Curriculum for the Bachelor s Program

Cooperation Project

NAWI Graz

Curriculum for the Bachelor’s Program

Earth Sciences

Version 2006/07

This curriculum was approved by the Senate of Graz University of Technology in a circular voting procedure on 28 June 2006 and by the Senate of the University of Graz in the session on 28 June 2006.

The study program is offered as a joint study program (§ 54 Paragraph 9 UG 2002) of the University of Graz and Graz University of Technology as part of the NAWI Graz project.

On the basis of the Universities Organization and Studies Act (UG 2002), Austrian Federal Law Gazette No. 120/2002 in its current version, the Senate of the University of Graz and the Senate of Graz University of Technology issue the following curriculum for the Earth Sciences bachelor’s program.

§ 1 General Facts and Information

The Earth Sciences bachelor’s program is comprised of 6 semesters in one stage of study. There is a total of 180 ECTS credits in the program. Graduates receive a “Bachelor of Science”,

abbreviated “BSc”.

Completion of the bachelor’s program entitles students to be admitted to the Earth Sciences master’s program.

There are no specific admission requirements for this field of studies. Average physical-motor aptitude for field work in Alpine-type areas is desirable.

§ 2 Qualification profile

(1)

The Earth Sciences bachelor’s program is offered in an environment of internationally recognized science and teaching. The Earth Sciences bachelor’s program serves to pass on fundamental knowledge and develop basic abilities that earth scientists need. A

comprehensive basic education and training is guaranteed by the integrated passing on of theoretical fundamentals and the development of practical skills. The curriculum consists of different scientific sub-areas that all deal with the system earth. The study program sees

the purposes of quality assurance, the education and training strives to maintain an internationally standard ratio between teachers and students.

(2)

The goal of the Earth Sciences bachelor’s program is the scientific-practical pre-professional education and training for the identification, analysis and interpretation of earth science processes and their interactions with the environment. Apart from the general fundamentals of chemistry, physics, mathematics, zoology and botany, fundamental knowledge in geology, palaeontology, petrology, mineralogy, geochemistry and geophysics is taught, and a

concentration is offered in applied earth science subjects. The acquisition of fundamental and applied earth science knowledge is the general educational objective of the Earth Sciences bachelor’s program. Particular emphasis is placed on the integration of the different sub-disciplines of earth science. A focus is set on promoting analytical and critical thinking which is obtained by carrying out independent field work and setting up and analyzing experiments in the laboratory. The ability of the students in the bachelor’s program to work in a team is specifically to be promoted by the “Earth Sciences Project Thesis”. The practicality of the bachelor’s program is particularly emphasized by the “Applied Earth Sciences”

required subject. The students’ responsiveness to professional flexibility and scientific further education should be guaranteed by this mix of fundamental and practical education and training.

(3)

Need for and relevancy of the study program for science and the labor market: In the bachelor’s program, fundamental knowledge is taught as the basis for further scientific research at universities, research institutions and museums in all the sub-areas of the Earth Sciences. The range of education and training guarantees the basic competence for the highly diversified professional field of applied earth sciences (e.g. the construction industry, environmental economics, water management and the extractive industry). Completion of the bachelor’s program entitles students to be admitted to the Earth Sciences master’s program.

§ 3 Length and Structure of the Study Program

(1) The Earth Sciences bachelor’s program is comprised of one stage of study with an

orientation phase (Module A) worth 22 ECTS credits. 165 ECTS credits worth of courses are planned. The courses are divided into individual modules (§ 5a). 15 ECTS credits are estimated for the bachelor’s essays.

(2) When all of the examinations of the orientation phase are successfully completed, then the orientation phase is considered to be successfully completed.

(3) During the orientation phase, all students should be provided with the opportunity to repeat negatively assessed course examinations with an immanent examination character at least once within the first academic year for the purpose of rapid academic progress

(4) The examinations of lectures and courses with an immanent examination character can only be taken starting in the 4^th semester (according to the overall semester schedule § 5a) if the orientation phase has already been successfully completed.

(5) The types of courses of this bachelor’s program are listed in § 4 and the individual courses as well as the respective maximum number of participants in § 5a. The arrangement of them into particular semesters ensures that the sequence of courses is optimally based on previous knowledge and that the yearly workload of 60 ECTS credits is not exceeded. The orientation phase is comprised of introductory and orientation courses.

§ 4 Types of Courses

(1)

Lectures (VO): Lectures serve to introduce the methods of the subject and to convey the overall and special knowledge based on the traditional knowledge of the subject, on the current state of research and on particular research fields of the subject.

(2)

Lecture with practical exercises (VU): These serve to convey overall and special knowledge (as in the VO) and to develop practical skills. The courses have an immanent examination character. The maximum number of participants is based on the logistical possibilities of the facility (e.g. laboratory equipment) and the staff necessary, and is shown separately for each VU in § 5. Maximum number of participants: 25

(3)

Kurs (KS): These are courses in which students work together on the course material with the teachers. The courses have an immanent examination character and can also take place outside of the place of study. The maximum number of participants is based on the logistical possibilities of the facility (e.g. laboratory equipment) and the staff necessary and is shown separately for each Kurs in § 5a.

(4)

Seminars (SE): These are for the purpose of independent scientific work and the scientific discussion of it. A written elaboration of a topic and its oral presentation should be given. A discussion should be held on it. The courses have an immanent examination character.

Maximum number of participants: 25

(5)

Project studies (PR) and seminar projects (SP): Project studies are for the purpose of independently working on a topic under the guidance and supervision of the course instructor. Their goal is primarily an integrative and interdisciplinary perspective on the problem posed whose solution can take place in small groups. A written report and its presentation in a discussion are required to complete the project study. The courses have an immanent examination character.

(6)

Excursions (EX): Excursions serve to present earth science course material outside the place of study and are mainly linked to field inspections. A report has to be written on them and can also include oral presentations of the course material by students. Excursions can be held in Austria or abroad. The courses have an immanent examination character. The maximum number of participants is based on the excursion destination. Particular consideration has to be given to the safety of the students in the field and the staff

necessary. The maximum number of participants for each excursion is shown separately in § 5a. Maximum number of participants: 20

Additional Regulations

• Courses, in particular excursions, can also take place when classes are not being held.

•

If more participants register for a course than the maximum group size, then parallel courses are planned provided that there are enough budgetary means available to cover the costs.

These may also be held by arrangement when other classes are not being held. If the respective maximum number of participants is exceeded due to a lack of parallel courses, students are to be accepted into practical exercises and excursions according to the following order of priority:

1. Students of the program for which the course is intended and who have already been deferred from this course before.

2. Students of the field of studies for which the course is intended and who have not been deferred from this course yet.

3. Students of other fields of studies.

4.

Non-degree students.

• The maximum number of participants can be set according to the logistical situations

•

Bachelor’s essays can be written in English.

•

A stay abroad for one semester between the 3^rd and 5^th semesters of the regular study program (bachelor’s program) is encouraged to promote the mobility of students.

§ 5 Structure of the Program – Overall Semester Schedule

The bachelor’s program is structured in the form of modules. Each module is allotted a certain number of ECTS credits:

Module A – Orientation Phase (Fundamentals of Earth Sciences) 25 ECTS credits Module B – General Scientific Fundamentals 20.5 ECTS credits Module C – Subject-specific Fundamentals 15.5 ECTS credits

Module D – Geology 22 ECTS credits

Module E – Petrology 18 ECTS credits

Module F – Palaeontology 19 ECTS credits

Module G – Mineralogy 18 ECTS credits

Module H – Applied Earth Sciences 15 ECTS credits Free Electives / Free Elective Courses 12 ECTS credits Project Thesis for the Bachelor’s Essays 15 ECTS credits

§ 5a Overall Semester Schedule

In the Earth Sciences bachelor’s program, the following courses, structured in modules, are to be completed:

Abbreviations:

SH – Semester hours (class hours) MN – Maximum number of participants;

U – University of Graz

TU – Graz University of Technology

Course

Location Semester incl. ECTS credits

Subject Course SH Typ

e

ECTS

credits MN I II III IV V VI

A: Orientation Phase(Fundamentals of Earth Sciences)

Evolution of Litho- and Biospheres U TU 4 VO 6 - 6 Introductory Earth Science Excursions 2 EX 2 20 2 Earth Science Basic Practical Exercises U TU 6 KS 6 25 6 Introduction to the Laboratory Methods of Earth

Sciences U 1 VO 1 - 1

Laboratory Methods of Earth Sciences U 3 KS 5 12 5 Field Methods of Earth Sciences U 3 KS 5 12 5 Subtotal Fundamentals of Earth Sciences 19 25 69 15 5 5 0 0 0

B: General Scientific Fundamentals

Mathematics for Students of Earth Sciences U 3 VO 4.5 - 4.5 Chemistry for Students of Earth Sciences U 4 VO 6 - 6 Physics for Students of Earth Sciences U 3 VO 4.5 - 4.5

Mechanics TU 1 VO 1.5 - 1.5

Introduction to Zoology (Structures and

Development) U 3 VO 3 3

Evolution and Systems of Plants U 1 VO 1 - 1 Subtotal General Scientific Fundamentals 15 20.5 0 15 4.5 1.5 0 0 0

C: Subject-specific Fundamentals

Fundamentals of Statistics for Students of Earth

Sciences TU 1 VO 1.5 - 1.5

Applied Statistics for Students of Earth Sciences U 1 VO 1.5 - 1.5 Fundamentals of Geodesy for Students of Earth

Sciences TU 1 VO 1.5 - 1.5

Geochemistry U 2 VO 2 - 2

Geophysics U 3 VO 3 - 3

Earth Science Seminar U 2 SE 2 - 2 Excursion Geotraverse U 2 EX 3 20 3

Geodynamics U 1 VO 1 - 1

Subtotal Subject-specific Fundamentals 13 15.5 0 3 0 4.5 8 0

D: Geology

General Geology U 3 VO 4 - 4

Geology of Austria U 2 VO 3 - 3

Geology of the Earth U 3 VO 3 - 3

Maps and Profiles U 2 KS 3 20 3

Structural Geology U 2 VO 2 - 2

Crystalline Geology U 3 VO 3 - 3

Sedimentary Geology U 2 VO 2 - 2

Brittle Tectonics TU 2 KS 2 - 2

Subtotal Geology 19 22 0 4 10 5 3 0

E: Petrology

Introduction to Petrology U 2 VO 3 - 3 Petrographic Rock Analysis U 3 KS 3 20 3

Rock Microscopy U 2 KS 3 20 3

Special Petrology U 2 VO 2 - 2

Petrology of Sediments TU 1 VO 1 - 1 Petrological Research Methods U 3 VU 3 - 3 Mineralogical/Petrological Calculation U 1 VU 1 - 1 Geological-Petrological Excursions U 2 EX 2 20 2

Subtotal Petrology 14 18 0 2 4 5 7

F: Palaeontology

General Palaeontology U 2 VO 3 - 3

Palaeoecology U 1 VO 1 - 1

Introduction to Stratigraphy U 1 VO 1 - 1 Evolution and Phylogeny U 1 VO 1 - 1

Selected Groups of Fossils U 4 KS 6 20 6 Stratigraphy of the Phanerozoic (Historical

Geology) U 3 VO 3 - 3

Micropalaeontology U 2 KS 3 20 3

Palaeontological Excursions U 1 EX 1 20 1 Subtotal Palaeontology 15 19 0 4 2 9 4 0

G: Mineralogy

General Mineralogy U 2 VO 3 - 3

Special Mineralogy U 3 VU 4 20 4

Transmission Light Microscopy of Minerals U 4 KS 5 20 5 Epiluminescence Microscopy U 2 KS 2 20 2 X-ray Crystallography U 3 KS 3 12 3 Mineralogical Excursions U 1 EX 1 20 1

Subtotal Mineralogy 15 18 0 8 5 2 3 0

H: Applied Earth Sciences

Hydrogeology U 2.5 VO 2.5 - 2.5

Hydrochemistry TU 1.5 VO 1.5 - 1.5 Deposits and Raw Materials U 3 VO 3 - 3 Applied Mineralogy TU 2 VO 2 - 2 Engineering Geology TU 2 VO 2 - 2 Applied Quaternary Geology and Geomorphology TU 1 VO 1 - 1 Environmental Geology TU 2 VO 2 - 2 Excursions for Applied Earth Sciences TU 1 EX 1 20 1 Subtotal Applied Earth Sciences 15 15 0 0 0 0 0 15

Total of Required Subjects 1st to 6th Semesters 125 153 29.5 30.5 27.5 25.5 25 15

Total of Free Electives according to § 5a 12 0 0 2 5 5 0

Project Thesis for Bachelor’s Essays 15 15

Overall Total 180 29.5 30.5 29.5 30.5 30 30

§ 5b Free Electives / Free Elective Courses

Free electives / free elective courses in the Earth Sciences bachelor’s program can be freely chosen from the courses offered at any recognized domestic or foreign university. 4 ECTS credits worth of courses in the field of Women’s and Gender Studies are recommended.

§ 6 Examination Regulations

Each course is assessed individually. This also applies to the bachelor’s essays that are written and completed as part of the Earth Sciences Project Thesis course. The workload for the bachelor’s essays is included in the ECTS credits for this course. Guidelines for writing the bachelor’s essays are set down by the responsible inter-university working group “Earth Sciences Curricular Committee“.

(1) Examinations on courses held in the form of lectures (VO) have to cover the entire content of the course.

(2) The assessment of courses held in the form of lectures with practical exercises (VU), Kurse (KS), excursions (EX) and seminars (SE) takes place continually on the basis of

contributions by the students or by accompanying tests.

(3) Successful completion of course examinations is assessed with “sehr gut” (very good, 1),

“gut” (good, 2), “befriedigend” (satisfactory, 3) or “genügend” (sufficient, 4), whereas a negative result is given a “nicht genügend” (insufficient, 5).

(4) Resit examinations: Students are entitled to resit negatively assessed examinations a total of 4 times. All the appearances for the same examination subject in all the relevant study programs at the same university are to be counted towards the number of permissible examination appearances.

(5) Examination dates: Three examination dates are offered per semester. These examinations are set as far as possible at the end of the semester in which the course was offered, and at the beginning and in the middle of the following semester.

(6) The topics of the bachelor’s essays are to be chosen from Modules D – H.

(7) The bachelor’s essays are to be written after completing all the examinations of the first four semesters according to the sample curriculum.

§ 7 Admission Requirements

There are not any special admission requirements.

§ 8 Interim Regulations

(1)

Students, who have begun their Earth Sciences bachelor’s program before this curriculum comes into effect, are entitled to complete their study program within the time period allotted to acquire all the ECTS credits to complete the study program plus two additional semesters (end of summer semester 2010). This is an 8 semester time period. If the study program is not completed by then, the students then have to pursue their studies according to the present curriculum. However, students are entitled to adopt this curriculum of the Earth Sciences

(2) Students, who have to pursue their studies according to the curriculum of the bachelor’s program according to § 8 Paragraph 1, can apply to have the proofs of achievement acquired in the previously valid curriculum accredited, provided that these are equivalent to the required examinations of the present curriculum.

§ 9 ECTS Credits

According to the European Credit and Accumulation Transfer System, the individual courses are allocated ECTS credits which describe the relative share of the workload. The workload of one academic year is 60 ECTS credits.

§ 10 Coming into Effect

This curriculum came into effect on 1 October 2006.

Appendix:

Sample Curriculum

1^st Semester (Winter) SH ECTS 2^nd Semester (Summer) SH ECTS 3^rd Semester (Winter) SHECTS Mathematics for Students of Earth

Sciences 3 4.5 Physics for Students of Earth Sciences 3 4.5 Maps and Profiles 2 3 Evolution of Litho- and Biospheres 4 6 General Geology 3 4 Geology of Austria 2 3 Earth Science Basic Practical Exercises 6 6 Introduction to Palaeontology 2 3 Structural Geology 2 2

Introduction to Zoology 3 3 General Mineralogy 2 3 Sedimentary Geology 2 2

Chemistry for Students of Earth Sciences 4 6 Special Mineralogy 3 4 Palaeoecology 1 1 Evolution and Systems of Plants 1 1 Fundamentals of Statistics for Students of

Earth Sciences 1 1.5 Introduction to Stratigraphy 1 1 Introduction to the Laboratory Methods of

Earth Sciences 1 1 Applied Statistics for Students of Earth

Sciences 1 1.5 Introduction to Petrology 2 3

Introductory Earth Science Excursions 2 2 Field Methods of Earth Sciences 3 5 Petrology of Sediments 1 1 Geological-Petrological Excursions 2 2 Mechanics 1 1.5 Palaeontological Excursions 1 1 Transmission Light

Microscopy 4 5

Mineralogical Excursions 1 1 Laboratory Methods of Earth

Sciences 3 5

Free Electives / Elective Courses Free Electives / Elective

Courses 2

Semester Hours / ECTS Credits 24 29.5 Semester Hours / ECTS Credits 22 30.5 Semester Hours / ECTS

Credits 22 29.5

4^th Semester (Summer) SH ECTS 5^th Semester (Winter) SH ECTS 6^th Semester (Summer) SHECTS

Selected Groups of Fossils 4 6 Geology of the Earth 3 3 Hydrogeology 2.5 2.5

Micropalaeontology 2 3 Stratigraphy of the

Phanerozoic 3 3 Hydrochemistry 1.5 1.5

Crystalline Geology 3 3 Geochemistry 2 2 Deposits / Raw Materials 3 3

Special Petrology 2 2 Geophysics 3 3 Applied Mineralogy 2 2

Petrographic Rock Analysis 3 3 Earth Science Seminar 2 2 Engineering Geology 2 2 Epiluminescence Microscopy 2 2 Geodynamics 1 1 Applied Quaternary Geology and

Geomorphology 1 1

Geotraverse 2 3 Evolution & Phylogeny 1 1 Excursions for Applied Earth Sciences 1 1

Brittle Tectonics 2 2 X-ray Crystallography 3 3 Environmental Geology 2 2

Fundamentals of Geodesy for Students of

Earth Sciences 1 1,5 Petrological Research

Methods 3 3 Earth Sciences Project Thesis 15

Mineralogical-petrological

Calculation 1 1

Rock Microscopy 2 3

Free Electives / Elective Courses 5 Free Electives / Elective

Courses 5 Free Electives / Elective Courses Semester Hours / ECTS Credits 21 30.5 Semester Hours / ECTS

Credits 24 30 Semester Hours / ECTS Credits 15 30