WHAT IS GEOLOGY AND ENGINEERING?

Geology, in its simplest definition, means earth science. It is the branch of science that studies the history of the earth, its composition of rock, soil and water, and its evolution from past to present. Engineering is defined as the art of using scientific data for practical purposes, taking into account the conditions of safety and economy. In other words, it can be briefly explained as the branch of engineering that enables the use of geological data for practical engineering purposes.

Geology is the branch of science that studies natural processes, the physical structure and history of the earth. During this examination, the structural features of the earth, the development of the crust; It follows its composition of rock, soil and water. While doing all this research, it also observes environmental changes from past to present. In addition, today it is among the 5 basic branches of science (physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics, geology). Geology is a natural science. Interprets the history of the place. It synthesizes sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic rocks in time and space. It examines the development of life through rocks, soil and water on Earth. The goal of this branch of science is to make every aspect of the Earth understandable to humans.

Geological engineering is the application of earth science to human problems; It is the art of producing safe, economical and practical solutions. The structural changes that the Earth has undergone from its formation to the present day are among the research subjects of geological engineering. In addition, site selection studies for residential areas and all kinds of engineering structures are also among its subjects.

WHAT DOES A GEOLOGICAL ENGINEER DO?

With today's technological developments, geological engineering study areas have expanded significantly. There are job opportunities in many different fields, especially in natural resources, environment and disaster management processes. Geological engineers play an important role in the exploration and economic use of metallic mines, industrial raw materials, energy raw materials and hot and cold water resources. They take precautions against natural disasters such as earthquakes, landslides and rockfalls. In addition, they make liquefaction, flood, disaster hazard and risk assessments. In preparing land use plans, geological - geotechnical studies, groundwater and soil pollution, waste storage, etc. They support other branches of science in solving environmental problems. They evaluate engineering structures and buildings such as dams, tunnels, highways, railways, pipelines and power plants. They also take an active role in determining the basic parameters that urban projects may need. In addition to the fields of study listed above, geological engineers also carry out studies on gemology (ornamental stones), medical geology (medical geology), and geological sites (fossil zones, petrified trees, landforms).

GEOLOGICAL ENGINEERING IN TURKEY AND THE WORLD

Geology education in Turkey started within the Faculty of Science of Istanbul University. Today, there are 255 quotas in the geological engineering department in 12 universities for student admission in 2024. In 2023, only 241 candidates were placed in these departments. Due to the limited number of quotas available in recent years, graduates have no problem finding a job. In this case, after 4 years, it is thought that the future of the profession is very clear in our country, which is a geography where natural disasters frequently occur. The department, which existed in more than 30 universities in the past years, has been closed in many of them in recent years. The training period is 4 years. Candidates who want to study Geological Engineering will be successful in science, at peace with nature, physically resistant to field conditions and have high observational skills, which will offer them a successful career opportunity.

As a professional chamber of geological engineers, it is affiliated with TMMOB Chamber of Geological Engineers. Today, the Ministries of Environment and Urbanization, Energy, Transport and the Mass Housing Administration, MTA, TPAO, DSİ, TKİ, ETİ HOLDİNG, DLH, BOTAŞ, TTK, Highways, Disaster Affairs, Construction Works, Bank of Provinces, Electrical Works Survey Administration, Mining Works General Directorate. They can work in Directorates and Local Government (Municipalities and Special Provincial Administrations) units. In addition, they can also find the opportunity to work in various private sector institutions and organizations in the mining, cement and construction sectors. They benefit from geological information and work together with GEOLOGICAL ENGINEERS for the correct design, protection and error-free construction of structures, especially in our country where natural disasters such as earthquakes, landslides and rock falls occur frequently.

https://www.nigdehaber.com.tr/nohu-jeoloji-muhendisliginden-aday-ogrencilere-davet

Prof. Dr. Mustafa KORKANÇ

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