You're studying geology? What is it?

I am getting a break from reading Norwegian Wood. I am very sure you will read a horrible review of the book on this blog soon. My friends are all busy either preparing for exams or travelling -- and I neither am having exams nor travelling. I am going to second year of my degree and climbing the ladder to become a geologist is not that easy. 

When there is nothing else to read on the web, I Googled what my subjects for this coming semester will be about. Second year of geology is the hardest -- that's what the seniors said. It's good to prepare your mind to know something that you are going study, isn't it? And people have been asking what do I study for a degree in geology. To answer your question -- these may help you. (I was a little bit 'inspired' by my friend's blog who posted tonnes of medical facts in her blog).

Mineralogy

Mineralogy is the study of chemistry, crystal structure, and physical (including optical) properties of minerals. Specific studies within mineralogy include the processes of mineral origin and formation, classification of minerals, their geographical distribution, as well as their utilization.

Geochemistry

The field of geochemistry involves study of the chemical composition of the Earth and other planets, chemical processes and reactions that govern the composition of rocks, water, and soils, and the cycles of matter and energy that transport the Earth's chemical components in time and space, and their interaction with the hydrosphere and the atmosphere.

Sedimentology

Sedimentology encompasses the study of modern sediments such as sand, mud (silt), and clay, and the processes that result in their deposition. Sedimentologists apply their understanding of modern processes to interpret geologic history through observations of sedimentary rocks and sedimentary structures.

Stratigraphy

Stratigraphy, a branch of geology, studies rock layers and layering (stratification). It is primarily used in the study of sedimentary and layered volcanic rocks. Stratigraphy includes two related subfields: lithologic stratigraphy or lithostratigraphy, and biologic stratigraphy or biostratigraphy.

Structural Geology

Structural geology is the study of the three-dimensional distribution of rock units with respect to their deformational histories. The primary goal of structural geology is to use measurements of present-day rock geometries to uncover information about the history of deformation (strain) in the rocks, and ultimately, to understand the stress field that resulted in the observed strain and geometries. This understanding of the dynamics of the stress field can be linked to important events in the regional geologic past; a common goal is to understand the structural evolution of a particular area with respect to regionally widespread patterns of rock deformation (e.g., mountain building, rifting) due to plate tectonics.

Field Geology Techniques

Introduction to field geological mapping techniques and recording of lithological and structural information from igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rock outcrops. Geological mapping in the field, using aerial photographs, compass-clinometer, GPS and appropriate field techniques. Maintaining field notebooks. Field safety. Field camp organisation. I heard from my lecturer that my batch will be going to Labuan as field trips in Miri had been scorchingly hot!

Aren't they look interesting? Let's hope and pray that all of my friends and I will be going through second year successfully. It's a syndrom before a semester starts -- excited with new subjects to learn!-The Chukai Insider