Others may become ground-water geologists concerned with the distribution, movement, and chemical quality of our precious underground water supply. Many have become petroleum geologists who explore for and develop deposits of coal, oil, natural gas, and other earth resource materials. Another area that appeals to many geology majors is environmental geology, in which geological skills are required to help predict, avoid, or mitigate problems connected with pollution, urban development, and geologic hazards such as flooding and excessive erosion. Students completing the B.S. curriculum in geology would be prepared to undertake graduate studies for advanced degrees or enter a variety of careers related to some of the specialty areas. Paleontology and Paleoecology Paleontology is the study of fossils, with the aim of discerning the nature, occurrence, and evolution of life throughout geologic time.
Paleoecology deals with the relationship between fossil organisms and their inferred environments.
Coursework in this area emphasizes methods by which data derived from fossils can be interpreted and applied to geologic and biologic problems. This program uses concepts from disciplines such as chemistry, physics, and mathematics to help clarify geological phenomena and problems. In general, the problems are directly related to the basic materials comprising the earth, namely, the origin and occurrence of minerals, rocks, and ore deposits. Mineralogy, petrology, and geochemistry are so closely related that a combined treatment is necessary. Engineering Geology Engineering geology involves the use of geological data, techniques, and principles to interpret the geologic factors affecting the planning, design, and safety of engineering projects.