HEAD OF DEPARTMENT'S WELCOME ADDRESS
Dear student,
I welcome you to the Department of Earth Sciences! As you are commencing the journey into
your undergraduate programmes in Earth sciences, it is important that you are acquainted with
the Department. There is handbook in the Department which has been prepared to help you
answer many questions you may have about the Department and our programmes (B.Sc.
Geology and B.Sc. Applied Geophysics). We would be glad to work with you during your
undergraduate career, and sincerely hope that the time you will spend with us will be thoroughly
enjoyable and highly productive.
Earth science is the study of the Earth's structure, properties, processes, and four and a half
billion years of biotic evolution. Understanding these phenomena is essential to maintenance of
life on the planet. The expanding world population demands more resources; faces increasing
losses from natural hazards; and releases more pollutants to the air, water, and land. Sustaining
our existence requires scientific understanding of the natural materials and processes linking the
geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere. Life prospers or fails at the surface of the
Earth where these environments intersect. Therefore, Geology and Applied Geophysics provides
the scientific understanding of Earth’s surface and subsurface for the purpose of exploring and
exploiting the natural resources deposited in the subsurface for economic development.
Graduates leave the program with the knowledge and creative thinking skills required for
graduate studies or a career in industry, research, government and academia. You’ll receive a
thorough foundation in all branches of Earth sciences, including Environmental
Geology/Geophysics, Engineering Geology/Geophysics, Hydrogeophysics/Hydrogeology, and
Petroleum Geology/Geophysics. Finally, the course structures are prepared to meet the minimum
academic standards for undergraduate programmes of National Universities Commission (NUC).
We also ensure that students are exposed to the practical applications of Earth sciences through
field course experiences during field courses and Students Industrial Works Experience Scheme
(SIWES). We wish you every success in your studies and an enjoyable time at the Department of
Earth Sciences, Anchor University Lagos.
Dr. Emmanuel S. Joel
HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT