Academic regulations for the Bachelor's degree in Geology
(1) Name of programme
Bachelor's degree in Geology.
(2) Degree
A completed Bachelor's degree programme provides graduates with the title Bachelor of Science in Geology, specifying optional subjects, if applicable.
(3) Academic line and main subject areas of the programme
The Bachelor's degree programme in Geology is a research-based study programme with a focus on theoretical, experimental and practical subjects that give students a basic introduction to the disciplines in Geology.
In addition, the Bachelor's degree programme provides students with academic skills in Mathematics, Chemistry, Statistics, Physics and Programming, as appropriate for the application of the geological disciplines.
The Bachelor's degree programme also includes study components from other subject areas, profiling the programme according to the interests and wishes of the student.
(4) Academic skills and qualifications
The degree programme provides the Bachelor with the academic basis for assuming independent job functions in private or public sector companies and organisations that require basic geological insight and skills. In addition, the Bachelor has the necessary qualifications for further studies at Master's degree level.
By completing the degree programme, the Bachelor acquires and develops a number of intellectual, academic and practical skills:
The Bachelor has broad knowledge of Geology and is proficient in central disciplines, methods, theories, and concepts within Geology.
The Bachelor can participate in the planning and implementation of projects, and apply the results of these in relevant contexts.
The Bachelor can apply and reflect on the methodologies used to analyse and solve academic questions and issues.
The Bachelor can structure his/her own competence development.
The Bachelor is capable of grasping new subject-related topics.
The Bachelor can relay and communicate academic questions and issues.
The Bachelor can collaborate constructively on a scientific basis to solve subject-related issues.
(5) Standard ECTS credits
The Bachelor's degree in Geology has a prescribed duration of three years of full-time study, corresponding to 180 ECTS credits.
(6) Authority
The academic regulations for the Bachelor's degree in Geology are determined in accordance with:
Executive Order no. 338 of 6 May 2004 regarding the Bachelor's and Master's degree programmes at universities (the Education Executive Order) with subsequent amendments in accordance with Executive Order no. 805 of 19 August 2005.
The Danish Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation guidelines no. 5 of 18 January 2006 regarding university degree programmes aimed at teaching at upper secondary schools.
Additional rules relating to degree programmes can be found in the University of Aarhus electronic rules and regulations at www.au.dk/en/rules.
(7) Prepared by
Board of Studies A for the Faculty of Science, University of Aarhus.
(8) Approved by
The dean of the Faculty of Science on 1 August 2007.
(9) Effective date
The academic regulations take effect on 1 August 2007.
(10) Number of places available and admission procedures
For details regarding the number of places available and admission procedures, go to www.au.dk/en/admission.
(11) Admission requirements and prerequisites
Admission to the Bachelor's degree programme in Geology requires completion of an upper secondary school examination with an A level in Mathematics, a B level in Physics and Chemistry. With effect from 2008 an A level in Danish and a B level in English.
(12) The Bachelor's degree in Geology enables admission to
The Master's degree programme in Geology and, depending on the optional subject, other science degree programmes.
(13) Transitional rules
(14) General content and academic progression provisions of the degree programme
The Bachelor's degree programme in Geology consists of a compulsory introductory programme in geological disciplines and a compulsory programme of auxiliary subjects in Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, Programming and Statistics.
The remainder of the Bachelor's degree programme consists of a Bachelor's project in Geology, supplementary subjects in Geology, a minimum of one additional qualification package (30 ECTS credits).
The compulsory introductory programme takes place as shown in the following timetable:
Geology
Geology - geophysics
The Bachelor's project takes place during the third year of the degree programme.
Students choose optional subjects with the aid of a supervisor. When composing the degree programme, the individual student's interests and desired competence profile are taken into account, and this ensures that the academic progression and integrity in the degree programme comply with the requirements of a Bachelor's degree.
(15) Description of the aim of the individual courses
A description of the aim of the individual courses is available in the Course Catalogue and the Catalogue of Additional Qualification Packages at www.science.au.dk/en/students.
(16) Description of the general content of the degree programme
The Bachelor's degree programme in Geology amounts to a total of 180 ECTS credits. Courses in Geology amount to 90 ECTS credits, including a Bachelor's project relating to Geology equalling 10 ECTS credits. The Bachelor's project takes place during the third year of the degree programme.
The degree programme includes compulsory courses (auxiliary subjects) in Mathematics, Chemistry, Statistics, Programming and Physics equalling 50 ECTS credits.
The remainder of the Bachelor's degree programme is used to supplement the basic skills acquired in the compulsory programme in Geology. Students can supplement their degree programme with a minimum of one additional qualification package (30 ECTS credits).
The student's combined study programme for the degree must be approved by Board of Studies A, cf. point (24).
The Bachelor's degree programme consists of the following:
the compulsory programme in Geology (70 ECTS credits):
Introductory Geology (5 ECTS credits)
Palaeontology and Stratigraphy (5 ECTS credits)
Minerals and Rocks (5 ECTS credits)
Sedimentology (5 ECTS credits)
Structural and Field Geology (5 ECTS credits)
Geology of Denmark (5 ECTS credits)
Geochemistry (5 ECTS credits)
Glaciology, Glacial Geological Processes and Danish Landscapes (5 ECTS credits)
Polarizing Microscopy (5 ECTS credits)
Global Geophysics (5 ECTS credits)
Geophysical Methods (5 ECTS credits)
The Hydrological Cycle and Soils (10 ECTS credits)
Philosophy of Geology (5 ECTS credits)
compulsory auxiliary subjects in Mathematics, Statistics, Physics, Chemistry and Programming (50 ECTS credits):
Calculus 1 (5 ECTS credits)
Calculus 2 (5 ECTS credits)
Statistics (10 ECTS credits)
Introduction to programming (5 ECTS credits)
Information Systems (5 ECTS credits)
Introductory Mechanics (5 ECTS credits)
Electromagnetism (5 ECTS credits)
Mechanics and Thermodynamics (5 ECTS credits)
General Chemistry (5 ECTS credits)
optional courses (20 ECTS credits)
a Bachelor's project during the third year (10 ECTS credits)
for the special study area Geophysics, the following courses are compulsory (30 ECTS credits):
Environmental Geophysical Methods (10 ECTS credits)
Geographical Information Systems (GIS) (5 ECTS credits)
Global Geophysics (5 ECTS credits)
Geophysical Methods (5 ECTS credits)
Seismics 1B (5 ECTS credits)
if the student does not choose a specific study area the programme must be supplemented with at least one approved additional qualification package equalling 30 ECTS credits.
Any specific requirements for participation in a given course are indicated in the corresponding course description in the Course Catalogue.
A choice of a subsidiary subject is included in the programme if the student's aim is to teach at upper secondary school and if the student wishes to complete a Master's degree with teaching qualifications in two subjects taught at upper secondary school. The subsidiary subject must be taught at upper secondary school.
Within the subsidiary subject, the student must choose courses equalling 45 ECTS credits as part of the Bachelor's degree programme. The remainder of the subsidiary subject forms part of the subsequent Master's degree programme.
Separate academic regulations have been adopted for subsidiary subjects and are available at www.science.au.dk.
(17) Description of each course based on the framework requirements in the teaching administration (UVA) system, including a description of the rules for methods of examination and the approval procedures of the Board of Studies
Twice a year, the Faculty of Science publishes a Course Catalogue and a Catalogue of Additional Qualification Packages with descriptions of all approved courses and additional qualification packages within the degree programmes offered by the Faculty. Twice a year, prior to course enrolments, the catalogues are reviewed and approved. The catalogues are available at www.science.au.dk/en/students.
(18) Regulations for first-year examination
The first-year examination in Geology consists of the following courses (45 ECTS credits):
Calculus 1 (5 ECTS credits)
Calculus 2 (5 ECTS credits)
Introductory Geology (5 ECTS credits)
Palaeontology and Stratigraphy (5 ECTS credits)
Minerals and Rocks (5 ECTS credits)
Sedimentology (5 ECTS credits)
General Chemistry (5 ECTS credits)
Geology of Denmark (5 ECTS credits)
Geochemistry (5 ECTS credits)
Before the end of the first year of studies for the Bachelor's degree programme in Geology, students must participate in ordinary tests/examinations in the courses included in the first-year examination in order to be allowed to continue with the degree programme.
It is also a requirement for all courses that they must be passed before the end of the second year after commencing studies.
(19) Credits and flexibility
Subject to individual assessment, the Board of Studies can approve courses from other degree programmes as part of the Bachelor's degree programme in Geology. The maximum number of credits a student can obtain for the degree programme, however, is 120 ECTS credits.
(20) Examinations
The method of assessment and examination for the individual courses appears in the course description in the Course Catalogue. The catalogue also indicates the time for the ordinary course examination as well as any re-examination.
Participation in a re-examination in a given course is subject to participation in the ordinary course examination.
Courses must be passed individually unless the academic regulations stipulate that they form part of a combined examination with other courses. One mark is given for each combined examination.
All courses must be completed with one of the following methods of examination:
1. Written examination
2. Oral examination
3. Home assignment(s) (written examination)
4. Multiple choice (written examination)
5. Approval of compulsory assignments and/or reports followed by a discussion, if applicable
6. Active participation in the course followed by a discussion, if applicable, e.g. attendance at a minimum of 80% of compulsory lessons, seminar contributions, submission (and approval) of compulsory assignments, etc.
7. Skills test (practical test)
Combinations of 1–7
The examination can be with or without the aid of materials. For methods of examination that include a discussion (methods 5 and 6) in which the final discussion was unsatisfactory, a second examination attempt can consist of an internal oral examination.
Information about the materials permitted, including the use of a computer, preparation, etc., is available in the individual course descriptions.
If the university considers it necessary, it can offer special examination conditions for students with a physical or mental disability, a first language other than Danish, and similar difficulties, in order to provide such students with the same examination opportunities as other students. It is a requirement that the level of the examination remain unaffected by this offer.
Applications for special examination conditions must be submitted to the Board of Studies no later than four weeks before the start of the examination.
(20.1) Enrolment and cancellation
Course enrolment takes place via the self-service for students at www.science.dk/en/students. The registration periods are as follows:
First and second quarter (autumn): 1–15 May
Third and fourth quarter (spring): 1–15 November
If h enrolment must take place otherwise this is stated in the course description.
Study plans and a personal timetable for each student are published on the faculty's web site at www.science.au.dk/en/students no later than one week prior to commencement of the instruction period.
For new Bachelor's degree programme students, the Faculty´s Studies Office handles registration for courses during the first and second quarters of the first year of studies. With effect from the third quarter of the first year of studies and onwards, students are personally responsible for course enrolments.
Enrolment in examinations
Students are automatically enrolled in the examination when registering for a course.
The examination schedules are published approximately one month prior to commencement of the examination period at www.science.au.dk/eksamen and are available as well on the notice boards of the Board of Studies and the departments. Students are responsible for checking the information about the examination via the self-service facility at www.au.dk/da/studerende.
Enrolment in re-examinations
The time of re-examination in a course is indicated in the course description. Students enrol for re-examination via the self-service facility (www.science.au.dk/en/students) during the following periods
Period of enrolment Re-examination period as per course description
1–15 November After the second quarter
1–15 February After the third quarter
1–15 May After the fourth quarter
1–15 July Re-examination in August
Cancellation of examination
Cancellation of an examination takes place via the self-service facility for students (/www.au.dk/en/students.htm ). The deadline for cancellation of a given examination is one week prior to the first day of examination in the course. If students are late in cancelling, the cancellation is not accepted and an examination attempt is recorded in their study programme. The Examination Executive Order stipulates that students participate in examinations in the courses included in the first-year examination. Based on the rule that participation in a re-examination in a given course is subject to participation in the ordinary examination in that course, cancellation should not be undertaken without prior contact to a counsellor and/or submission of an application for exemption to the Board of Studies.
The examination results are published in the self-service facility for students (/www.au.dk/en/students.htm), as soon as they have been recorded.
Illness and other circumstances in connection with an examination
See www.au.dk/da/eksamen (available in Danish) for university rules and examination guidelines.
(20.2) Skills in spelling and written expression
In all major written examinations, regardless of the language used in the examination, the student's skills in spelling and expression form part of the assessment. The academic content carries the most weight, but skills in spelling and written expression affect the assessment of whether the student meets the overall aims.
(20.3) Regulations for major written submissions
Requirements regarding written submissions are available in the individual course descriptions for each course.
The following applies to the Bachelor's project:
The Bachelor's project takes place during the third year of the Bachelor's degree programme. In the Bachelor's project, students demonstrate their ability to formulate, analyse and process mathematical issues within a defined academic topic.
The Bachelor's project must include a summary in English. The summary is included in the overall assessment of the student's written expression skills in connection with the project.
The Bachelor's project is assessed in accordance with the Danish 7-point grading scale, with the participation of an external examiner appointed by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation.
The assessment of the Bachelor's project must be published no later than two months after submission of the project for assessment. July is not included in the calculation of these two months.
(20.4) Use of computers at examinations
A computer can be used for text processing purposes at written examinations if stated in the course description (the method of examination will be described as a computer examination). For further information (in Danish), see www.au.dk/da/eksamen/pc.
A computer can also be indicated as permitted material at written examinations, e.g. as a pocket calculator or as a note reference tool. It should be noted that, in such cases, a computer can only be used for the mentioned purposes – i.e. not for text processing, printing or submission. The assignment is written by hand. The conditions for use of a computer in this manner are available at www.science.au.dk/eksamen (in Danish).
(20.5) Project-oriented training
Project-oriented training in private sector companies and institutions can form part of the Bachelor's degree programme. The project agreement and formulation are subject to prior approval by the Board of Studies, which also decides on the method of examination for the project-oriented training.
(21) Exemptions
In exceptional circumstances, the Board of Studies can grant exemptions from the rules set out in the academic regulations. An application for exemption must be submitted to the Board of Studies. If another authority has the power to grant an exemption, the Board of Studies forwards the application to the appropriate authority (e.g. the dean, rector or ministry). An application for exemption must be made in writing, stating reasons, and submitted as soon as possible. For the application to be processed immediately, it must include a precise account of the regulation from which exemption is sought, and what such exemption is intended to achieve (e.g. permission to use special aids, extension of examination time, postponement of time limits). Documentation for the unusual conditions that justify exemption must be enclosed with the application. Normally, no importance is attached to such conditions, unless they are documented.
(22) Appeals and complaints
Complaints regarding matters governed by the academic regulations must be submitted to the Board of Studies. It is a prerequisite for immediate processing that the complaint is made in writing, stating reasons.
Complaints regarding examinations, including examination results, must be submitted to the dean. Students are recommended to contact a counsellor before submitting a complaint. A complaint must be specific and submitted in writing, stating reasons.
The complaint must be addressed to:
The Dean of the Faculty of Science
Ny Munkegade, Building 1521
DK–8000 Aarhus C
The complaint must reach the Faculty of Science no later than 14 days after publication of the examination results.
See also www.au.dk/da/eksamen for university rules and examination guidelines (in Danish only) and http://www.au.dk/en/is/studies/grading/.
(23) Guidelines for degree programme rules
Acts and executive orders relating to education are available in the electronic rules and regulations of the Aarhus University at http://www.au.dk/?id=245687&L=1.
(24) Study plan and student guidance
Students must submit a study plan for the degree programme no later than at the time of the first enrolment in an optional course. The study plan is prepared at http://ase.medarbejdere.au.dk//en/students and subsequently approved by the Board of Studies. In connection with the preparation of the study plan, students are given an opportunity to talk to a counsellor. Students are also offered a personal discussion if they are behind with their studies compared with the prescribed duration.