PROFESSIONAL REGISTRATION: Earth Sciences

Work experience requirements

1.For registration purposes, work experience should be gained after the completion of the highest qualification.

Aftercompleting a B.Sc. Honours or recognised B.Tech. degree, three years work experience is required, two years after completing an appropriate and recognised M.Sc. degree, and one year after completing a Ph.D.

If an applicant was employed full-time, work experience gained while studying part-time for a recognised M.Tech./M.Sc. degree, may be taken into consideration.

2.A minimum of three years appropriate work experience in the natural sciences is required to register as a Professional Natural Scientist of which one year must be ina position of responsibility.

3.Applicants that are operating on a decision-making level should have been responsible for the drafting of guidelines in the decision-making process and responsible for the affects of their decisions.

4.Applicants employed in an advisory capacity should indicate to what extent peers or clients depend on their professional advice and expertise for which they could be kept responsible, or if they have been involved in research which has lead to publication(s) in established science journals.

5.Research projects, which have lead to publication(s) in established science publications or papers, should be listed.

Guidelines for work experience report (not a CV)

1.The work experience report should be clear about the nature, extent and variety of the natural scientific work, as well as the level of participation in projects. A list of projects completed is not sufficient.

(a)All work experience relevant to the field of practice for which is applied.

(b)Information such as name of company, position occupied, period of employment, and responsibilities of each position in chronological order.

(c)Evidence of the application of the basic scientific principles, methods and techniques, scientificobservation, discussion and interpretation of data where a scientific opinion is delivered and findings explained in scientific terms.

(d)A description of any major research, project or design, and their appropriate values.

(e)List of articles published in recognised scientific journals.

(f)Papers presented at congresses/symposia, attendance of conferences and symposia

(g)Membership of scientific societies or other involvement in the profession.

2.Applicants that are operating on a decision-making level should have been responsible for the drafting of guidelines in the decision-making process and responsible for the affects of their decisions.

3.Applicants employed in an advisory capacity should indicate to what extent peers or clientsdependon their professional advice and expertise for which they could be kept responsible, or if they have been involved in research which has lead to publication(s) in established science journals.

Introduction

The work of a geologist may include a broad range of duties or may be confined to a specific area of applications.

Recognition of experience in the earth science professions includes the need to identify satisfactory practical exposure and competence in several of the employment–relevant skills that are listed in each of the following general fields of earth science practice:

(a)Mapping: field mapping, regional and detailed; underground mapping; borehole logging; litho-stratigraphic principles; structural interpretation; data compilation and presentation; appropriate survey methods; photogeology; orthophoto mapping remote sensing; practical cartography.

(b)Sampling techniques: practical sampling methods; geostatistics; data discrimination and evaluation; data interpretation and presentation.

(c)Analytical techniques: laboratory methods applicable to one or more of – economic, mining and exploration geology; engineering geology; environmental geology; geomorphology; geochemistry and mineralogy; geohydrology; geophysics; earth science research.

(d)Computer literacy: DOS; Windows; Spreadsheets; GIS; applied geological modelling.

(e)Communication: report writing; verbal presentation; confidentiality; professional ethics.

In addition to this broad exposure, more detailed or employment-specific skills and competence will be acquired by earth scientists according to their particular fields(s) of practice. In general terms, these fields may be classified broadly as: mining geology; exploration geology; geophysics; environmental geology; engineering geology; mineralogy and geochemistry; geohydrology; research geology and earth science.

Geological, geophysical and geochemical investigations in relation to the examination, exploration and evaluation of soils, rocks and minerals (including coal), mineral deposits, ground water resources, rock structures, and oil and gas accumulations; and the application of such investigations to the design and execution of engineering projects.

Identification, and the petrographic and geochemical analysis of rocks and minerals (including coal), field mapping, regional and detailed; underground mapping; borehole logging; litho-stratigraphic principles; structural interpretation; data compilation and presentation; appropriate survey methods; photogeology; orthophoto mapping remote sensing; practical cartography.

Scope of work involved

Earth Sciences

Earth Science: The field of practice Earth Science includes (but may not be limited to):

Geophysicists; Seismologists; Palaeomagneticists; Rock Mechanical Scientists; Engineering Geologists; Environmental Geologists/Geophysicists; Geostatisticians; Environmental Geologists specialising in waterborne pollution).

1.Engineering geological workconsists in the applying of geological data, techniques and principles, and, as may be appropriate, those of other natural sciences and technologies, to the study of rocks, sediments, soil materials, subsurface fluids and gasses, and as these may interact with one another or other products and local influences, with the prime purpose to ensure as far as possible that all such factors affecting the location, planning, design, construction, operation and maintenance of engineering structures and the development of groundwater resources are then recognised, adequately interpreted and suitably presented for use in engineering practice, on development projects, in technical training, and for the safeguarding of public welfare.

Such involvement includes all phases of civil engineering, aspects of town planning, architecture, building, mining and mineral prospecting, local and regional planning, agricultural and industrial development, environmental protection, archaeological study, marine works and investigations, or military activities, to the extent of any of these may require such specialist input, research and study. In all such fields where man applies his efforts to control and adapt himself to the forces of nature and circumstance while attempting to improve his environment, the engineering geologist utilises his specialist training and experience to provide specific and quantitative answers to engineering-related problems and risk evaluations, to the extent these may be influenced by geological and geotechnical factors. This would include site and laboratory investigations with testing, instrumentation, measurement and calculation applicable to such work as soil profiling, core logging, rock-mass classification, borrow material location, field mapping and air-photo interpretation, and other related activities form which engineering solutions are to be derived.

The engineering geologist’s involvement may be on his own, in association with the engineer and/or other scientists, or as a member of an inter-disciplinary technical team of specialists. He may also become concerned with the preparation of relevant contracts and with the settlement of claims; and he may be required to present his expert knowledge in litigation or arbitration proceedings arising formatters impinging on his field of activity.

2.Geophysics embodies the physics of the earth and surrounding atmosphere; it involves the study of the earth’s structure and composition on a continental, regional or detailed basis by making measurements of physical parameters based on such physical properties of geological materials, structures and segments as seismic, thermal, magnetic, electrical, gravitational and radioactive properties on land, at sea or below the earth’s surface in boreholes, shafts or mines;

It consists of the logistics of planning, surveying and carrying out of a geophysical investigation;

Measurements, recording, processing, representation of date in graphical or map form;

Interpretation of the results based on the integration of all available sedimentological, structural, remote sensing and geophysical data in a qualitative or quantitative sense applicable to the exploration of such commodities as oil, gas, minerals and groundwater, to foundation problems in civil engineering and to research in general;

The development of conceptual models compatible with the constraints imposed by al available geological and geophysical data;

Recommendations concerning follow-up investigations of delineated geophysical targets where feasible, and the continual updating of new results to refine interpretation techniques and improve conceptual models.

3.Meteorology and climatology

Work in meteorology and climatologymay pertain to the atmosphere in general or may be focussed on particular aspects of the atmosphere (including, for example, energy and momentum budgets, atmospheric dynamics, atmospheric physics, climate in general, air pollution and weather modifications.)

Meteorological and climatological work consist of the observation and measurement of aspects of the atmosphere at the micro-, meso-, synoptic- and macro-scales through direct measurement techniques and remote sensing;

the recording and representation of atmospheric data;

the interpretation of atmospheric phenomena in their relationship to global and smaller scale circulations and to temporal variation in those phenomena through statistical and other analytical techniques;

the development and testing of hypotheses and models pertaining to atmospheric phenomena;

the use of data, models and analytical results in weather forecasting, weather modification and other applications; and

the derivation of relationships between aspects of the atmosphere and the biosphere (in, for example, physiology, agriculture, water resource management and land management.) Sub-disciplines include agro-meteorology, hydro-meteorology, air pollution meteorology, applied meteorology.

4.Physical Geography

The work of the physical geographeris related to the physical environment in general or to specific facets of the environment. Physical geographers are concerned with the atmosphere (meteorology, climatology and their subdivisions), the surface of the earth (geomorphology and its subdivisions), and interactions at the interface between the atmosphere and lithosphere (hydrology, pedology, environmental management, biogeography and their subdivisions).

The work within each of the sub-disciplines of physical geography involves the observation and measurement of aspects of the physical environment and the processes operating therein using direct measurement techniques, data from maps, aerial photographs and the products of other remote sensing techniques;

The recording and representation of environmental phenomena on maps and in other forms;

The interpretation of phenomena in the physical environment through statistical and other analytical procedures including laboratory techniques;

The development and testing of hypotheses pertaining to the operation of environmental systems;

The derivation, modelling and prediction of conditions in, and relationships between, facets of the physical environment;

The provision of information for use in development planning; and

The supervision of the testing of predictions related to the natural environment.

5.Geomorphology may be defined as the science of landforms, and is particularly concerned with the processes which produce them, their spatial and geometric properties and the development of models which can predict changes within them through time. Applications of geomorphology are mostly concerned with the mapping and classification of landforms during the preparation of environmental inventories, the exploitation of interrelationships between landforms, soils and natural vegetation, and the impact which man’s activities may have on landscape processes. The processes with which the geo-morphologist is concerned are the same as those which have operated in the past to produce sedimentological and stratigraphic features of concern in other branches of geology.

The kinds of work in connection with investigations, projects, undertakings or services relating to the earth sciences, which should be reserved for natural scientists are those which involve

(a)studying, investigating, analysing, interpreting, solving, advising, reporting, calculating, evaluating, budgeting, measuring, surveying, sampling, planning, designing, specifying, operating, directing, controlling, inspecting, identifying, classifying or testing of a degree or standard which, for their development and attainment, required the skilled application of the natural science to the earth, its components, its constituents, its materials and its resources; and

(b)in respect of which the knowledge of the principles and procedures aforesaid can only be acquired by having followed the curriculum as laid down by the Council.

Geological Science

Geological Science: The field of practice Geological Science includes (but may not be limited to):

Structural geologists; Mapping geologists; Mineralogists; Petrologists; Economic Geologists; Mining Geologists; Exploration Geologists; Geochemists; Palaeontologists

1.General geological work consists of the:

(a)observation and measurement of the nature and features of the solid earth’s surface as recorded by remote sensing techniques at various levels above the surface; the observation, measurement and collection in the field of geological materials (such as rocks, soils, ground water and hydrocarbons) and data exposed on the surface of the earth and revealed in excavations and bore holes penetrating the earth’s crust;

(b)the recording and presentation of these observations on maps and other diagrams;

(c)the correlation and interpretation of the various degrees of organization displayed by these materials and data;

(d)the testing, analysis and identification of these materials by physical, chemical, petrographic and other techniques;

(e)the statistical analysis of the data;

(f)the integration of all information so obtained to interpret the disposition and interrelation of coherent earth units and structures;

(g)the development of genetic and evolutionary hypotheses pertaining to segments of the earth, or to earth structures and phenomena;

(h)the presentation of substantiated predictions and extrapolations of conditions in segments of the earth not accessible to direct observation; and

(i)the recommendation and supervision of the testing of these predictions and extrapolations, where appropriate.

2.Economic and mining geology includes:

(a)all aspects of locating assessment and exploitationof orebodies – an understanding of the genesis of orebodies and potential sites for their development and preservation;

(b)research of all available date;

(c)remote sensing interpretation;

(d)selection of areas;

(e)recommendations for acquisition of options, grants,concessions, claims;

(f)preparation and control of budgets and logistics parameters;

(g)regional and detailed formational sedimentological and structural mapping, analysis and interpretation;

(h)basic surveying by chin, tape, compass, plane table and alidade, level and theodolite, aerial photographs;

(i)collection of geochemical soil and stream sediment samples and interpretation of analytical results; knowledge pertinent to the appli9cation of geophysical techniques and an understanding and interpretation of the results;

(j)the study of mineralogy and petrology with particular reference to a better understanding of the genesis of ore deposits a sell as its application to exploration and the extraction and beneficiationof the valuable components;

(k)knowledge of applicable drilling methods – auger, percussion, rotary,diamond drilling;

supervision of drilling programmes;

(l)borehole surveying, solution of borehole structural problems,directional wedge setting;

core, chip and mud logging;

(m)drill sample collection and preparation;

(n)down the hole borehole logging and testing techniques;

(o)ore reserve calculations - tonnage, grade, quality, capacity of reservoirs (oil and gas);

(p)prospect evaluation – technical and financial;

(q)advising at mine planning stage – inherent ore-body and host rock characteristics pertinent tomining methods and metal extraction;

(r)design and overseeing implementation of shaft pre-grouting systems;

(s)advising on geological parameters affecting pit or shaft design;

(t)identification of mine samples;

(u)formational and structural logging, preparingof structuralplans for problem solution, development layouts and control, mine planning;

(v)controlling underground drilling for structural and evaluation purposes;

(w)advising on control of ingress of underground water;

(x)advising on rock mechanics and formational characteristics relevant to poor ground conditions and support requirements;

(y)investigation of unusual geological parameters affecting shaft sinking, tunnelling, production or metal recovery;

(z)mapping, collating and recording of geological parameters relevant to better understanding of ore-body configuration, metal zoning and value distribution;

(aa)preparation of programmes necessary for longer term mine planning – projected structural and value distribution plans, necessity for in-fill surface diamond drilling;

(bb)preparation of geological input to longer tem strategic planning and forecasting;

(cc)supervising of a team of qualified and unqualified geological personnel;

(dd)training and developing new geological staff.

3.The work of a geochemistcovers a broad field and may involve: mineral exploration,

research on terrestrial and non-terrestrial materials, environmental research in relation to industrial and other pollution, research on hazards to human health or deleterious effects on agriculture caused by naturally occurring substances in a chemical sense.

4.Geochemical workconsists of determining the optimum sampling pattern, sample medium and sampling method pertinent to the solution of any particular problem in the field of the earth sciences

conducting or supervising a sampling programme,
making observations or measurements at each sample location and in the general survey area
recording and representing the information on maps or in other forms;
Selecting a suitable technique for analysis of the samples;
Analysis of the sample collections ensuring the analysis are of the required accuracy;
Statistical analysis of the date and integration of all the parameters determined;
Assessment, interpretation and presentation of the information and inferences, extrapolations, substantiated predictions and conclusions drawn there from;
Recommendation for further work, commonly in consultation with earth scientists in other fields or scientists in other disciplines.

5.Mineralogical workentails the systematic and detailed study of minerals, macerals and synthetic phases which includes the following:

(a) Collection, concentration, identification, description and cataloguing of the above phases.

(b) The observation and measurement of their properties by physical and chemical methods.

(c) The interpretation and reporting of these properties and mutual relationships for the development of models for the application to mineral and earth sciences.