BSc- Geology

Award: Bachelor of Science (BSc)

Duration: 4 years

Introduction

 What is Geology?

The BSc in Geology includes the study of the Earth system, its continents, oceans, and its atmosphere. It encompasses the physical and chemical sciences and will give you a full understanding of the Earth’s history, including the formation and evolution of landmasses through erosion and deformation. The more that is known about the Earth’s materials, formation, and structure the better we can appreciate their use and abuse and preserve the planet. This understanding applies to economic, social, and environmental issues related to water, soil, oil, mineral and energy exploration; rehabilitation of mined areas, safe disposal of industrial and municipal wastes; preservation of groundwater supplies; the choice of sites for dams, nuclear power plants and high-rise buildings.

Why is this Course for me?

Mineral resources dominate the Botswana national economy (diamonds, copper/nickel and coal), and this will continue to be increased by diversification in terms of the types of minerals explored (e.g. gold, silver, uranium), gas production and geothermal capacity. It is very important that the backbone of the economy is maintained and enhanced through innovative and substantial downstream processing. In view of the commitment of Botswana to diversify its economy it will be more and more important to have graduates that can fully appreciate the earth system in its entirety. This programme will produce graduates who have the expertise to join the resources sector in Botswana and elsewhere in the region, through the exploration and resource development of minerals, energy, and groundwater and surface water systems.

 What will I study?

You start this programme by studying the basic sciences (Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Mathematical Sciences). Starting from the second year of the Geology Degree you will study a combination or core and optional geoscience modules including a winter semester dedicated to field mapping and reporting.

The Modules You Will Study Include:

• Earth and its materials
• Earth surface processes
• Engineering Geology
• Environmental Geology
• Geochemistry and Exploration
• Geological Mapping
• Geology of Southern Africa and Botswana
• Geophysics and Exploration
• Hydrogeology and Water Resources
• Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology
• Mineral Exploration and Economic Geology
• Mineralogy and Mineral Microscopy
• Mining and Evaluation of Mineral Resources
• Petroleum Geology
• Research methods
• Research project (final year)
• Sedimentology and Stratigraphy
• Structural Geology and Tectonics

 Career and Graduate Study Opportunities

The programme allows graduates to become professional Geoscientists in a range of careers in Mineral and Petroleum Exploration, Mining and Quarrying, Geosciences Information Analysis, Hydrogeology and Engineering Consultancy. Students may go on to postgraduate study, either at master’s level, usually with a specialised career path in mind, or at Doctorate level for those wishing to pursue an academic career. The communication, numeric and IT skills you will gain also make you a good candidate for business education-oriented careers.