Geology

20/03/2020 17:51

Geology is the branch of the Natural Sciences that studies the composition, age, structure and evolution of the Earth, applying the laws and principles of Chemistry, Physics and Biology. Geology allows the understanding of the dynamics and relations of the geosystems that make up our planet: hydrosphere, lithosphere, biosphere, atmosphere and geodynamo. It is subdivided in Theoretical Geology (Physics and History) and Applied Geology (Economics, Environment and Engineering). This strategic science has broad applications in the study of mineral resources, petroleum and natural gas geology, and natural disasters (geological-geotechnical risks), and also relates to Engineering, Archeology, Medicine, Criminal Investigation, Land Planning, among other fields of knowledge.

The law regulating the geology profession in Brazil is Law no. 4,076/1962. According to the Resolution no. 1,010, of 22 August 2005, of the Federal Council of Engineering and Agriculture (CONFEA), geologists work in the following fields: Topography, Geodesy and Cartography; Earth and Environmental Sciences; Geology Systems and Methods; Engineering Geology; Economic Geology; Hydrogeology; Petroleum and Natural Gas Geology; and Mining.

Geologists are also able to apply their knowledge in many other fields. The last decades have witnessed a growing demand for Geology professionals, especially due to a significant increase in the social pressure for the exploration of new frontiers of natural resources and the responsible use of these resources for the sustainable development of the planet. Recent societal demands have brought new challenges for the profession, requiring a multidisciplinary training that includes, on one hand, technical knowledge in physics, mathematics, chemistry, biology and computer science, and, on the other hand, a critical and integrated view of fields such as economics, planning, and even social structures.

Therefore, the job market is promising for Geology graduates, due to the demand for a professional who understands the geological processes in such a way as to propose consistent solutions for the society, in harmony with the environment. Possible employers include oil companies, artesian well drilling companies, civil and environmental engineering companies, mining companies, state-owned enterprises, city halls, and higher educational institutions, where they can work as professors or researchers.

The Geology Program’s educational project is guided by the National Curriculum Guidelines for Engineering Geology and Geology Programs (Resolution 01/CES/CNE/2015), qualifying graduates to work in the many branches of Geology and to make use of new technologies without disregarding the human-ethical-aesthetic-environmental dimensions as guiding elements for the decision on whether or not to use them.

Program Length: 10 semesters (5 years)
Phone:
+55 48 3721 4878
Website: geologia.ufsc.br