Is Geology for me?

<p>I've been thinking about studying Geology, especially Petroleum Geology but I had a couple of different questions. First I was wondering if it needed hard math, I'm average at math having a predicted 5 (will get a 6) in Ib math studies and I was really worried that I might struggle with the maths. </p>

<p>Secondly I was wondering if it needed a lot of physics and chemistry and if once again it was hard. I got an A in science for IGCSE and i'm currently struggling with a 4 in IB chemistry but I haven't done any physics lessons since two years ago.</p>

<p>Third I was wondering which universities were good for this in the USA, Canada and UK.</p>

<p>Fourth I was wondering what exactly the course consisted of for Petroleum Geology.</p>

<p>Last I was wondering how easy it was to get a job after graduating with a masters, how
much would I learn and finally if you had to travel a lot by airplane for this or if you did a lot of things involved with heights as I am extremely afraid of them (this includes flying in all forms as well as rappelling or canopy)</p>

<p>Thank you for taking your time and helping me with my doubts.</p>

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<li><p>For Geology at my school you need Math up to differential equations (usually around the same required courses as engineers). If you are looking into petroleum geology, it may be prudent to take another couple of math classes, but that depends on the university and its requirements.</p></li>
<li><p>My university requires two courses of calculus based physics (Mechanics and E&M). There is also one general chemistry course required and a geochemistry class during upper level. Whether this is “hard” depends on the kind of student you are and whether you choose to apply yourself. Physics will more than likely be much more difficult than the chemistry course, but there are even engineering majors that struggle with the first 2 calc based physics courses. I wouldn’t ditch this major just because of any of this however.</p></li>
<li><p>I’ve heard good things about University of Texas Geology program. I have also heard University of Arizona is exceptional, probably one of the best due to its wonderful location since nothing is more phenomenal than the geology of the West/Southwest.</p></li>
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<p>[Petroleum</a> and Environmental Geology Tracks](<a href=“http://roadtodiscovery.tamu.edu/all-roads-lead-to-geosciences/geology-a-geophysics/petroleum-a-environmental-geology-tracks]Petroleum”>http://roadtodiscovery.tamu.edu/all-roads-lead-to-geosciences/geology-a-geophysics/petroleum-a-environmental-geology-tracks)</p>

<p>[Curriculum</a> and Scholarships](<a href=“http://roadtodiscovery.tamu.edu/all-roads-lead-to-geosciences/geology-a-geophysics/curriculum-and-scholarships]Curriculum”>http://roadtodiscovery.tamu.edu/all-roads-lead-to-geosciences/geology-a-geophysics/curriculum-and-scholarships) </p>

<p>(for the second link, click on catalog 133 for BS Geology) </p>

<p>These links will give you an idea of what to expect in a petroleum geology curriculum. Also, realize that it may be beneficial for your school to have a decent Petroleum Engineering program because you will probably take a few classes in PetE.</p>

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<li><p>With a masters you are at an advantage of getting the more interesting/higher satisfaction jobs within a specific field of interest. The professor I talked to told me that generally the masters is the desired degree for those pursuing oil and gas industry.</p></li>
<li><p>For petroleum related jobs, especially those involving discovery and exploration, it is beneficial to be open to travel. It may or may not be a must, but there is certainly a chance that you may have to travel by some means.</p></li>
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<p>I hope this helps. This is based on my many talks/e-mails with professors. I too thought I wanted to pursue Geology at one point but chose Physics instead. If you feel comfortable with math, I would also highly suggest to you to look into Geophysics Major. If you are more of a quantitative person, it would be a good fit, and it is a highly lucrative field right now.</p>