Geoscience, or Earth Science, is the study of the Earth and the processes that form and shape the Earth’s surface, the natural resources on the Earth and how water and ecosystems are interconnected.
Geoscience uses tools and techniques from other science fields such as chemistry, physics, biology, and mathematics to study the physical aspects of the Earth, such as its composition, structure, and processes, to learn about its past, present, and future.
Geoscientists work with minerals, soils, energy resources, fossils, oceans and freshwater, the atmosphere, weather, environmental chemistry and biology, natural hazards and even study rocks on our moon and other planets in our solar system.
Universities and colleges in Ireland are offering Geosciences courses in the following subject areas:
There are many Geosciences courses that take place over 1 year to 4 years depending on the course and modules selected. There are also part-time courses and night courses available so you can be sure to fit in your studies no matter what your schedule is like.
Courses will cover theory work through lectures, assignments, tutorials and taught modules. Assessments will take place on a continuous basis with written examinations and practical assignments combined in order to achieve a qualification. A course in one of the geosciences sets you up for a career within the energy, environmental or engineering sectors and related work experience can help to give you the edge when job hunting
You could consider work experience or fieldwork experience which can be helpful in potentially securing a job while also having an opportunity to determine what type of a career you want. This can be done through a course that offers a year out in the industry or by finding your own placements.
Environment agencies or local authorities may offer related work experience or volunteer opportunities. You could also contact energy companies to find out about available summer placements or internships.
Work Experience will not only give you the opportunity to obtain a deeper knowledge and understanding of the industry, it will also give you a chance to do some essential networking with other industry professionals and gain valuable contacts for the future.
After completing a course in Geosciences you will be able to get started in a career that uses specific knowledge of the Earth and its resources.
Working hours will depend on whether you are employed by a company with set business hours or if you are contracted to various facilities or companies. The hours are usually full time, Monday to Friday. Other work within the field could require unsocial, irregular or long hours. For example, geoscientists involved in exploration can expect time abroad or at sea followed by a similar length of time on leave, and then the same length of time-based in the office.
Self-employment and freelance work are possible. With experience, you may be able to establish your own consultancy in a particular field such as base metal exploration or sedimentology.
Positions are available worldwide in oil and mineral exploration so working as a geoscientist can involve lots of travel abroad or at sea depending on your area of specialism.
Typical employers in the Geosciences field include international oil companies, specialist geophysical companies, petroleum exploration companies, mining companies, contractors, consultants, the water industry and software companies.
After completing a course in Geosciences you may choose to pursue further study in a specialist field to increase your knowledge base and skillset. Postgraduate study can also be used as a means to change career focus or to gain professional qualifications required to practise in certain career areas such as earth sciences, hydrogeology, nuclear decommissioning, petroleum engineering, petroleum geophysics and waste management.
What are the Geosciences?
Geosciences are very relevant and broad disciplines covering topics from geography, geology, meteorology, environmental studies, chemistry, physics, astronomy, petroleum geology, mineralogy and hydrogeology. Within the field, there are many specialisations for further research and for career opportunities as well such as engineering geologists, geomorphologists, geophysicists, mineralogists, geochemists, glacial geologists, structural geologists, petroleum geologists, petrologists, sedimentologists, hydrogeologists and more. A career in geosciences offers broad scope to anyone interested in the Earth and how it works.
Why are Geosciences important?
Geoscientists help protect the planet by studying it, learning from it, and predicting what the future will bring. They perform environmental assessments and study global environmental systems, help to locate water, mineral, and energy resources and they can help to predict geological disasters.
The Geosciences community provides the knowledge, experience, and ingenuity to meet society's demands for natural resources, environmental quality, and resilience to hazards.
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