Physical Geology covers the Earth's structure, processes, and materials. You'll learn about plate tectonics, earthquakes, volcanoes, and how rocks and minerals form. The course dives into weathering, erosion, and how landscapes change over time. You'll also explore topics like groundwater, glaciers, and the geological history of our planet.

Is Physical Geology hard?

Physical Geology can be challenging, but it's not impossible. The toughest part is memorizing all the rock and mineral names, which can feel like learning a new language. The concepts themselves aren't too bad once you get the hang of them. Most students find the labs and field trips pretty fun, which helps balance out the tougher theoretical stuff.

Tips for taking Physical Geology in college

Use Fiveable Study Guides to help you cram 🌶️
Make flashcards for rock and mineral identification
Draw diagrams to visualize processes like plate tectonics
Join study groups to practice identifying rocks and minerals
Watch documentaries like "Planet Earth" or "How the Earth Was Made"
Use mnemonic devices for remembering rock types (e.g., "I Get Metamorphic" for Igneous, Sedimentary, Metamorphic)
Take advantage of office hours, especially before lab practicals
Keep a rock collection to practice identification skills at home

Common pre-requisites for Physical Geology

General Chemistry: This course covers basic chemical principles and reactions. It's helpful for understanding mineral composition and formation.
College Algebra: A foundation in algebra is useful for geological calculations and understanding graphs. This course covers equations, functions, and basic mathematical concepts.

Classes similar to Physical Geology

Environmental Geology: Focuses on how geological processes affect humans and how we impact the Earth. You'll learn about natural hazards, resource management, and environmental issues.
Oceanography: Explores the physical and biological aspects of the world's oceans. It covers topics like ocean currents, marine ecosystems, and the seafloor.
Meteorology: Studies the Earth's atmosphere and weather patterns. You'll learn about climate, weather forecasting, and atmospheric phenomena.
Planetary Geology: Examines the geological features and processes of other planets and moons in our solar system. It's like Physical Geology, but for space rocks.

Geology: Focuses on the study of Earth's structure, composition, and processes. Students learn about rocks, minerals, plate tectonics, and the Earth's history.
Environmental Science: Combines natural sciences with social sciences to understand environmental issues. Students study ecosystems, pollution, and sustainability.
Geography: Examines the Earth's physical features and human societies. Students learn about landscapes, climate, and how humans interact with their environment.
Earth Science Education: Prepares students to teach Earth science at the secondary level. Combines geology knowledge with teaching methods and classroom management skills.

What can you do with a degree in Physical Geology?

Geologist: Studies the Earth's structure and processes to locate natural resources or assess geological hazards. They often work for oil companies, environmental firms, or government agencies.
Environmental Consultant: Assesses and manages environmental issues for various projects. They might work on contaminated site cleanups or help companies comply with environmental regulations.
Hydrologist: Studies the movement and quality of water on Earth. They might work on water conservation projects or help predict floods and droughts.
Mining Engineer: Designs and oversees the extraction of minerals from the Earth. They work to make mining operations safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly.