Geology (IRS)

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The study of the planet Earth--the materials of which it is made, the processes that act on these materials, the products formed, and the history of the planet and its life forms since its origin. Geology considers the physical forces that act on the Earth, the chemistry of its constituent materials, and the biology of its past inhabitants as revealed by fossils. Clues on the origin of the planet are sought in a study of the Moon and other extraterrestrial bodies. The knowledge thus obtained is placed in the service of man--to aid in discovery of minerals and fuels of value in the Earth's crust, to identify geologically stable sites for major structures, and to provide foreknowledge of some of the dangers associated with the mobile forces of a dynamic Earth. * Geology is a profession with licensure required to practice in over half of the states.

For more information about this major, please visit the following links from the FAU University Catalog:






Related Major Skills

Establish hypothesis
Utilize math formulas
Define research problems
Design equipment
Design simulations
Develop research models
Develop research proposals
Draw meaningful conclusion
Establish/control designs
Evaluate ideas
Field sampling
Gather/analyze data
Geographic Information Systems
Identify materials/specimens
Inform, explain, instruct
Maintain records
Mathematical modeling
Measure distances
Measure relationships
Observe data & things
Perform calculations
Prepare technical reports
Review scientific literature
See relationships in factors
Summarize research



 

 


 

Sample Work Settings

Department of Defense
Department of Health & Human Services
Department of Housing & Urban Development
Department of Transportation
Environmental Consulting Firms
Environmental Protection Agency
Forest Service
Mapping Agencies
Marketing/Distribution Companies
National Aeronautics & Space Administration
Petroleum Companies
Planning Agencies
Real Estate & Development Corporations
Resource Management Agencies
Aerial Survey Firms
Architectural Firms
Army Corps of Engineers
Colleges & Universities
Consulting Services
Department of Agriculture
Engineering Firms
Intelligence Agencies (CIA, FBI and NSA)
Land Developers
National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration
National Science Foundation
State Geologic Surveys
State and Local Government
U.S. Geological Survey Department of State
Water Management District