OFO No: 211402

Other names for Geophysicist:

• Geophysical Scientist
• Hydrologist
• Marine Scientist
• Physical Oceanographer
• Seismologist

What is a Geophysicist?

A Geophysicist is a scientist. They study the physical characteristics of the earth.

They may study:

• the earth’s crust
• atmosphere
• earth’s interior
• ocean floors, etc
  

They may specialise in:

• earthquakes
• volcanoes
• weather patterns
• geomagnetic fields
• movement of tectonic plates
• measuring and mapping the earth

What does a Geophysicist do?

• researches and collects data
• analyses data
• makes observations
• uses high tech equipment
• takes measurements
• gives talks and lectures
• writes reports
• keeps up to date with info and learning

Are you . . . ?

• interested in geography and the earth’s surface?
• interested in research?
• observant?
• willing to work anywhere – including remote areas?
• willing to work in all weather conditions?
• accurate?
• responsible and reliable?
• willing to continue to learn?

How do I become a Geophysicist?

PATH 1

Bachelor’s degree with a major in Geography

Honours in Geography

• University of Fort Hare
• University of Johannesburg
• University of KZN
• University of Pretoria
• University of Stellenbosch
• University of Western Cape
• University of Zululand

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Blaster or Metallurgical Engineering Technologist

Is becoming at Geophysicist the right career choice to me?

OFO No: 211402

Other names for Seismologist:

• Geophysical Scientist
• Hydrologist
• Marine Scientist
• Physical Oceanographer
   

CLICK HERE

Youtube clip – I want to be a Seismologist

What is a Seismologist?

A Seismologist is a scientist. They study the internal physical characteristics of the earth. In most cases, they specialise in studying earthquakes!

This includes:

• tectonic plate movement (earthquakes)
• geological map making
• ground water, mineral deposits, etc

Most Seismologists work for petroleum or geophysical companies.

What does a Seismologist do?

• researches and collects data
• analyses data
• makes observations
• uses high tech seismology equipment
• takes measurements
•  

Are you . . . ?

• interested in geography and the earth’s surface?
• interested in research?
• observant?
• willing to work anywhere – including remote areas?
• willing to work in all weather conditions?
• accurate?
• responsible and reliable?
•  work outdoors as well as in a laboratory
• work unusual hours (earthquakes are spontaneous)

How do I become a Seismologist?

PATH 1

Bachelor’s degree with a major in Geography

Honours in Geography

• University of Fort Hare
• University of Johannesburg
• University of KZN
• University of Pretoria
• University of Stellenbosch
• University of Western Cape
• University of Zululand

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Meteorologist or Marine Biologist

Is becoming a Seismologist the right career choice to me?

OFO No: 311704

Other names for Geophysical Technician:

• Earth Science Laboratory Technician
• Earth Science Technical Officer
• Geochemical Laboratory Technician
• Geological Laboratory Technician
• Geological Technical Officer
• Geological Technician
• Geoscience Laboratory Technician
• Geotechnician
• Mineral Resource Technician
• Ore Reserve Technician
• Soil Mechanic Technician
• Soil Science Technical Officer

What is a Geophysical Technician?

A Geophysical Technician uses a combination of physics, geology and mathematics to study the earth.

They use high-tech equipment to collect their data.

Geophysical Technicians usually work closely with engineers and scientists.

Instruments they use include:

• microscopes
• electromagnetic irradiation machines
• spectrometers
• spectrographs
• densitometers
• tension testing equipment etc

What does a Geophysical Technician do?

• uses high tech equipment to gather data
• does research
• analyses data
• provides technical assistance to research
• helps scientists and engineers

Are you . . . ?

• interested in geography and the earth’s surface?
• interested in research?
• observant?
• willing to work anywhere – including remote areas?
• willing to work in all weather conditions?
• accurate?
• responsible and reliable?

How do I become a Geophysical Technician?

PATH 1

National Diploma in Geology

• Tshwane University of Technology

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Geographer or Environmental Engineer

Is becoming at Geophysical Technician the right career choice to me?

OFO No: 211401

Other names for Geologist:

• Engineering Geologist
• Environmental Geologist
• Exploration Geologist
• Field Geologist
• Geochemist
• Geological Auditor
• Geological Oceanographer
• Geological Planner
• Geomorphologist
• Geoscientist
• Hydrogeologist
• Marine Geologist
• Mine Geologist
• Palaeontologist
• Petrologist
• Structural Geologist
• Volcanologist

CLICK HERE

Youtube clip – So you want to become a Geologist?

For training options in South Africa – scroll down

What is a Geologist?

A Geologist is passionate about the structure, physical characteristics and composition of the earth. Their studies are used in:

• mineral exploration (mining)
• civil engineering
• environmental protection
• earth rehabilitation programmes (after mining etc)

Some Geologists may specialise (for example):

• Geochemistry
• Oceanography
• Glaciology
• Hydrology
• Tectonics
• Volcanology etc

What does a Geologist do?

• often works in remote places
• studies composition and structures of earth’s crust
• examines rocks, minerals etc
• attempts to locate oil, gas, mineral deposits etc
• uses high tech measuring equipment
• assists engineers with information regarding land to be used for dams, road, tunnesl etc
• prepares reports, charts and diagrams etc

Are you . . . ?

• interested in the earth and how it made up?
• interested in science?
• interested in working mostly outdoors?
• observant?
• reliable?
• inquisitive?
• willing to work in, sometimes, remote places?
• willing to work in all weather conditions?

How do I become a Geologist?

You will need to complete a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology.

• Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
• North West University
• Rhodes University
• University of Fort Hare
• University of Johannesburg
• University of KZN
• University of Limpopo
• University of Pretoria
• University of SA (UNISA)
• University of Free State
• University of Western Cape
• University of Witwatersrand

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Green Builder or Climate Change Analyst

Is becoming a Geologist the right career choice for me

OFO No: 263203

What is a Geographer?

A Geographer studies spaces and locations around the world.

They often study:

Physical geography

• The study of the earth’s surface and natural phenomena.  A Geologist is more interested in what lies beneath the surface.
• A Geographer may also study weather patterns, eco systems and the relationship of various organisms etc.

Human geography

• The study of the relationship of people and places.
• This includes urban environments and the impact of humans on the environment (present, past and future). A Geographer in this area will be passionate about different cultures and societies and what impact they have on the environment.

What does a Geographer do?

• travels to various locations
• does research
• does interviews
• analyses and interprets data
• works with other scientists
• writes reports
• liaises and advises governments and other organisations

Are you . . . ?

• interested in geography?
• interested in different cultures?
• inquisitive?
• interested in research?
• a good communicator?
• willing to travel?
• organised?
• a people’s person?

How do I become a Geographer?

PATH 1

Bachelor of Geography degree

• University of Johannesburg
• University of KZN
• University of Pretoria
• University of the Free State

PATH 2

• Bachelor of Geography degree
• Honours in Geography

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions.
  

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Geologist or Land Surveyor

Is becoming a Geographer the right career choice for me?