In the present scenario, Earth Science has got tremendous scope, and therefore, education in this field has gained momentum. There are plenty of opportunities for well - trained Geologists in academic, organizational, institutional and departmental fields. Geology deals with the science of Earth, that includes all aspects of the study of Earth, but it is more focused on its internal aspects. Geology throws light on Earth dynamics, its history, geodesy, geometry, geochemistry, geophysics, minerology, petrology and palaeontology. It includes a study of economic Geology, structural Geology and other applied aspects. The Department of Geology at Karnatak Science College, Dharwad is equipped has good lecture halls, laboratories, library, research laboratory and a separate Computer lab for Staff and Students. The Department has well - qualified faculty members and skilled laboratory staff.
There is a marvelous museum in the Department of Geology, which has excellent exhibits comprising minerals, rocks and fossil specimens which have been systematically arranged. The museum has several maps, models, charts, aerial photographs and imageries, among many other educational material. A few specimen available in the Geology museum are unique and rare.
Thus, the museum in the Department of Geology, Karnatak Science College, Dharwad is considered as one among the best Geology museums in South India.
The Department of Geology arranges seminars, workshops, exhibitions, invited lectures, field mapping and other competitions for students. The staff members engage themselves in Societal activities, especially the popularization of Geo-sciences, in addition to their teaching and research work. The faculty members of the department extend their services by giving free technical advice regarding borewell locations, rain water harvesting, ground water recharge structures, the estimation of ore bodies, mineral deposits and rocks. Two of the faculty members of the department are recognized Ph. D. guides, namely, Dr. J. T. Gudagur and Dr. S. Manjunatha.
The Department of Geology was established as a separate department on August 1st, 1961. Karnatak University started the post graduation course in Geology in 1956. When Dr. M. S. Sadashivaiah assumed charge as Professor and Head of Department of Geology in the University, he realized the importance of introducing Geology for undergraduate level. The introduction of Geology as a principal subject was success. The strength of students increased year after year and the need for a separate undergraduate department of Geology was felt. As a result the department of Geology was separated from the department of Geography with Prof. C. Paramashivaiah as head of the department. This was mainly due to the efforts of Principal G. S. Paramashivaiah who took keen interest and Dr. M. S. Sadashivaiah who transferred material and equipment consisting of a number of polarizing Microscope including accessories, sets of rocks, minerals, fossils and other equipment from the P.G. department to the college. Earlier the department was housed in the first floor of the new staff building. The subject was then taught as both as Major (core) and minor (elective) to the B.Sc. students. As the accommodation provided for the department has become inadequate and there was a need for spacious building, in 1984 the department was shifted to new premises, the left wing on the first floor of science block. In 1994, the three principle subjects of equal importance, spacious class rooms, and two labs were introduced by the University. Students are admitted to B. Sc (Optional) based on merit cum roster system.
The students admitted belong to different social and economical background as well as rural and urban background. The students admitted to B. Sc (Geology optional) study in English medium. In recent years students have got attracted towards the subject i.e. strength has increased three fold and rate of absorption to jobs has improved a lot.