SCIENZE GEOLOGICHE Degree Programme Profile
Basic Information
Qualification awarded
Bachelor Degree in SCIENZE GEOLOGICHE
Qualification Type/Level
EHEA First cycle; EQF Level 6
Number of Years/credits
3 years; 180 ECTS
Mode of Study
Full-Time/Part-Time*
*All Degree Programmes are planned and organised for full-time students. It is possible, however (without special arrangements), to proceed through the course of study at one's own pace. This makes it possible, if necessary, to accommodate employment or other non-university activities or obligations.
Name of the Course Director and other contact information
President of the Degree Course Council:
Prof. ANNA GIONCADA
Email anna.gioncada@unipi.it
Department of DIPARTIMENTO DI SCIENZE DELLA TERRA
Internationalization Coordinator (CAI):
Prof. Carolina Pagli
Email carolina.pagli@unipi.it
Language of Teaching
Italian
Admission Requirements
Formal Requirements
Certificate of completion of Italian upper secondary school or an equivalent foreign qualification.
Possible assessment prior knowledge and competences
Obligatory entrance exam for orientation purposes (non-selective).
Required knowledge and competences support programmes
Students who do not pass the entrance exam are required to take specific courses and/or complete extra reading to prepare for the programme.
General Information
Programme Profile
The Bachelor in Geological Sciences belongs to the Italian University Bachelors, Class L-34.
It is a methodological-type degree aimed at providing a large-spectrum of basic knowledge in Geological Sciences. The Bachelor Degree gives access to the Master course in Geological Sciences and Technologies, to the Master course in Applied and Exploration Geophysics and to the Master course in Environmental Sciences (this latter after choosing one biology-related exam in the third year). Graduated students may become Junior Geologists, after passing the State examination, or access to the Master degree programs.
The Bachelor Degree lasts three years and is articulated in several learning activities including basic educational activities, characterizing activities, supplementary and associated activities, educational activities chosen by students and training plus a final test.
Key Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the Programme in Geology will be able to demonstrate:
•An essential knowledge on the basic sciences: mathematics, chemistry, physics, informatics.
•A solid knowledge of geological processes, with reference to the origin and evolution of the planet Earth.
•A detailed knowledge on the processes involving the origin of sedimentary, volcanic and metamorphic rocks.
•A deep knowledge of mineralogy, paleontology, petrography, geophysics, geochemistry, volcanology, applied geology, geological cartography and geomorphology.
•The ability to apply specific methods to field and laboratory work, with reference to geological cartography and geomorphology also in GIS environment, petrographic, palaeontological, mineralogical, geotechnical, hydrogeological, structural and geochemical analyses.
•The ability to evaluate the geological risk.
•The ability to acquire a conscious independence of judgment with reference to evaluation and interpretation of data in scientific literature, field and laboratory data.
Occupational Profile/s of Graduates
Graduated students may find job opportunities in national technical surveys (Geological Survey, Seismic Survey, Civil Protection...), in national or private companies (ENEL, ENI...), in private professional offices as a Junior Geologist, in analytical laboratories, in museums or natural parks.
Access to further study
The degree in Geological Sciences gives direct access to the corresponding Second Cycle degree programme LM-74. It also gives access to some other Second Cycle degree programmes (LM-75, LM-79), in which case extra work may be necessary for admission.
Assessment methods, examination regulations, and grading
Assessment is normally by means of an oral or written examination; in some cases there are intermediate exams during the course; other elements (participation in discussion, written or oral reports, commentary of texts etc. ) are foreseen in specific course units and are described in the Course Unit Profiles.
The grading system for the course units consists of 30 possible points, plus 'lode' (cum laude) in case of excellence. Marks are given by the lecturer based on the performance as ascertained in a public examination by a board of at least two teachers. The main exam sessions are held in June/July; September; and January; students may resit exams**.
Actual grading curves differ in different degree programmes. The University of Pisa provides an ECTS Grading Table, which shows the actual distribution, of the examination and final grades among students for each degree programme, in order to facilitate the comparison with other grading systems. ---> Link to ECTS Grading Table
An overall mark is given on the occasion of the 'Final Exam', when a written research text is presented and discussed. The final overall mark is calculated based on the results of the marks obtained in the single course units and the final exam, and is based on 110 possible points, with the possible further mention of honours ("lode" or cum laude).
**The exam sessions are organised into sessions (the dates vary according to the Department and are published in the Department's academic calendar). In each session there are a certain number of 'appelli' [calls], or dates on which the examination for each course unit may be taken. The 'appelli' are fixed by the teacher. The students choose which of the appelli they wish to respond to. In most cases, it is obligatory to sign up before the specified date.
Requirements (regulations) to obtain the qualification
The final exam is aimed to assess, under the guide of a supervisor, that the candidate has achieved the knowledge and skills to adequately collect and interpret data at the bachelor’s degree level. The student will produce a report with bibliographical references, tables, figures, thematic maps, sections, etc. on topics specifically related to the objectives of the course. The internship activities are always part of the final exam.