What is Geology?

Geology is the study of the Earth through applications of basic scientific principles to Earth processes and materials. Geologic studies embrace all parts of the Earth from its deep interior to its surface including the continents, oceans, ocean floor and atmosphere. Geology is unique among the natural sciences because it deals with enormously long periods of time, and must place the events that formed and modified the Earth over the last 4.5 billion years into proper chronological order to interpret past events in Earth history and to predict future events. This search for understanding of the Earth's past, present, and future requires insight, intuition, creativity, and a solid grasp of basic physics, chemistry, biology and mathematics.

Geologists work in the field and laboratory gathering and interpreting data about the Earth. By increasing our understanding of the Earth, geologists strive to improve the quality of human life by promoting informed and responsible management of natural resources. As nearly all geological studies involve field and laboratory work, a geologist must be an individual who enjoys working outdoors and who can utilize the latest technological advances. Geologists study natural hazards such as volcanic eruptions, landslides, earthquakes, and floods to learn how they occur, how to predict them, and how to avoid and minimized their devastating effects. They investigate the formation, exploration, exploitation, and management of natural resources, especially energy, mineral and water resources. Geologists must also examine all the complex, interrelated systems that produce long and short term global changes such as climatic warming and sea-level rise. Geologists travel the globe in their endeavors to study the Earth.

Bachelor Degrees in Geology

The Department of Geography and Geology at the University of North Carolina, Wilmington offers undergraduate students a choice of either a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in geology. The B.A. degree provides a broad, flexible program to meet personal educational goals and interests that include future technical or teaching careers. The B.S. program is designed specifically for students interested in pursuing research or academic teaching careers and/or an advanced degree in the geological sciences. Because geology continues to become more integrative, technical and global in its approach, both degree programs encourage students to develop basic proficiencies in mathematics, chemistry, physics, and biology, and effective oral and written communication skills including computer literacy.

• Geology Degree Requirements
• Geology Course Descriptions
• Field Trip Photos