Geology (B.Sc.)

College of Natural and Applied Sciences

Course Overview

The B.Sc. Geology programme at Salem University is designed to equip students with a deep understanding of the Earth’s structure, processes, and resources. With a strong emphasis on innovation, field-based learning, and research, the programme empowers students to address complex environmental and geoscientific challenges both locally and globally. Rooted in the university’s Transformational Academic Revolution (TAR) philosophy, students benefit from an academic culture that integrates scientific knowledge with ethical leadership, entrepreneurship, and societal impact. The programme nurtures critical thinking, practical skills, and a passion for discovery, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for meaningful contributions in academia, industry, and public service.

The Bachelor of Science in Geology at Salem University offers a robust and interdisciplinary curriculum that builds from core science foundations to advanced geological applications. Students begin with foundational subjects such as Physical Geology, Crystallography, and Petrology, progressing into areas like Environmental Geology, Palaeontology, and Mineral Resources. Emphasis is placed on practical training, with laboratory sessions, field mapping, and geological surveys integrated throughout the programme. In the senior years, students specialise in modules such as Petroleum Geology, Hydrogeology, Applied Geophysics, and Global Tectonics, alongside a final-year research project or field mapping report. This practical and theoretical blend prepares graduates for careers across the energy, mining, water resources, and environmental sectors.

Course detail

AWARD TITLE

B.Sc.

START DATE

September 2025

DURATION

4 years

STUDY MODE

Full-time

CAMPUS

Nigeria, Lokoja

Teaching and Learning

Teaching Methods

  • Formal lectures

  • Tutorials and group discussions

  • Laboratory-based practicals

  • Field excursions and mapping exercises

  • Independent and group research projects

Assessment Methods

  • Coursework (assignments, projects, field reports)

  • Written exams

  • Practical/laboratory assessments

  • Seminar presentations

  • Final-year capstone project or geological mapping report

Modules

  1. GEO 201 – Physical Geology: Provides foundational understanding of the Earth’s structure from core to crust, the processes shaping its surface, rock and mineral identification, and interpretation of geological and topographic maps.
  2. Crystallography and Systematic Mineralogy: Covers the physical and chemical properties of minerals, crystal systems and symmetry, mineral classification, and the practical identification of rock-forming minerals.
  3. Introduction to Petrology: Examines the origin, composition, and classification of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks, with emphasis on texture, formation processes, and microscopic analysis.
  4. Mineral Resources and Environmental Geology: Investigates the distribution, composition, and uses of metallic and non-metallic mineral resources, fossil fuels, and environmental impacts of resource extraction including pollution and geologic hazards.
  5. Invertebrate Palaeontology: Explores the major fossil groups of invertebrates, their classification, ecological roles, evolutionary trends, and applications in stratigraphy and geological dating.
  6. Principles of Geophysics: Introduces geophysical exploration methods such as seismic, gravity, and magnetic techniques, data acquisition processes, and interpretation for subsurface investigations.
  7. Photogeology and Remote Sensing: Teaches the principles of aerial photography and satellite image interpretation, including applications in resource mapping, environmental analysis, and geological hazard assessment.
  8. Applied Geophysics: Applies physical principles of rocks and minerals to solve engineering, hydrological, and environmental problems through geophysical surveying methods.
  9. Petroleum Geology: Focuses on the origin, migration, accumulation, and exploration of hydrocarbons, including basin analysis and the use of geological tools in oil and gas discovery.
  10. Hydrogeology: Studies the occurrence, movement, and distribution of groundwater, including aquifer properties, water quality assessment, and hydrogeological mapping.
  11. Economic Geology: Discusses the formation, classification, and exploration of mineral deposits, ore reserve estimation, and the economic considerations in mining operations.
  12. Mapping and Industrial Techniques in Geology: Involves field-based studies and the production of detailed geological maps and reports; includes industrial exposure to practical operations in the earth sciences sector.
  13. Advanced Sedimentary Petrology: Analyzes the composition, provenance, and depositional environments of sedimentary rocks using statistical tools and sedimentary facies interpretation.
  14. Field Geology of Nigeria: Provides hands-on geological training through excursions to key geological formations across Nigeria, emphasizing structural interpretation and stratigraphic analysis.

Career

Graduates of this programme can pursue roles in various geoscience fields. Career options include:

Directly related:

  • Engineering Geologist

  • Environmental Consultant

  • Geoscientist

  • Hydrogeologist

  • Petroleum Geologist

  • Wellsite Geologist

  • Geotechnical Engineer

Where the degree is useful:

  • Drilling Engineer

  • Quarry Manager

  • Sustainability Consultant

  • Energy Engineer

  • Environmental Engineer

Entry Requirements

O-Level Requirements:

  • Minimum of five (5) credit passes in English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and one other relevant science subject.

  • Must be obtained in no more than two sittings (WAEC, NECO, GCE or equivalent).

Candidates applying for admission into 100 level undergraduate programmes must possess a minimum of five (5) ‘O’ level credit passes at not more than two (2) sittings in WASC, GCE, NECO or its equivalent. Awaiting result is also accepted.

  1. JAMB UTME result print-out.
  2. SSCE/NECO Result (Awaiting Result Accepted).
  3. Two Passport Photographs.
  4. A Letter of Sponsorship, stating the commitment to pay the prescribed fees.
  5. National Identification Number (NIN)
  6. A Reference Letter from a spiritual mentor, vouching for your character

Candidates applying for Direct Entry into 200 level must possess the following

  1. Jamb direct entry form
  2. A/L, IJMB, OND or NCE in the relevant courses.
  3. SSCE/NECO Result (Awaiting Result Accepted)
  4. Two Passport Photographs.
  5. A Letter of Sponsorship, stating the commitment to pay the prescribed fees.
  6. National Identification Number (NIN)
  7. A Reference Letter from a spiritual mentor, vouching for your character.

Fees and Funding

The course fees you’ll pay and the funding available to you depends on factors such as your nationality, location, personal circumstances and the course you are studying. Visit the links below to find the Undergraduate section.

 
More information

Find out about grants, bursaries, scholarships and living costs in our undergraduate taught fees and funding section.

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