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Department of Geology
Education is offered within three subjects:
- geology and mineralogy
- surficial geology
- geochemistry
Geology and mineralogy studies consist of mineral and geological formations, the processes of how they were formed and the history of the earth from the beginning to the present time. Important applications are geological mapping, examining geological formations, searching and utilization of economical occurrences and environmental questions. Mineralogy concentrates on the generation, structure, composition, occurrence and utilization of minerals and forms a foundation to geological research.
Surficial geology consists of physical geology, historical geology and palaeontology and many applications of the field (e.g. hydrogeology, environmental geology, peat geology, ore prospecting). In the University of Oulu the surficial geology concentrates mainly on the surface of the earth's crust, which is formed by different sediments. Due to the fact that many soil types have formed during the Quaternary period, this field is often called Quaternary geology.
Geochemistry studies the chemistry of the Earth. Its aim is to study the chemical composition of the earth and its geospheries and the circulation of the elements and isotopes in nature. The main applications are ore exploration and environmental geochemistry and isotope geochemistry. The University of Oulu is the only university in Finland in which geochemistry is lectured as a separate subject.
Educational and Professional Goals
The degree programme in Geosciences aims at providing the student with the capacity to work as an expert of geology in demanding tasks in the industry or private and public sector or NGO’s. Graduates are familiar with the geological processes and they are able to apply scientific methods for locating and mapping, utilising and preserving natural resources. Field work and laboratory exercises are an essential part of the degree programme. Graduates understand the meaning of international cooperation in the field of geosciences as geological formations commonly cross-cut man-made border lines.
Examination and Assessment Regulations
Usually the student completes courses with an examination. Other methods are also used. Courses include mathematical exercises, field work, laboratory exercises and demonstrations. During the terms examinations are arranged twice a month on Fridays at 9.00-12.00 in room GO101 unless otherwise stated. Students are to register for the examinations the previous Monday at 12.00 at the latest. Some examinations can be taken during the summer; the schedule for these examinations is announced during the spring term. Students are to register for summer examinations during May. Grades from 1 to 5 are used, 5 being the best. For study units consisting of several subunits the grade is the average of all courses.