Geochemistry

The BSc Honours in Geochemistry provides an opportunity for students to combine field work with laboratory studies and receive hands-on training by working with a range of state-of-the-art analytical equipment.

Overview

Rock and mineral chemistry is one of the most informative aspects of Earth Science and one of the most powerful tools in understanding the formation of the Earth and processes that operate on Earth. Using geochemical tools requires state-of-the-art instrumentation. Geochemistry often requires ultra-clean laboratories along with advanced mass spectrometers for measuring isotopic ratios and elemental abundances. These advanced techniques build on foundational field and petrological observations.

The BSc Honours in Geochemistry emphasises the chemical composition and evolution of the major divisions of planet Earth: core, mantle and crust. It draws on results from cosmochemistry (including meteorites), along with geochemical and geophysical information of the Earth. Theoretical material will be integrated with practical components that will provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the various analytical methods and instruments available to geologists and geochemists for the analysis of various samples (rocks, minerals, soils, etc). 

The practical component will focus on actual laboratory analysis of rock and mineral samples using X-ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy (XRF), Inductively-Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), Thermal Ionisation Mass Spectrometry (TIMS), Secondary Ionisation Mass Spectrometry (SIMS) and Electron Microprobe Analysis (EPMA). 

Upon completion of the BSc Honours in Geochemistry, students will have practical hands-on experience in geochemical analysis and have an understanding of how high-tech geochemical instrumentation contributes to cutting-edge scientific discovery.

Why study Geochemistry at Wits? 

The School of Geosciences is one of the largest and most diverse geoscience departments in Africa, geology, economic geology, geochemistry, geophysics, hydrogeology, and paleontology. Honours students can select from a wide range of research topics and have access to excellent preparation and analytical facilities for petrography, geochemistry, and hydrogeology. With the new Wits Earth Observatory (open since 2022), students will be able to train in the most advanced isotopic analytical facility in Africa. 

Wits University is centred in the hub of geological activity in South Africa, and hosts numerous events that allow students to network with industry. Geochemistry at Wits University has a long and strong history of fundamental and applied research.

Career Opportunities

Geochemists have many of the same career options as geologists in mining, mineral exploration, energy resources, and hydrogeology. Additionally, their grounding in analytical methods provides an excellent foundation for careers in scientific research as well as laboratory-based consulting companies, opening up a wider-range of additional career opportunities for the graduate.

Curriculum

Geochemistry Honours is a 120-credit course (NQF level 8) in the School of Geosciences that involves a research project, classroom lectures, analytical laboratory-based practicals, and training in the handling of geochemical datasets. The main component of this programme is the research project (40 credits). The student will select a research topic focused on geochemistry at the beginning of the academic year, under the supervision of a staff member within the school, give oral presentations on their research, and produce a written proposal and a final written report. There are 2 other compulsory courses in the Geochemistry programme. The student can then select other courses from the Geology Honours programme to make up the 120-credits. Courses in petrology, geochemistry and mineralisation processes are highly recommended to complement the Geochemistry Honours programme. The course in mineralisation processes also includes a field excursion to various mineral deposits in South Africa.

Compulsory courses

  • Research Project in Geology (GEOL4029A) - various supervisors (40 credits)
  • Solid Earth Geochemistry and Geoanalysis (GEOL4031A) - Prof. Grant Bybee, Dr. Karen Smit, Prof. Robert Bolhar (10 credits)
  • Surficial Geochemistry (GEOL4024A) - Prof. Robert Bolhar (10 credits)

Elective courses

  • Structural Geology and Mineralisation Processes (GEOL4030A) - Drs Ben Hayes, Scott MacLennan, Linda Iaccheri and Leo Vonopartis (20 credits)
  • Advanced Petrology & Geochemistry (GEOL4025A) - Prof. Rais Latypov (10 credits)
  • Hydrogeology (GEOL4014A) - Prof. Tamiru Abiye & Dr. Khuliso Masindi (10 credits)
  • Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing in Geology (GEOL4028A) - Drs Khuliso Masindi & Leo Vonopartis (10 credits)
  • Geophysics for Geologists (GEOP4009A) - Prof. Susan Webb (10 credits)
  • Exploration, Mining, Economics, and Entrepreneurship (GEOL4027A) - Prof. Glen Nwaila (10 credits)
  • Earth Evolution and Global Tectonics (GEOL4026A) - Dr. Zubair Jinnah & Dr. Sharad Master (10 credits)

Entry Requirements

  • A Bachelor of Science degree or equivalent
  • A pass in the relevant major course at this University or any other university whose programme has been approved by Senate.
  • At least 60% average in the final undergraduate course.

Priority is given to graduates who have completed a BSc Geological Sciences or equivalent in the School of Geosciences, with a minimum of 60% in Geology III. Non-Wits applicants will be considered on an individual basis. 

Applications from individuals who have been outside of academia for a period of time should include a motivation as to why they want to pursue an Honours degree in Geology and a strong recommendation from their current or previous employer.

Please note that the selection process is competitive and an average of 60% does not guarantee admission.

University Application Process

  • Applications are handled centrally by the Student Enrolment Centre (SEnC). Once your application is complete in terms of requested documentation, your application will be referred to the relevant School for assessment. Click here to see an overview of the Wits applications process.
  • Please apply online. Upload your supporting documents at the time of application, or via the Self Service Portal.
  • Applicants can monitor the progress of their applications via the Self Service Portal.
  • Selections for programmes that have a limited intake but attract a large number of applications may only finalise the application at the end of the application cycle.

Please note that the Entry Requirements are a guide. Meeting these requirements does not guarantee a place. Final selection is made subject to the availability of places, academic results and other entry requirements where applicable.

International students, please check this section.

For more information, contact the Student Call Centre +27 (0)11 717 1888, or log a query at www.wits.ac.za/askwits.

University Fees and Funding

Click here to see the current average tuition fees. The Fees site also provides information about the payment of fees and closing dates for fees payments. Once you have applied you will be able to access the fees estimator on the student self-service portal.

For information about postgraduate funding opportunities, including the postgraduate merit award, click here. Please also check your School website for bursary opportunities. NRF bursaries: The National Research Foundation (NRF) offers a wide range of opportunities in terms of bursaries and fellowships to students pursuing postgraduate studies. External bursaries portal: The Bursaries South Africa website provides a comprehensive list of bursaries in South Africa.