Università degli Studi di Perugia

Degree course in Geology [L-34] D. M. 270/2004

General information

Qualification awarded

Bachelor’s Degree in Geology

Level of qualification

First cycle

Specific admission requirements and specific arrangements for recognition of prior learning

Students who wish to enroll on the Degree Programme  must have a Diploma from a Secondary School or other equivalent qualification awarded abroad and recognized suitable by the competent didactic structure (DM 270/2004, art.6 paragraph 1 and 2).

To enrol on the Degree Programme, students are also required to have a basic scientific preparation.

Profile of the programme

The degree in Geology aims to form graduates with a sound scientific basis, who are able to: describe and interpret phenomena and geological processes in a not purely qualitative manner, have a broad knowledge of the characteristics (processes, history and material) of the Earth system and the interactions between its parts; be familiar with the main applications of Earth Sciences, and be aware of the role and responsibilities of geologists within Society; able to work autonomously and in teams on terrestrial material both on terrain and in the laboratory, acquiring the ability to describe and to analyze it, and express the gathered data in a concise way; understand and represent three-dimensional geological processes and their evolution over time; acquire the ability to write technical reports in Italian and English.

Qualification requirements and regulations

The Degree Programme in Chemistry has a duration of three years, during which the student must acquire 180 ECTS credits. The formative activities are based on mathematics, physics,  computers and chemistry for 24 ECTS credits, as well as 15 ECTS credits for Paleontology and basic Physical Geography. The programme is also made up of 75 ECTS credits in geological disciplines and is integrated with 21 ECTS credits of similar and supplementary courses, related to the in-depth analysis of subjects such as Mathematics and Statistics, Physics and Chemistry, and other subjects related to the training programme of the degree course, not included in characterizing disciplinary areas; there are also 12 ECTS credits of “elective” disciplines, 3 ECTS credits for the knowledge of a foreign language, 6 ECTS credits for training and orientation exercises (on-site practice), 12 ECTS credits for internships and placements in enterprises, public or private and professional bodies, and 12 ECTS credits for the preparation of the final examination.

Key learning outcomes

(expressed by the European descriptors of the qualification - DM 16/03/2007, art. 3, paragraph 7)
Knowledge and understanding. Consistent with the predominantly methodological characteristic of the Degree Course, the fundamental and characterizing formative activities on which the course focuses, aim to provide students with: basic scientific knowledge, related to Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry, and the knowledge and understanding of geological phenomena in terms of the materials involved, processes and evolutionary history. Internships in Bodies and Enterprises and seminar presentations allow students to become more familiar with the problems of the labour market and to acquire knowledge of professional security regulations. The assessment of knowledge acquired will rely primarily on both written and oral assessment tests.
Applying knowledge and understanding. Practical work in both laboratory and in the countryside, provided in most of the characterizing formative activities, together with the activities for the preparation of the final exam, are aimed at developing the skills to apply and put into practice the knowledge acquired in solving geological problems, using scientific methods and a professional approach. Both specific courses in mathematics, statistics and computer science, and subsequent applications, aim to develop the skills to perform calculations and to competently operate a computer. The skills acquired are further enhanced and verified during the internship, carried out in the last year of the course. The verification of applicative skills are also carried out through practical assessment tests (eg, recognition of rocks and minerals, geological and topographical map reading, etc.) and the final exam.
Making judgements. In general, the skill and independence of judgement is developed by students during self-study whilst preparing for their exams, which requires the individual processing of the materials submitted by the professor. The procedure of internships, the preparation of the final exam and other reports related to advanced learning activities (eg multidisciplinary practical work in the countryside, geological surveys, etc.) aims to develop and test the ability to organize and plan surveys, to collect and select information and to recognize its importance, with a view to formulating scientific judgements. The acquisition of these skills will enable undergraduates in Geology to apply such procedures outside of the field of geological sciences and to be aware of the ethical and social aspects of knowledge acquired and activities carried out.

Communication. As part of various educational activities, the student is encouraged to develop his/her ability to communicate both orally and in writing, information, ideas, problems and solutions. In particular, some formative activities involve drafting individual or group reports, or seminar presentations on specific topics. The final exam, however, requires a presentation and discussion of the work done and the results achieved. Specific formative activities are aimed at developing the ability to communicate in foreign languages ​​(especially English). Students are encouraged to take advantage of the various bilateral agreements between European universities (Erasmus-Socrates, Erasmus-Placement).
Learning ability. The calendar of educational activities and an accurate planning of the course and exams, along with support and tutoring, are designed to assist and develop in students the ability to confidently and autonomously reach a level of learning, which enables them to update their knowledge in the course of employment and / or to undertake further studies. Learning skills are tested both continuously throughout the courses and through the final exams.

Examination regulations, assessment and grading

The credits are acquired after the successful evaluation of the results (examination), with rules laid down by the professor responsible for each educational activity. Evaluations are of an individual nature, and may consist of written and / or oral and / or exercises to be performed in the laboratory or in situ. The exams for individual courses are evaluated on a scale of thirty, and where appropriate, with honours. The degree course in Geology concludes with a final exam, which involves preparing a written and public presentation in a seminar format of a report (thesis), assigned by a professor (Rapporteur), belonging to the CIL of Earth Sciences. The preparation of the thesis is aimed at developing skills of summarising and self-organization of their work. The presentation is, on the other hand, intended to demonstrate that the candidate is capable of adequately presenting his/her work and to support a relative discussion. The Committee on the final exam consists of at least 7 professors for CIL, appointed by the Dean of the Faculty of Mathematical, Physical and Natural Sciences. The degree mark, in accordance with the provisions of the academic regulations of the University, is expressed on a scale of 110 and includes the assessment of the final exam and of the undergraduate’s didactic programme.

Graduation requirements

The final qualification is awarded upon the attainment of 180 credits and approval of a written paper.

Mode of study (full-time, part-time, e-learning, ...)

Attendance is strongly recommended for all courses. The Annual Manifesto of Studies specifies the obligations of attendance for activities such as excursions and field and lab exercises, which cannot be replaced by individual study and commitment. Part-time study is also possible: the employee student may submit an application to the Chairman of CIL by indicating their training needs. For students who enroll as part-time students and with an individual study plan that includes different articulation of the educational programme, ad-hoc didactic activities will be scheduled. According to one’s needs due to work commitments and on the basis of the syllabus approved by its Study Course Council, at one’s disposal will be various forms of didactics dedicated to providing educational tutorial assistance, the monitoring of preparation and, where necessary, e-learning.

Occupational profiles of graduates with examples

Undergraduates in Geology will carry out professional activities in various areas, such as: basic geological and geothematic cartography, underground exploration through direct surveys (eg surveys in situ) and indirect (simple geophysical and geochemical prospecting), geodetic and topographical surveys; analysis and certification of geological materials, testing and laboratory and geotechnical analysis. They can also collaborate on geological hazard detection; analysis and mitigation of geological risk; procurement and management of geological resources, including water; assessment and prevention of degradation of cultural and environmental heritage; identification, conservation and protection of geo-paleontological sites and heritage; environmental impact assessment. Professional activities can also be found in public administration (national, regional or local), in companies and private companies (in particular for the construction of engineering works or for the exploration and production of energy resources) or in studios. The degree also provides access to the state sponsored qualification exam to become a member of the Register of Junior Geologists.

Access to further studies

The degree provides access to Master’s Degree Courses and 1st level Vocational Masters.

Programme director or equivalent

Tabella riepilogativa regolamento

General (Regulations 2013)