Geology Major - considering a Geomatics & Spatial Analysis major

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the potential benefits of studying Geomatics & Spatial Analysis alongside a Geology specialization. Participants explore the relevance of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in geological industries and consider the implications of pursuing a minor in statistics or physics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses interest in a joint honours degree in Geology and Geomatics & Spatial Analysis, questioning the applicability of GIS in geology and whether a major or minor in the subject would be more beneficial.
  • Another participant mentions that GIS knowledge is typically not a prerequisite for employment in the field, suggesting that companies often provide training on the job, but acknowledges that familiarity with GIS could be advantageous.
  • A participant contemplates the value of pursuing a minor in statistics or physics, indicating uncertainty about which would be more appropriate for their career goals.
  • One participant emphasizes the importance of aligning the choice of minor with specific career aspirations, noting that the usefulness of GIS in geological industries is a key consideration.
  • A later reply recommends taking statistics and specialized geology statistics courses if pursuing Geology and Spatial Analysis.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying opinions on the necessity and value of GIS knowledge for geologists, with some suggesting it is beneficial while others indicate it may not be essential. The discussion on the appropriateness of a minor in statistics versus physics remains unresolved, as it depends on individual career goals.

Contextual Notes

The discussion lacks specific details on how GIS is utilized in geological industries and does not provide a consensus on the best minor to pursue, highlighting the subjective nature of the decision based on career aspirations.

Transient
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I have recently switched into an Honours B.Sc. in Geology. I would like to get a second opinion on the potential applicability of studying Geomatics & Spatial Analysis in conjunction with the Geology specialization.

I was previously enrolled in a chemistry degree so a great deal of my courses transfer to my new geology specialization. I have every required first year course except for "Introduction to Earth Materials". This has created a bottleneck in my course progression, figuratively speaking. I have room to fit another major into my degree. My tentative plan is to get a joint honours degree with a specialization in Geology and a major in Geomatics & Spatial Analysis.

Geology Specialization:
http://www.science.uottawa.ca/students-etudiants/ugrad/sequences/bsc-honours-spec-geology-120cr.html
Geomatics & Spatial Analysis Major:
http://www.uottawa.ca/academic/info/regist/calendars/programs/1062.html

I've heard that GIS are applied in a variety of industries involving geology and that many geologists are expected to know how to use the software. Would learning about GIS be worthwhile for a geologist? Would a Geomatics major make me seem unfocused? Should I just go for a minor in the subject instead?

I would greatly appreciate advice regarding this prospect.
 
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I'm certainly in no position to give advice on this matter but I have heard that GIS is typically not prerequisite knowledge for companies hiring in the area. Apparently they will teach you everything you need to know on the job... But I'm sure it couldn't hurt to be comfortable.
 
Thanks for your input.

I have also been considering a minor in statistics, or a minor in physics. Would one of those disciplines be more appropriate?
 
Without knowing your career goals, I don't believe anyone here can tell you if one minor would be better than another.
 
I am focusing my geology electives on hydrology. I am interested in water resource management and environmental toxicology. Unfortunately I don't have an exact career in mind. It is true that my choice of minor is subjective based upon my desired career path.

My main questions here are: How useful are GIS to geological industries?
Is learning about GIS software advantageous for acquiring employment as a geologist?
 
Hey Transient and welcome to the forums.

If you are getting into Geology and Spatial Analysis, I definitely recommend you picking up statistics and possibly some kind of longitudinal or specialist geology statistics courses along the way.
 

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