106
an application in understanding submarine metal deposit formation processes. In
terms of marine mineral resources, in particular hydrothermal sulphide sites, one of
the research challenges is to improve understanding of the genesis of these deposits
in relation to fluid circulation, plate tectonics and volcanism, as well as the nature
of the substratum. This implies improving knowledge of ocean floors and seabeds
on different scales and developing geophysical methods to obtain high resolution
subsurface images, such as electrical imaging and mobile submarine gravity gradiometry using an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV).
Earth Science Studies in France
In addition to the organisation of Earth science research efforts, the training capacities in this field in France must also be reviewed. Consideration of training is one
of the recommendations of the European Commission, as well as of the mission
statement of the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research. The prospect
of a major increase in the demand for professionals in the field of geosciences has
emerged “as a consequence both of increased, lasting demand in the field of mineral and energy raw materials, and policies related to climate change.” (V. Pécresse,
30th October 2008, quoted by J. Varet 2009).
Training Geologists: Specialised Courses
Geologists are, through their training, an exception in the field of scientific studies.
They are at the crossroads of two opposing types of reasoning, one being Cartesian,
drawing upon theoretical reasoning to deduce laws that apply to different scientific
and technical fields, and the other naturalist, drawing upon observation and analysis
of the infinite complexity of the mineral and living world to attempt to understand
its organisation. This results in a strong adaptive capacity to the complexity of the
mineral world in general, and a desire to take a qualitative approach in addition to a
quantitative approach, as solutions to problems posed are always evolving with time
and the acquisition of new investigation methodologies. The teaching of this type of
inductive reasoning characterises Earth science studies and doubtlessly constitutes
their main attraction for young generations at these times of generalised defiance
towards scientific studies, especially in the field of physics.
Courses in France and Worldwide
Far from shadowing the evolution of the job market in the field of mineral raw
materials from 1980 to 2007 (a period which represented the low point of the
A. Cheilletz and M. Maia
an application in understanding submarine metal deposit formation processes. In
terms of marine mineral resources, in particular hydrothermal sulphide sites, one of
the research challenges is to improve understanding of the genesis of these deposits
in relation to fluid circulation, plate tectonics and volcanism, as well as the nature
of the substratum. This implies improving knowledge of ocean floors and seabeds
on different scales and developing geophysical methods to obtain high resolution
subsurface images, such as electrical imaging and mobile submarine gravity gradiometry using an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV).
Earth Science Studies in France
In addition to the organisation of Earth science research efforts, the training capacities in this field in France must also be reviewed. Consideration of training is one
of the recommendations of the European Commission, as well as of the mission
statement of the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research. The prospect
of a major increase in the demand for professionals in the field of geosciences has
emerged “as a consequence both of increased, lasting demand in the field of mineral and energy raw materials, and policies related to climate change.” (V. Pécresse,
30th October 2008, quoted by J. Varet 2009).
Training Geologists: Specialised Courses
Geologists are, through their training, an exception in the field of scientific studies.
They are at the crossroads of two opposing types of reasoning, one being Cartesian,
drawing upon theoretical reasoning to deduce laws that apply to different scientific
and technical fields, and the other naturalist, drawing upon observation and analysis
of the infinite complexity of the mineral and living world to attempt to understand
its organisation. This results in a strong adaptive capacity to the complexity of the
mineral world in general, and a desire to take a qualitative approach in addition to a
quantitative approach, as solutions to problems posed are always evolving with time
and the acquisition of new investigation methodologies. The teaching of this type of
inductive reasoning characterises Earth science studies and doubtlessly constitutes
their main attraction for young generations at these times of generalised defiance
towards scientific studies, especially in the field of physics.
Courses in France and Worldwide
Far from shadowing the evolution of the job market in the field of mineral raw
materials from 1980 to 2007 (a period which represented the low point of the
A. Cheilletz and M. Maia