University Of Pretoria Geology

University Of Pretoria Geology

University Of Pretoria Geology, Geology is the scientific study of the dynamic system of the planet Earth and includes the atmosphere hydrosphere lithosphere and biosphere. The study of geology integrates the principles of mathematics and physics as well as chemistry and biology in studying the history and processes of the earth.

Postgraduate Programmes (MSc and PhD)

MASTERS DEGREES (MSc)

All Masters programmes in the Department of Geology are research-only programmes.  The following Masters degrees are offered in the Department of Geology:
M.Sc. in Geology (code 02250141)
GLY 890 Dissertation: Geology 890 (180 credits)

M.Sc. in Engineering Geology (code 02250371)
IGL 890 Dissertation: Engineering Geology 890 (180 credits)
M.Sc. in Engineering and Environmental Geology (code 02250372)
IGL 890 Dissertation: Engineering Geology 890  (180 credits)

M.Sc. in Engineering and Environmental Geology (Hydrogeology) (code 02250373)
GTX 890 Dissertation: Hydrogeology 890 (180 credits)
180 credits translate to 1 800 notional hours.  For a 45-week academic year comprised of 40 hours per week, this implies that the minimum period of enrolment for a Masters degree is one year and completion is expected within two years, irrespective of whether studies are full-time or part-time.
The UP guidelines for postgraduate supervision states that the “… award of a research master’s degree requires that a student demonstrates that s/he has achieved mastery in a specific academic or professional field.  The master’s graduate will have demonstrated that s/he has acquired a body of advanced-level knowledge, has completed a piece of independent research, and has applied skills of critical analysis and evaluation to the results of the research.  Following a masters degree, the graduate should be able to integrate knowledge, handle complexity, formulate judgements and communicate their conclusions to an expert and non-expert audience, and possibly even continue into further studies.

DOCTORATE DEGREES (PhD)

All Doctorate programmes in the Department of Geology are research-only programmes.  The following Doctorate degrees are offered in the Department of Geology:
The following Doctoral degrees are offered in the Department of Geology:
Ph.D. in Geology (code 02260521)
GLY 990 Thesis: Geology 990 (360 credits)

Ph.D. in Engineering and Environmental Geology (code 02260542)
IGL 990 Thesis: Engineering Geology 990 (360 credits)

Ph.D. in Engineering and Environmental Geology (Hydrogeology) (code 02260522)
GTX 990 Thesis: Hydrogeology 990 (360 credits)
360 credits translate to 3 600 notional hours.  For a 45-week academic year comprised of 40 hours per week, this implies that the minimum period of enrolment for a Doctoral degree is two years and completion is expected within three years, irrespective of whether studies are full-time or part-time.
UP’s guidelines for postgraduate supervision defines a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree as “… a research-based qualification, awarded for an independent study conducted in the sciences or humanities”.  Additionally, awarding the degree requires “… the creation and interpretation of new knowledge, making a significant and original contribution at the forefront of the academic discipline or area of professional practice, manifest(ing) ability to conceptualise, interrogate and answer high level research questions, and understanding of relevant research techniques” and should merit peer review and publication.  The degree can only be awarded based on passing a thesis and an oral defence.
In exceptional circumstances, a doctoral degree can be conferred on a candidate who enjoys international recognition by virtue of outstanding and extensive research (doctoral degree by virtue of publications), or through upgrading of a master’s dissertation.

Postgraduate Programmes (BSc Hons)

HONOURS DEGREES (BSc Hons)
The Department of Geology offers two programmes at honours level.  The honours programmes consist of theoretical modules as well as substantial practical and project work components.
The honours degree in Geology (code 02240141) follows on the undergraduate study programme in Geology and employment is generally within the mining industry with additional options in forensic geology, exploration geology and analytical services.
The Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology options for specialisation of the honours degree Engineering and Environmental Geology follow on the undergraduate study programme in Engineering and Environmental Geology.  Two fields of specialization are offered within the honours programme, namely Engineering Geology (code 02240370) and Hydrogeology (code 02240373).
Admission to the Honours Programmes
Geology: Candidates with a BSc (Geology) degree are admitted only if the candidates comply fully with the undergraduate requirements.  In some instances the Head of Department may prescribe additional modules prior to a candidate being allowed into the honours programme.   Thorough understanding of all fundamental geology modules forming parting of the undergraduate programme is required.
Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology: A BSc degree in Geology or Environmental and Engineering Geology with an average of 60% for all the modules in applied geology at second-year and third-year level. These modules must include soil mechanics, rock mechanics, engineering geology and hydrogeology. In the selection procedure the candidate’s complete undergraduate academic record will be considered. The positions available are limited to 15 and candidates who have progressed faster through their undergraduate degree will take preference. Outside applicants and those with unusual degree structures may be admitted after perusal of their academic records and at the discretion of the head of department.
Available Positions: In the event of the course being oversubscribed, candidates with a poor undergraduate academic record and/ or poor performance in the Introduction to Technical Reporting and Scientific Writing course may be refused entry into the course, as well as students exceeding the minimum period for completion of the bachelors degree.  The number of positions available in the programmes will be determined annually.  In general, a maximum of four students are allowed per full-time available lecturing staff member.  If some of the staff members are on leave or sabbatical, less students may be allowed into the programme for that year.  Subject to the additional limitations noted above, a maximum of 25 students may be allowed into the B.Sc. (Hons.) Geology programme, and 15 students into the B.Sc. (Hons.) Engineering and Environmental Geology programme.

Full programme details are available at Academic Programmes.

Welcome to the Department of Geology

To find out more about our staff or to contact us, click here.
For information on postgraduate applications, click here.
To download an information brochure on the Department, click here.
Mineral, energy, water and environment – these are the challenging topics for geoscientists in the 21^st century on a regional to global scale. South Africa’s energy and mineral resources need to be addressed in the context of global resource management to ensure sustainability. Universities are the academic platform for blue sky research on the one hand and partners for applied research in collaboration with industry on the other hand. Both approaches are necessary to provide a broad basis of knowledge to students and to produce highly competitive graduates and future leading geoscientists for the academic and industrial labour markets, nationally and internationally.
From this background, the establishment of resource-oriented research in geosciences is imperative and the University of Pretoria focuses on this development combining the necessary expertise in natural sciences and engineering sciences – a unique feature for South Africa.
The new research and teaching focus on Energy Resources in the Department of Geology will address the energy demands of the country as South Africa’s sustainable economic and human capital growth is strongly dependent on the future exploitation of its fossil energy resources. The department is a collaborative partner of the newly-established NRF-DST Centre of Excellence for Integrated Mineral and Energy Resource Analysis (CIMERA; co-hosted by the University of Johannesburg and the University of the Witwatersrand) and leading the research area Energy Resources of Karoo-aged basins. The new research focus provides a landmark opportunity for UP and the Department of Geology to address future manpower needs in the energy sector not just in South Africa, but internationally.

BSc Geology