Geologist and Geotechnician

Geologists and geotechnicians deal with all aspects of the Earth. Fundamental to any study of geology is the occurrence of rocks and minerals, which are studied in disciplines such as: Mineralogy (the study of minerals), Petrology (the study of rocks), Crystallography (the study of crystals), Geochemistry and Geophysics (the study of various chemical and physical parameters pertaining to rocks and soils) and Economic Geology (study of mineralisation).

Job Characteristics

• Studying deposits of economic minerals and processes leading to the rockformation.



• Mapping of mineral deposits and investigation of rock and mineral samples in laboratories.



• Identifying and studying of geological features that affect engineering design, urban and infrastructure development and the exploitation of natural resources.



• Evaluating the geotechnical properties of rock types and the economic potential of mineral resources



• Publishing and distributing geological reports and maps.



• Collecting and interpreting data of the Earth for the purpose of increasing the understanding of human life.

Requirements

Secondary Education
A HIGCSE Grade 12, or equivalent qualification, with matriculation exemption is required for studies at South African universities. Possession of a HIGCSE or outstanding IGCSE Grade 12, or equivalent qualification, is needed to follow the diploma route at South African technikons.

Compulsory subjects
Mathematics and Physical Science (South Africa)

Recommended subject
Geography (South Africa)

Tertiary Education
A B. Sc. Honours degree in Geology can be obtained from a South African university in order to register as a natural scientist (Geology). Registration as a geotechnician is possible after completing a three-year N. Dip.: Geology at a South African technikon. After one additional year of study the person can become a geotechnologist.
First year Geology can be studied at UNAM as part of a B. Sc. degree.

Personality
The prospective geologist or geotechnician/technologist should be able to adapt to different conditions, have perseverance and an analytical frame of mind.

Work Opportunities
Geologists and geotechnicians are employed in the mining industry, the Geological Survey Department in the Namibian Government, engineering and consulting firms, as well as universities and research institutes.

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