Geology, earth science, geoscience - what is the difference?

[purplegreen99]

Are these different names for the same thing or different/wider/narrower subjects than one another? And, if different, would they all be as useful/highly regarded for future study or careers?

I am trying to get some ideas for talking through options with my nephew. He is interested in doing a degree in geology or similar, doesn't want to work in the oil industry (which seems to be a big employer of geologists), but interested in maybe going on to PG study and working in an environmental area like floods or erosion.

And if any geologists/earth scientists have any ideas for relevant work experience, volunteering, reading, etc, that would be much appreciated too.

has he watched fresh meat on TV? its about a group of geology students studying at manchester uni. a really fun watch....i was gutted when i got to the end of the series

My DS2s course isn't accredited either. They said that they weren't aware of any employer that required an accredited course and they felt accredition imposed too many restrictions.

Thanks dreaming - I did wonder why all courses wouldn't aim to gain accreditation, but the Nottingham one is partly based at the British Geological Survey, so that sounds like it ought to be fairly prestigious. I think I will suggest to my nephew that he contact the Geology Society to ask for info re the benefits of doing an accredited course. I'm not sure if there's such a thing as a chartered geologist, but I know in other professions an accredited course makes it easier and quicker to get chartered status.

Thanks Frankie for interesting info. I don't think my nephew wants to work in the oil or gas industry, but possibly hydrology. He's also interested in geoengineering which was mentioned earlier in the thread. He's still a bit unsure about the different course titles, but is just looking through the modules available for each course regardless of whether it's geology, earth science or geoscience.

Thanks ttlshiwwya - that's interesting. Maybe not getting accreditation allows the course to have more flexibility and wider options available.

Maybe he could check out what the process is if he wants to do Chartered Geologist, is that what the accreditation is for? There is normally an alternative route and doing a Masters may help. I am a geotechnical engineer myself, I would just say if his interests are towards engineering geology, there are loads of opportunities in construction and employability should be excellent. Have a look at the UK shortage occupation list if not convinced!

I hope he gets on his course, it sounds great.

NotMeNoNo I will suggest to him that he finds out about Chartership. I had no idea there even was a UK shortage occupation list but have just googled it & geology definitely looks like an excellent choice from that point of view - thanks for the tip.

Spudfield - thanks - will get him to read your post. sounds like a great career & good to know the variety of options for graduates.

Dreamingofsun - never heard of that programme but will get my nephew to look it up - thanks.

My DS has applied for geology/geoscience. All his offers are now BBB (reduced after applicant days) apart from Plymouth which is 120 points.

Thanks spababe (& sorry for late reply). That is really good to know.

Geology will have more fieldwork on it than Earth Sciences and Geoscience based on the geologists and geoscientist graduates I am currently interviewing...

An accredited course will knock a year off but having the knowledge to be chartered in 5 years is pretty good going anyway... most people seem to be between 5 - 10 years although this is noticeably shortening as more people need it...

Candiatate fellow of the Geol Soc is £15 a year so worth signing up and their careers pages are fairly good - if I write anymore I’ll out myself but feel free to PM if you have any questions.

Thank you vroc81. I think my nephew is keen on the idea of lots of fieldwork so I will tell him this. Not sure how much he knows about chartership, but he has joined the Geologists Society so hopefully will be looking at their info. Thanks for the offer to PM - will be in touch if he has any more questions.

I was a Chartered Geologist about 20 years ago - back then I had to send off several kilos of signed off reports and an experience report I think? Personally I didn’t find it particularly worth while as it didn’t have the same standing as CEng and was never a requirement for any jobs I did in the industry. I eventually dropped membership of the Geol Soc because it was expensive and provided little in return. Perhaps things have changed?

DH would always recommend student membership of the SPE and/or PESGB for anyone thinking of going into oil and gas.

I would have thought field trips will vary from uni to uni - DH did geophysics and did as many and as varied field trips as I did studying geological sciences - and we both did 6 week geological field mapping projects in the summer between 2nd & 3rd year. I am going back a good few years now though, but uni prospectuses should give info.