Geosciences
A guide by students for students
Scottish highands mylonites, picture by Nils Van Weelderen
Are you a student wondering about your future?
You have come to the right place!
If you are intersted in applying any science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subject to the outside world, then there will be a subject in geosciences that will fit you !
"An Eruptive Situation" by U.S. Geological Survey, CC PDM 1.0
What are Geosciences?
"Geosciences" is an umbrella term that covers a range of multidisciplinary subjects. Their common aspect is that all the fields of study involve the application of physics, chemistry, biology and math in order to better understand the Earth.
Besides looking at volcanoes and dinosaures, geoscientists look at a broad variety of subjects like sustainable energy, earthquakes, history of the Earth, paleoclimatology, natural ressources, water management, contaminated land remediation, safe storage of dangerous products... the list goes on !
Often in the new, researchers are referred to as generic "scientists". However, many of those scientists are actually doing geosciences!
In contrast with maths, physics or chemistry, there is so much to discover in geosciences that even during your first few years of university, you can already contribute to exciting discoveries!
"Glaciers and Sea Level Rise" by NASA Goddard Photo, CC BY 2.0
"Colorado School of Mines Geophysical Survey Team 2018" by Forest Service Pacific Northwest Region, CC PDM 1.0
Trilobite fossil, picture taken
by Leonluca Klein
Fossiliferous limestone under polarising microscope, picture taken
by Leonluca Klein
"Nesjavellir Geothermal Power Plant" by ThinkGeoEnergy, CC BY 2.0
Preconseptions about geosciences, a new approach to the Earth
Geosciences and especially geology are often associated with fossile fuel extraction. While this was true for the 20th century, most geoscientists have nothing to do with it as we move to a more sustainable future. Geoscientists are now the section of science that makes predictions and proposes solutions to climate change. In order to stop the negative association with fossile fuel, some universities prefer refering "geosciences" and "geology" as "Earth Sciences".
Canadian pumpjack, picture taken by Leonluca Klein
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Knowledge buit by geoscientists allow them to have a leading role in understanding and fighting climate change. Study of the past climate and the understanding of the ocean and the rock cycle allow for previsions for climate change. The understanding of the subsurface allow for advances in order to deal with climate change. For example, the Carbon Capture and Storage program or the advances in geothermal power solutions are only made possible thanks to geoscientists.
"Whitelee wind farm" by Ian Dick (Flickr), CC BY 2.0
Finding a degree after school might be daunting. Why not browse through the possible geoscience degrees or have a look at our degree finder?
Geoscience Degrees
Is a university degree for everyone?
Yes it is!
Access to University should not be restrained to a separate group of the population. This is why over the years, so much support for students has been developed.
In Scotland, university fees can be paid by SAAS, along with other financial help and bursouries depending on your financial background.
Everyone from any gender, ethnicity, personal belief or fianancial background are welcome, and universities have a zero-tolerance policies versus any discrimination.
Geosciences are gender-blanced subjects with students from varied backgrounds, making sure you will feel included when joining such degrees.
About the author
I am a current geology master student at the University of Edinburgh and have participated in outreach since 2016.
This website is complemented by an online webinar hosted by Leonluca Klein, who's insight greately helped the production of this website.
Nils Van Weelderen, picture by Aga Stefanovicz