Both the Geological engineer and Geoscientist are the professionals who deal with the same theme, Earth. Even though the two professionals work with the same theme, their work nature and relate issues are dissimilar in many aspects. Geological engineers are the professionals who study and work with the engineering related content of earth materials. Geoscientists are those who conduct the study of earth in many different ways.

Geological engineer Course and Career opportunities

Geological engineering is a sub field in engineering which involves the application of earth sciences to various human problems that are connected with earth and earth systems. This is a broad discipline that includes different sub areas. Geological engineers are those professionals who specialize in this particular field. They study about the earth and its materials and work with the natural surroundings to improve design criteria for the human habitation.

They utilize various scientific and engineering principles to study about the earth materials such as rocks, ground water and soil. They also evaluate the natural foundations for several structures like buildings, bridges, dams, pipelines, tunnels, highways, reservoirs, etc. In these construction sites, they observe the physical and chemical properties of the structural materials as well as the underground water. These professionals are also recruited in other professional working areas which include petroleum, ground water, mining, waste management, etc. Geological engineers may work with other engineering professionals to carry out their jobs.

Geoscientist Course and Career opportunities

Geoscience is an important discipline which involves the study of earth. The professionals working with this field, called Geoscientists, learn about the structure, composition and many other physical features of the earth. In short, Geoscientists study the earth in several ways. They use different complicated instruments to observe the geological past and present. Most of these professionals help to search for the natural resources like metals, water and petroleum. Some others work with other professionals to conserve, restore and clean up the environment.

They usually recognize and scrutinize the rocks, evaluate the information collected by the satellites, organize geological surveys, design the field maps and use the special equipments to measure the gravity and magnetic field of earth. These professionals also carry out the seismic studies to know about the earth’s sub layers. They utilize the seismic signals created by earthquakes to find out the place and intensity of earthquake.

Key differentiators between a Geological engineer and a Geoscientist

• Geological engineers are the professionals who study about the engineering properties of the earth materials whereas Geoscientists are the professionals who study about the earth in many different ways.
• Geological engineers utilize several scientific and engineering principles to study about the earth materials such as rocks, soil, water, etc. whereas Geoscientists uses the complicated instruments to study about the various earth materials.

Although the Geological engineers and Geoscientists work with the same theme, the professions are different in many aspects.