university of cape town geology
Geologists Study Earth History
Geology is the study of the Earth – how it works and especially its 4.5 billion-year history. Geologists study some of society’s most important problems, such as energy, water, and mineral resources; the environment; climate change; and natural hazards like landslides, volcanoes, earthquakes, and floods. There is currently a global shortage of well-trained geoscientists and the demand is growing. If you like science, care about the Earth, are fascinated by the natural world, and like working outdoors, consider geology.
Geologists work in a variety of settings. These include: natural resource companies, environmental consulting companies, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and universities. Many geologists do field work at least part of the time. Others spend their time in laboratories, classrooms or offices. All geologists prepare reports, do calculations and use computers.
Although a BSc degree is required for entry level employment, many geologists earn MSc and/or PhD degrees. The advanced degrees provide a higher level of training, often in a specialty area such as paleontology, mineralogy, petrology, hydrology, economic geology or volcanology. Advanced degrees will often qualify the geologist for supervisory positions, research assignments or teaching positions at the university level. These are some of the most sought after jobs in the field of geology.
Contact us to learn more about majoring in geology and career opportunities in the geosciences. We look forward to hearing from you!
Rocks are the records of events that took place at the time they formed. They are books. They have a different vocabulary, a different alphabet, but you learn how to read them.
Department History
If I have seen further it is only by standing on the shoulders of giants.
– Issac Newton, 167
1890’s – South African College
In the 1890’s the South African College was situated very close to the Geological Commission of the Cape of Good Hope and it was natural that the latter should be closely associated with the development of geology at the College. Although the department’s early reputation was closely involved with first-rate teaching, it soon began to develop an active research programme. During this period geochemistry played a large role in the activities of the department.
1940’s – Founding of the Geochemistry Research Unit
Geochemistry at UCT started in the 1940s with the classic and monumental studies of Professors F. Walker and A. Poldevaart on the Karoo dolerites. This was followed in the early 1950s by the installation of an optical emission spectrograph, funded by the Carnegie Corporation, for the analysis of rocks and minerals.
1950’s – Founding of Marine Geoscience and Precambrian Research Units
The most dynamic phase in the Department’s history began with the appointment of Professor Eric Simpson as Head of Department in the mid-1950s. Under his direction, the Marine Geoscience Unit was founded. This attracted a number of scientists of international reputation, Professor Simpson also created the Precambrian Research unit.
1960’s to the Present
In the early 1960s, under Professor L.H. Ahrens, the first holder of the Chamber of Mines Chair of Geochemistry, the then new analytical technique of X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy was introduced into the Department. Since that time the Department has been very active in this field and today enjoys a well-earned international reputation.
In 1965 the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) Geochemistry Research Unit was founded in the Department, with Professor Ahrens as Director. Research activities expanded rapidly and the production of new and very high quality data on meteorites led to participation in the NASA Apollo Lunar Science Program. Dr A.R. Duncan was appointed as Research Officer to supervise the research into the structure and compostion of the lunar rock samples.
Welcome from the HOD
Whether you are a prospective student searching for information about our Department, an alumnus checking out the latest developments, or simply someone who is interested in the geology, welcome to our website. We hope that you find it informative, but if you do not find the information you are looking for, you are welcome to contact me.
The present Department of Geological Sciences is descended from the Department of Mineralogy and Geology, which is one of the oldest departments in the University. Compared to 30 years ago, when I first arrived at UCT, the Department is much smaller. However, we have maintained our commitment to providing high-quality training in the basics of geology, with an emphasis on field and practical training in the laboratory. The relatively small number of second and third year students helps us to maintain active and close relations between the academic staff and students. The small number of 4th year (Honours) students permits small-group teaching, and allows us to provide each student with a meaningful research project for the Honours year. Feedback from our students indicates that they find our courses hard work, but a good preparation for a career in industry or research.
Our aim in recruiting of academic staff has been to maintain expertise across the various fields of geology (including geophysics, and geochemistry) and in our research we try to maximise the benefit of living in a country with the finest geology on the planet. One thing that has not changed in over 30 years is our commitment to producing high-quality analytical data using a variety of in-house facilities. In this we rely on our team of dedicated and highly-skilled scientific and technical staff.
Cape Town is a beautiful city and UCT campus is situated on the edge of the Table Mountain National Park. If you are interested in studying geology, looking for post-graduate or post-doctoral opportunities, or simply curious, I invite you to peruse our web site to see what we have to offer.
Chris Harris
Professor and Head of Department
Geological Science Degrees
Degree Programs in Geology
Geology offers a professional scientific career for men and women who are interested in discovering and developing the Earth’s resources. It is a wealth-generating occupation essential to the economies of modern nations. Geology is a multi- faceted science, offering a wide variety of employment opportunities, working environments and the chance to visit unusual places. The Department of Geological Sciences offers a comprehensive undergraduate curriculum in the Geological Sciences including an honours program. At the postgraduate level the Department offers a Master of Science in Geology (by thesis) and PhD program.
For current details about application to UCT for the Bachelors degree program in the science faculty, see the Science Faculty Handbooks for more detailed information.
BSc and BSc Honours
Our BSc degree includes three years of coursework in geology as well as companion fields. It is common for our majors to double-major in Oceanography, Chemistry or Geography (EGS). The major includes a field course which runs during vacations and weekends during the 2nd and 3rd year. Admittance to the BSc program requires adequate preparation in matric for maths and physical science. See the UCT Handbook for the most up-to-date requirements.
We typically accept 16-19 students to the Honours year, a combination of our own BSc graduates and students with qualifying backgrounds from other universities. The Honours degree can be taken on one of three tracks: General Geology, Geochemistry, or Petroleum Geology. The Honours year incorporates rigorous modules and a research thesis which accounts for 25% of the year. See our Postgraduates page for MSc and PhD degree information along with current student projects.
MSc and PhD
The department normally has between 10 and 20 full time postgraduate students in Masters and PhD projects. These degrees are entirely by thesis. Our postgraduates are supported by NRF bursaries, industry partners, and by demonstrating for undergraduate courses and working as research assistants. If you are interested in postgraduate studies in the department, visit our academic staff pages and contact potential supervisors in your area of interest.
Course Offerings
Information on any of the courses offered in the Department of Geological Sciences can be obtained from the Departmental Secretary:
Department of Geological Sciences
University of Cape Town
Private Bag X3
Rondebosch 7701
South Africa
Tel: +27 21 650-2931
Fax: +27 21 650-3783
Email: sci_geology@uct.ac.za