About: Matthew Mason

MG Mason has a BA in Archaeology and MA in Landscape Archaeology, both from the University of Exeter. A personal interest in environmental science grew alongside his formal studies and eventually formed part of his post-graduate degree where he studied both natural and human changes to the environment of southwest England; his particular interests are in aerial photography. He has experience in GIS (digital mapping) but currently works as a freelance writer as the economic downturn means he has struggled to get relevant work. He presently lives in southwest England.

Recent Posts by Matthew Mason

Microbiology: Careers, Degrees & Specializations

Microbiology: Careers, Degrees & Specializations
Microbiology is the scientific study of microscopic organisms including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites that are too small to see with the naked eye. This field plays critical roles in medicine, environmental remediation, biotechnology, and food safety. Microbiologists earn a median salary of $84,400 annually with steady job growth projected through 2032. When you study…
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What is Geoscience? Disciplines, Careers & Educational Pathways

What is Geoscience? Disciplines, Careers & Educational Pathways
Geoscience encompasses scientific disciplines studying Earth's physical processes, from geology and meteorology to oceanography and hydrology. Students can pursue bachelor's through doctoral degrees in geoscience disciplines, leading to careers in research, environmental consulting, education, and government agencies. The field addresses critical challenges including climate change, natural resource management, and natural disaster prediction. Table of Contents…
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What is Biotechnology? History, Applications & Career Paths

What is Biotechnology? History, Applications & Career Paths
Biotechnology applies biological systems and living organisms to develop products and solve problems across agriculture, medicine, and manufacturing. Originating with ancient fermentation and selective breedin g 6,000+ years ago, modern biotechnology encompasses genetic modification, bioengineering, and medical innovations. From disease-resistant crops to sustainable materials, biotechnology addresses critical challenges in food security, healthcare, and environmental protection.…
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Big Data in Environmental Science: Careers, Applications & Degree Programs

Big Data in Environmental Science: Careers, Applications & Degree Programs
Big Data refers to extremely complex datasets that require advanced computational methods to process, analyze, and extract meaningful insights. In environmental science, Big Data enables climate modeling, pollution monitoring, conservation planning, and agricultural optimization. Environmental data scientists typically earn $65,000-$130,000 depending on specialization and experience, with the field projected to grow significantly as organizations prioritize…
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What is Meteorology? The Science of Weather and Climate

What is Meteorology? The Science of Weather and Climate
Meteorology is the atmospheric science studying weather patterns, atmospheric processes, and climate systems to predict weather conditions and understand environmental phenomena. Meteorologists work in weather forecasting, aviation safety, agricultural planning, climate research, and disaster management. The field requires strong backgrounds in physics, mathematics, and atmospheric chemistry, with career paths ranging from broadcast meteorology to environmental…
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What is Paleontology? Degrees, Careers & Impact

What is Paleontology? Degrees, Careers & Impact
Paleontology is the scientific study of ancient life through fossils and other preserved evidence. While the field primarily focuses on life before the Holocene epoch (11,700 years ago), paleontologists also study late Ice Age species that overlapped with early humans, working alongside archaeologists and anthropologists in these cases. The field combines biology, geology, chemistry, and…
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Dating Methods in Environmental Science: Complete Guide to Chronology

Dating Methods in Environmental Science: Complete Guide to Chronology
Scientists use two main approaches to date geological and biological materials: absolute dating methods provide specific ages (like radiocarbon dating measuring up to 60,000 years), while relative dating establishes sequences showing which events occurred first. Environmental scientists, geologists, archaeologists, and paleontologists combine both approaches to understand Earth's history, track species evolution, and reconstruct past climates…
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Ecology: Examining the Relationships Between Living Things

Ecology: Examining the Relationships Between Living Things
Ecology is the scientific study of relationships between living organisms and their environments. It examines how species interact with each other and with the physical world around them — from microscopic bacteria in soil to the cascading effects of climate change on global ecosystems. Ecology underpins nearly every environmental science career and discipline. If you've…
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What Is Archaeology? History, Theories, and Subdisciplines

What Is Archaeology? History, Theories, and Subdisciplines
Archaeology is the study of human history through the examination of physical remains — artifacts, structures, landscapes, and technology left behind by past societies. It spans from prehistoric cultures to the modern era, using scientific excavation methods, theoretical frameworks, and emerging digital tools to reconstruct how people lived, worked, and thought. If you've ever wondered…
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What Is Epidemiology?

What Is Epidemiology?
Epidemiology is the scientific study of how diseases and health conditions spread, affect, and can be controlled within populations. Rather than treating individual patients, epidemiologists analyze patterns, causes, and risk factors across communities to inform public health policy, disease prevention strategies, and outbreak response. The field encompasses infectious diseases, environmental health conditions, and social health…
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