Structural Geology
Summary
All geological materials such as ice, soil, rocks, melts are deformed when subjected to drag, shear or compression. They crack, fold, stretch and/or flatten. These structures can be used for reading the Earth's history.
Understanding the origin of these structures provides a guide to geological evolution.
About
The course Structural Geology provides data for geological questions in groundwater, ore and oil exploration, and construction in soil and rock. The course studies both theoretical and geological deformation and structures in the field. Focus is on the bedrock.
Among other things, you learn to:
- describe, measure and analyse geological structures in deformed rocks (sediment, magmatic and metamorphic) and ice.
- analyse structures in stereonet.
- determine stress and tension in geological material.
- determine paleostress.
- make interpretations from slabs, geological maps and thin sections, including time relationships.
- identify the history of rock deformation in the field and from thin sections.
The course is part of the Bachelor’s Programme in Earth Sciences, the course is also offered as a freestanding course.
Teaching
The teaching includes:
- lectures
- mandatory exercises
- field work
Language of instruction: English.
The teaching is carried out by dedicated teachers who are researchers in the field. The course has a strong research and labour market connection, which you as a student will benefit from.
Prerequisites and selection
Entry requirements
90 credits in the main field of Earth Sciences is required, of which 75% of the courses must have the grade at least Pass. Student with an equivalent education may be given admission to the programme after examination.
Entrance requirements valid from spring term 2023:
Admission to the course requires 90 credits of completed courses in the main subject Earth sciences of which at least 75% with a passing grade. Students with equivalent education may be admitted to the course after assessment.
Selection
Selection is based upon the number of credits from previous university studies, maximum 165 credits.
After graduation
If you study Earth Science, you have good career opportunities both in Sweden and abroad. You can choose to work in industry, as a consultant, project manager or in public administration.
Our former students work, for example, with natural resource management, environmental issues and urban planning, you also have great opportunities to focus on the particular area you are interested in.
Facilities
The Department of Earth Sciences' premises are located in central Gothenburg on Campus Medicinareberget. We are located in the Natrium building, which was inaugurated in 2023 and has state-of-the-art labs and lecture halls. Natrium brings together students and researchers in the Natural Science fields of Biology, Molecular biology, Chemistry, Marine Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Earth Sciences and Conservation.
More information about facilities
Exchange opportunities
If you are studying Earth Sciences at the University of Gothenburg, there are good opportunities for exchange studies during your studies. This is often seen as a good asset when applying for jobs, as many jobs require international collaboration.
We have over 100 agreements within Erasmus and other exchange programs with universities around the world, both within and outside Europe.
