Academic CentreThe bachelor's study programme “Geology” offered by the University of Latvia is the only programme for the training of bachelor’s level geology specialists in Latvia. The programme provides specialists with a bachelor's degree for the labour market in state and municipal institutions and private companies in the fields of engineering geology, hydrogeology, mineral prospecting and exploration, and geophysics for both Latvian and foreign conditions. The programme trains specialists in the growing field of scientific research in geology, which is supported by the science base and performance funding, the funding of the LCS, other research grants provided by Latvia and the European Union, as well as contractual work at the UL and other research organisations. The study programme provides high-quality academic knowledge and practical skills in the fundamentals of geology and related natural sciences, specialised in geological sub-disciplines, practical skills that meet the requirements of the labour market and the continuation of studies at the master's level. Geology studies take place in the UL Academic Centre, where students have access to modern classrooms, laboratories and equipment. Geology cannot be studied only indoors, so students participate in several field courses in Latvia, Estonia and Poland. Students carry out independent research, the results of which are presented in coursework and a bachelor thesis. During their studies, they have the opportunity to study abroad as part of the Erasmus+ student exchange programme.
Study program director
Associate professor Māris Krievāns
Year 1 - general science courses (biology, chemistry and physics) with an introduction to geosciences, earth sciences, introduction to BSc geology, laboratory methods in geology, sedimentary rocks, minerals and rocks, etc. Field courses in Latvia and Estonia follow at the end of the first year;
Year 2: geochemistry, a study of geological structures, classification of fossils and rocks, methods of data analysis, maps, remote sensing and geographic information systems, etc. At the end of the second year there are also field courses, including the structure of the Świętokrzyskie Mountains in Poland;
Year 3: Applied skills in geology (groundwater, soil investigations for construction, mineral ores, geophysics), resource assessment and management, etc. Independent research in the framework of a Bachelor's thesis in geology.
In Latvia, geological research is important for the construction of houses, roads and other structures, as well as mineral and ground water research, therefore the job market in geology is wide. Many work options are in private companies, the Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre, as well as in other state and local government institutions. Knowledgeable specialists are also needed in UL and other universities - they can be involved in student training, work in laboratories and realization of scientific research.
General requirements for international students: https://www.lu.lv/en/studies/faculties/faculty-of-geography-and-earth-sciences/undergraduate-studies/geology/
Secondary education.