List of Universities Offering Geology in Ghana
In this guide, we’ll be looking at the list of universities offering geology in Ghana. We’ll also look at career opportunities for geology graduates in Ghana as well as the requirements of becoming a geologist/geoscientist in Ghana.
Geology or Earth Science is a core discipline in physical sciences. Geologist (Earth Scientist or Geoscience) are trained in mineral exploration, hydrocarbon resources exploration, hydrogeological practice, engineering geological practice, and general geological practice.
In Ghana, geologist study at the university for at least four years. Once accredited to practice, they have the opportunity to take further qualifications and develop their interests in specialised areas of practice.
Contents
What is Geology?
Also known as ‘geoscience’ or ‘Earth science’, geology is the study of the structure, evolution and dynamics of the Earth and its natural mineral and energy resources. Geology involves methods and knowledge from biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics.
Geologists study earth processes such as earthquakes, landslides, floods, and volcanic eruptions to survey land and draw up safe building plans. When geologists investigate earth materials, they not only investigate metals and minerals but also look for oil, natural gas, water and methods to extract these.
As a geology student, you will learn about a range of topics such as the origins and development of landscapes, earthquakes, volcanoes, sustainability, glaciers, water composition and processes, floods, groundwater flow, the interaction between humans and the planet, and dinosaur evolution.
What Does a Geologist Do?
Geologists work to understand the history of our planet. The better they can understand Earth’s history, the better they can foresee how events and processes of the past might influence the future.
Depending on the particular specialization in geology, a geologist may study and map rock formations, collect rock samples and fossils, or measure the physical properties of the earth.
A general geologist works with mineralogy, petrology, geological mapping, economic geology, and petroleum geology. Geological mapping consists of documenting geological formations on a map, such as rock patterns and distribution.
Geology Specialization
The field of geology is very broad. Below are a few fields within the spectrum of geology.
Environmental Geologist: Environmental geologists look for solutions to environmental issues by observing and investigating flooding, erosion, earthquakes, pollution, and natural hazards.
Engineering Geologist: Engineering geologists can work as advisors to private and public companies on the environmental and geological issues for real estate development by assessing whether the ground rock is stable and safe enough to build on.
Marine Geologist: Marine geologists are a subset of geologists that study the processes (such as plate tectonics, volcanic activity, and earthquakes) of the land form that is beneath the ocean.
Planetary Geologist: Planetary geology is concerned with studying the geology of the planets and their moons, asteroids, comets, and meteorites.
Economic Geologist: Economic geology is a subset of geology that is concerned with the formation and extraction of earth materials such as precious and base metals, petroleum minerals, nonmetallic minerals, construction-grade stone, coal, and water that can be used for economic potential and/or industrial purposes in society.
Petroleum Geologist: A petroleum geologist is involved in identifying possible oil deposits/traps, oil discovery, and production.
Geomorphologist: Geomorphologists study how the Earth’s surface is sculpted or morphed by streams, landslides, glaciers, and wind.
Geophysicist: A geophysicist studies the Earth by using gravity and magnetic, electrical, and seismic methods.
Geohydrologist: Geohydrologists study the properties and distribution of natural underground water reservoirs, their capacity to store water, and the movement of water through the reservoirs.
How to Become a Geologist (Earth Scientist or Geoscientist) in Ghana
To practice as a geoscientist in Ghana, you’ll need to secure admission to study earth science or geoscience or geology at the University either abroad or in Ghana. To study Geology in Ghana, you’ll need to enrol into the University of Ghana Department of Earth Science.
At the University, you’ll be required to spend at least four years to study Earth Science. However, to practice as a geoscientist in Ghana, you’ll need to register with the Ghana Institute of Geoscientist (GHIG).
Universities Offering Geology/Geoscience/Earth Science in Ghana
Below is the list of universities offering Geology in Ghana.
- University of Ghana
- University of Mines and Technology (Geology Engineering)
- Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (Geological Engineering)
Importantly, Geology at the University of Ghana is offered as Earth Science. The now Department of Earth Science was founded as the Department of Geology.
