BSc Geologist - Studying Earth

Geology is the branch of Science that deals with the study of the earth and the earth processes. It can be said to be a branch of Science but some also refer to it as a part of Environmental Studies. At best, it can be described as an amalgamation of both. It comprises of subjects such as Geophysics, Oceanography (study of the behavior of the ocean, the types of wave patterns, coastal erosion, etc.), Atmospheric Science, Crystallography, the study of soils, Paleontology (the study of fossils), Hydrogeology (the study of the movement of ground water inside the crust of the earth as well as its distribution), Geostatistics, Geochemistry and the study of the Origin of life.

Geologists are people who conduct such studies and researches. They are more popularly known as Earth Scientists. India being such a rich country when it comes to resources, soils and other physical features, this proves to be a great career option. In our country, Earth Scientists or Geologists are employed in many Government organizations like the Central and Groundwater Authorities, the Geological Survey of India and the Indian Bureau of Mines. For those who are more academically motivated, taking up teaching in this field as a profession and conducting researches under some university proves to be a good option. Some oil exploration companies and mining agencies are also in great need of Earth Scientists.

If employed by the Government, Geologists are designated the position of Class I Officers. They can earn around 30,000 INR on a monthly basis. As they gain experience and get promoted, their salary keeps on getting a hike too. At high levels, Geologists earn up to 80,000 INR a month. The scope for employment in this field is very wide. The Geological survey of India itself alone recruits around 1000 Officers every year. As more and more students are showing interest in the field of Geology now- a- days, the need for teachers and professors of this profession has also gone up manifold.

Most of the work is done on the field by visiting and spending time at the places of concern. This requires a lot of stamina. One should also be able to interpret and understand even the minutest of details of nature and the intricacies of natural processes to become a successful Geologist.

Anyone who is interested in taking up the extensive study of the earth and its processes as a career should take up Science at the plus- two levels with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. After school, they should go for a Bachelor’s degree in Science (B.Sc.) with Geology as the major subject. This should be followed up by a Master’s degree in Science (M.Sc.). If one wants to make teaching their profession in this field, they must also apply for a Doctorate. To emerge as a success in the field of Geology, a thorough knowledge of Math, Physics, Chemistry, Botany, Zoology and Geography is the most important requisite.

Institutes in India that offer courses in Geology are the University of Delhi, New Delhi, the Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, the Jadavpur University, Kolkata and the Presidency College, Kolkata. Majority of the universities offer these courses. Some of the Indian Institutes of Technologies (IITs) also offer programs related to Geology and Earth Sciences.