Study Geology at Otago
Overview
Geology, the science of the Earth, is concerned with understanding:
- The Earth's internal structure and composition, its dynamic character (earthquakes, volcanoes, plate tectonics), and the processes that occur within it
- The processes that shape the surface of the Earth, and the materials that constitute its surface layers
- The origin, occurrence, extraction and conservation of the Earth's natural resources - minerals, fossil fuels, soils, water
- The place of the Earth within the Solar System
- The history of life on Earth.
An understanding of Geology/Earth Science has direct relevance for students majoring in disciplines such as Anthropology, Botany, Chemistry, Ecology, Environmental Science, Geography, Marine Science, Physics, Surveying, and Zoology (as well as those who intend to major in Geology).
Increasingly, understanding of geological principles and processes is essential for those concerned with awareness of natural hazards, civil engineering problems, impacts of global change, the responsible utilisation of Earth's natural resources, pollution and waste disposal, and environmental and resource planning and monitoring.
The study of Geology at Otago highlights the exciting and dynamic geological history of New Zealand, and the origin of the New Zealand fauna and flora.
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Science (BSc)
- Bachelor of Science with Honours (BSc(Hons))
- Diploma for Graduates (DipGrad)
- Postgraduate Diploma in Science (PGDipSci)
- Master of Science (MSc) (also available in Geophysics)
Papers
See the full list of Geology (GEOL) papers.
Programme Requirements
Bachelor of Science (BSc) majoring in Geology
| Level | Papers | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 100-level | 18 18 | |
| 200-level | One further 200-level GEOL paper | 18 18 18 |
| 300-level | Two further 300-level GEOL papers | 18 18 36 |
| Plus | 198 further points; must include 54 points at 200-level or above. Up to 90 points may be taken from outside Science
Programme must include at least 72 points from BIOL, BSNS 102, BSNS 106, BTNY, CHEM, COMP, COSC, ECOL, INFO, MATH, PHSI, STAT, SURV 102, SURV 202, SURV 208, SURV 309, ZOOL | 198 |
| Total | 360 |
Bachelor of Science with Honours (BSc(Hons)) in Geology
| Stage | Papers | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1st stage | 90 further points * | 18 18 90 |
| 2nd stage | Three further 200-level GEOL papers 36 further points * | 18 18 54 36 |
| 3rd stage | Two further 300-level GEOL papers 36 further points * | 18 18 18 3636 |
| 4th stage | Four further 400-level GEOL papers | 48 96 |
* In the first three stages, papers worth at least 72 points from BIOL, BSNS 102, BSNS 106, BTNY, CHEM, COMP, COSC, ECOL, INFO, MATH, PHSI, STAT, SURV 102, SURV 202, SURV 208, SURV 309, ZOOL must be included |
Postgraduate Diploma in Science (PGDipSci) in Geology
| Papers |
|---|
Four further 400-level GEOL papers |
Note: With the approval of the Head of Department or Programme Director concerned, a 48 point dissertation or project may be substituted for any project of fewer points prescribed in the table above. |
Master of Science (MSc) in Geology
| Papers |
|---|
GEOL 495 and four of GEOL 421, GEOL 422, GEOL 423, GEOL 424, GEOL 427, GEOL 428, GEOL 430, GEOL 431, GEOL 432, GEOL 433, GEOL 450, GEOL 451 With Head of Department approval another 400-level paper may be substituted for one of these papers. Thesis: GEOL 5 |
Minor Subject Requirements
Geology as a minor subject for a Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Theology (BTheol), Bachelor of Science (BSc), Bachelor of Applied Science (BAppSc) or Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) degree
| Level | Papers | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 100-level | 18 18 | |
| 200-level | 18 18 | |
| 300-level | One 300-level GEOL paper | 18 |
| Total | 90 |
Further Information
Email us at geology@otago.ac.nz or visit our home page http://www.otago.ac.nz/geology
