First cycle degree in

Geological science

Class: L-34 - Earth sciences

y2024 WUR Subject Geology badge 150
Class L-34 - Earth sciences
Duration 3 years
Branch Padova
Language Italian
Tuition fees and scholarships
Programme coordinator NEREO PRETO
Access Open access with assessment test
Reference structures Department of geosciences, School of science

The history of the superficial and deep evolution of planet Earth, interpreted through the chemical, physical, biological and geological processes that determined it. This course provides, also thanks to its many laboratory activities, the fundamental knowledge of geosciences and the tools to ponder with awareness and an interdisciplinary approach on the great natural risks (hydrogeological, volcanic and seismic). You will use the scientific method to deal with current issues such as finding raw materials and energy sources or managing the soil. You will be able to carry out mainly technical tasks at institutions, companies, research agencies and professional firms that deal with the management of the territory and its resources, mining or hydrocarbon research and the characterization of geomaterials.

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Characteristics and objectives
The Bachelor's Degree in Geological Sciences at the University of Padova provides the fundamental concepts and methods of the geosciences. Through the study of the processes that determine the Earth's evolution, the students acquire the basic skills and abilities necessary to approach with awareness, critical approach and interdisciplinary vision, topical problems for modern human societies. Namely, the sustainable management of the soil and subsoil, the prevention and management of natural hazards (e.g., landslides, floods, earthquakes, volcanic events), the prospection and sustainable use of raw materials and energy sources, the protection and management of groundwater.
Already during the first year, alongside transversal scientific subjects such as mathematics, chemistry and physics, the students follow courses in geology, mineralogy and physical geography. In the second year, they focus on the study of fundamental aspects of the evolution of the Earth, such as paleontology, petrography, geomorphology, stratigraphy and structural geology. They begin an intense laboratory activity ranging from the study of rocks under the microscope to geological survey in the field, also through numerous daily excursions and a first survey camp of seven days.
In the third year, fundamentals on the physics of the solid Earth are provided, in order to allow a thorough comprehension of the processes and hazards associated with planetary geodynamics, such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Alongside, the students approach the basic methods for the exploration of the subsoil aimed at the retrieval and sustainable use of georesources, as well as geological and environmental monitoring. Basic knowledge and skills are acquired for the analysis of geological materials and for the geochemical study of rocks and underground fluids. An entire course is dedicated to the rudiments of the application of geology to environmental protection and hazard and land management issues, such as the prevention of hydrogeological risk, the retrieval and sustainable use of groundwater, the definition of geological models in support of engineering and environmental works. The third year ends with a second survey camp of about ten days, during which the students work on the complex interactions between the different geological processes and on their analysis and cartographic representation using Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
The final exam of the Bachelor's Degree consists in the presentation and discussion of an essay on topics related to the courses of the study plan, assigned by a reference professor.

Occupational opportunities
Those who hold a Bachelor's Degree in Geological Sciences at the University of Padova can find employment in public institutions, research agencies, private companies and industries dealing with diverse issues such as land management, environmental protection, mining or hydrocarbon prospection and exploitation, characterization of geomaterials. After passing the ‘Esame di Stato', she/he will be able to enroll in the ‘Section B' (Junior Geologist) of the Italian Professional Association of Geologists (Ordine nazionale dei Geologi).

From Bachelor's degree to Master's degree
The Bachelor's Degree in Geological Sciences allows access to the Master's Degree courses belonging to the Italian classes LM-74 Geological Sciences and Technologies and LM-79 Geophysical Sciences, according to the rules established by each individual Master' Degree course. Graduates in Geological Sciences can continue their studies at the University of Padova either in the Master's Degrees in Environmental Geology and Earth Dynamics (LM-74), or in the Master's Degrees in Geophysics for Natural Risks and Resources (LM-79).