated, and the identification of minerals and rocks using the microscope.
GEOL 240 Field Studies A – Mapping and GEOL 241 Field Studies B – Field Techniques are field studies courses in which students learn the techniques of geological observation, data collection, and field mapping. Excursions are run to several different locations, including to Kawatiri Westport on Te Tai Poutini the West Coast of Te Waipounamu the South Island, where there is a modern, well-equipped field station.
The 300-level courses cover a wide range of topics for the student majoring in Geology.
A career in Geology offers a very wide spectrum of work environments and employment opportunities. Geology graduates find positions as research scientists, policy analysts, exploration geophysicists, mining and exploration geologists, practitioner engineering geologist with consultancies, natural hazard analysts and consultants, coal and petroleum geologists, teachers, GIS specialists, environmental impact officers and consultants, hydro-geologists, seismic interpreters, resource advisors, research technicians, soil technicians and research assistants, museum curators, and more.
They are employed in the mining and petroleum industries, national and local government, planning and conservation organisations, university teaching and research, secondary teaching, museums and science centres, energy companies, consulting and engineering firms, research institutes, and exploration firms.
Find out more about what you can do with a degree in Geology.
Contact us
Department of Geological Sciences | Te Tari Pūtaiao ā-nuku
Phone +64 3 369 4384
Email geology@canterbury.ac.nz
Location
Von Haast building – see campus maps
Postal address
College of Science | Te Rāngai Pūtaiao
University of Canterbury | Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha
Private Bag 4800
Christchurch 8140
New Zealand
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