1. Framework conditions for the academic regulations
2. Structure of the degree programme
3. Individual degree programme disciplines and examinations
4. Rules in the academic regulations
5. Changes to the academic regulations
The academic regulations were prepared by the Board of Studies for Engineers.
The academic regulations were approved by the Dean of the Faculty of Science on 1 May 2010.
The academic regulations take effect on 1 August 2010.
A completed Bachelor’s degree programme provides graduates with the title Bachelor of Science in Geotechnology (BSc in Geotechnology).
Academic line and main subject areas of the degree
The Bachelor’s degree in Geotechnology is a research-based study programme with a focus on theoretical, experimental and practical subjects that give students a basic introduction to the Geotechnology disciplines.
The Bachelor’s degree programme also provides students with the academic skills in Mathematics, Statistics, Chemistry Physics and Programming that are necessary for the understanding and application of the disciplines in Geotechnology.
The technical Bachelor’s degree programme at Aarhus University is the basic vocational degree programme that aims to educate Bachelor engineers who can either seek jobs in the business community or take a programme of further education to become graduate engineers. The degree programmes have their point of reference in the science environments at Aarhus University and the engineering environments at the Engineering College of Aarhus. As the engineering science environments in Aarhus expand, these will to an increasing extent form the basis for the technical Bachelor’s degree programmes.
The technical Bachelor’s degree programmes are offered in subject areas that also represent fields in which the university has a strong application-inspired research profile, and they supplement the academic spectrum of engineering degree programmes in Aarhus with a view to ensuring all-round coverage.
The Bachelor’s degree programme also includes study components from other subject areas, profiling the programme according to the individual interests and wishes of the student.
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 insight and skills in Geotechnology. In addition, the Bachelor has the necessary qualifications for further studies at a 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 comprehensive knowledge of Geotechnology and masters key disciplines, methodologies, theories and concepts in Geotechnology.
• 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.
Standard ECTS credits
The Bachelor’s degree in Geotechnology has a prescribed duration of three years of full-time study, corresponding to 180 ECTS credits.
Authority
The academic regulations for the Bachelor’s degree in Geotechnology are determined in accordance with:
The Danish Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation’s 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.
The Danish Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation’s Executive Order no. 181 of 23 February 2010 regarding admission, etc. to Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programmes at universities (the Admission Executive Order) with subsequent amendments.
The Danish Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation’s Executive Order no. 867 of 19 August 2004 regarding university degree programme examinations (the Examination Executive Order) with subsequent amendments.
The Danish Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation’s Executive Order no. 250 of 15 March 2007 regarding the marking scale and other assessments of university degree programmes (the Grading Scale Executive Order) with subsequent amendments.
The different education acts and executive orders are available in the university’s electronic collection of regulations at http://www.au.dk/?id=244494.
Admission requirements and prerequisites
Admission to the Bachelor’s degree programme in Geotechnology requires completion of an upper secondary school examination with an A level in Mathematics, a B level in Physics and a B level in Chemistry or an A level in Mathematics, a B level in Physics and an A level in Biotechnology. With effect from 2008, students are also required to have an A level in Danish and a B level in English.
The Bachelor’s degree in Geotechnology enables admission to
The Master’s degree in Geotechnology and, depending on the elective subject, other MSc degree programmes.
General content and academic progression provisions of the degree programme
The Bachelor’s degree programme in Geotechnology consists of a compulsory introductory programme in basic Geotechnology disciplines and a compulsory programme of auxiliary subjects in Mathematics, Statistics, Chemistry, Physics and Programming (45 ECTS credits). The remainder of the Bachelor’s degree programme consists of a Bachelor’s project in Geotechnology, as well as advanced courses in Geotechnology.
The compulsory introductory programme takes place as shown in the following timetable:
See the structure and content for Geotechnology
The elective courses and Bachelor’s project take place during the third year of the degree programme. Students choose elective courses 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.
The Bachelor’s degree programme consists of the following:
The compulsory programme in Geotechnology (80 ECTS credits)
• Introduction to Geotechnology (5 ECTS credits)
• Geology for Engineers (5 ECTS credits)
• Geology and Environmental Studies B1GEMI (5 ECTS credits)
• Geology and Environmental Studies B2GEMI (10 ECTS credits)
• Foundation B4FUN1 (5 ECTS credits)
• Geology of Denmark (5 ECTS credits)
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS) (5 ECTS credits)
• Collection of Geodata (5 ECTS credits)
• Geophysical Methods (5 ECTS credits)
• Introduction to Modelling (5 ECTS credits)
• Philosophy of Geology (5 ECTS credits)
• The Hydrological Cycle and Soils (10 ECTS credits)
• Geotechnology project 1 (10 ECTS credits)
Auxiliary subjects in Mathematics, Statistics, Programming, Physics and Chemistry (45 ECTS credits)
• Calculus 1 (5 ECTS credits)
• Calculus 2 (5 ECTS credits)
• Statistics and Computing (5 ECTS credits)
• Linear Algebra (or equivalent) (10 ECTS credits)
• Introductory Mechanics (5 ECTS credits)
• Mechanics and Thermodynamics (5 ECTS credits)
• Electromagnetism (5 ECTS credits)
• General Chemistry (5 ECTS credits)
Optional courses in Geotechnology approved by the responsible lecturer and the Director of Studies (45 ECTS credits)
A Bachelor’s project during the third year (10 ECTS credits)
Any specific requirements for participation in a given course are indicated in the corresponding course description in the Course Catalogue.
Students must pass the compulsory courses scheduled for the first two years of study before participating in third-year courses. However, when a student has acquired at least 105 ECTS credits of the degree programme in the first two years of study, it is possible to participate in courses equalling a total of 15 ECTS credits in the third year.
The student’s combined study programme for the Bachelor’s degree must be approved by the Board of Studies, Engineering Degree Programmes.
A detailed description of the degree programme’s course components – including the learning goals, prerequisites and compulsory programme, if applicable – is available for each individual course component under the actual range offered in the Course Catalogue and in the list of elective subjects.
Twice a year, prior to course enrolments, the range of education programmes in the Course Catalogue and the list of elective subjects are reviewed and approved. See http://ase.medarbejdere.au.dk/.
Rules and regulations for the first-year examination
The first-year examination in Geotechnology consists of the following courses (45 ECTS credits):
• Introduction to Geotechnology (5 ECTS credits)
• Geology for Engineers (5 ECTS credits)
• Calculus 1 (5 ECTS credits)
• Calculus 2 (5 ECTS credits)
• Geographic Information Systems (5 ECTS credits)
• Geology and Environmental Studies B1GEMI (5 ECTS credits)
• Geology and Environmental Studies B2GEMI (10 ECTS credits)
• Collection of Geodata (5 ECTS credits)
Before the end of the first year of studies for the Bachelor’s degree in Geotechnology, 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 these courses that they must be passed before the end of the second year after commencing studies.
Credit and flexibility
The Board of Studies is able to approve credit from a Danish or foreign higher education institution, cf. the Danish Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation’s Executive Order no. 867 of 19 August 2004 regarding university degree programme examinations (the Examination Executive Order).
The maximum number of credits a student can obtain for the degree programme, however, is 120 ECTS credits.
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.
The first examination attempt in a course cannot take place during the period for re-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.
6. Active participation in the course. Active participation can be defined as attendance and active involvement in a minimum of 80% of compulsory lessons, seminar contributions, submission (and approval) of compulsory assignments, etc.
7. Skills test (practical test).
8. Combinations of 1–7.
The examination can be with or without the aid of materials.
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, and students with 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 remains unaffected by this offer.
Applications for special examination conditions should be submitted to the Board of Studies no later than four weeks before the start of the examination.
Enrolment and cancellation
Course enrolment takes place via the self-service facility for students (mit.au.dk).
The registration periods are as follows:
Courses in first and second quarters (autumn): enrolment period 1–15 May
Courses in third and fourth quarters (spring): enrolment period 1–15 November
For most courses in the Bachelor’s degree programmes – including all compulsory courses – the examination period is scheduled and set out in the course description. This has an influence on which courses can be taken at the same time.
Study plans and a personal timetable for each student are published on the faculty’s website at http://ase.medarbejdere.au.dk/ no later than one week prior to commencement of the instruction period.
For new Bachelor’s degree students, the University Studies Office handles registration for all courses during the first year of studies. Students who do not follow the usual first-year study programme are personally responsible for cancelling courses and enrolling in other courses, if applicable. They must do so during the listed registration periods.
From the second year of studies onwards, students are personally responsible for enrolment in all courses.
Students may not enrol in optional courses without prior submission and approval of a study plan that states the expected overall composition of the Bachelor’s degree programme. The Bachelor’s degree programme must be approved by the Board of Studies, and there should subsequently only be enrolments in courses stated in the approved Bachelor’s degree programme.
Examination registration
Students are automatically registered for examination when enrolling in a course.
Students are responsible for checking that the examination registration is correct via the self-service facility for students (mit.au.dk) and at http://studerende.au.dk/ (available in Danish only).
For compulsory courses in the Bachelor’s degree programmes, the time of examinations is stated in the course description. Information and guidance regarding examinations at the Faculty of Science are available (in Danish only) at http://studerende.au.dk/. The right to changes is reserved.
Re-examination registration
The time of re-examinations in a course is stated in the course description. Students register for re-examination via the self-service facility (mit.au.dk) during the following periods:
For courses with re-examination after the second quarter, the registration period is 1–15 November
For courses with re-examination after the fourth quarter, the registration period is 1–15 February or 1–15 May
For courses with re-examination in August, the registration period is 1–15 July
Cancellation of examination
Cancellation of an examination takes place via the self-service facility for students (mit.au.dk). 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. Courses covered by this examination can therefore not be cancelled via the self-service facility for students, and students must therefore personally contact the Board of Studies.
The examination results are published in the self-service facility for students (mit.au.dk) as soon as they have been recorded.
Illness and other circumstances in connection with an examination
See http://www.au.dk/uddannelse/eksamen// (available in Danish only) for the university’s rules and examination guidelines.
Spelling and phrasing skills
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.
Regulations for major written assignments
Requirements regarding written assignments are stated in the individual course descriptions under the description of each course component.
Separate regulations apply to the Bachelor’s project, which is prepared as an individual project and completed with a written report. On completion of the project, the student should be able to:
• Formulate an academic issue based on relevant literature
• Apply subject-related theories and methodologies to an academic issue
• Analyse an academic issue by applying relevant literature
• Discuss and put into perspective an academic issue
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 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 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.
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 only), see http://www.au.dk/uddannelse/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 (in Danish only) at http://studerende.au.dk/.
Project-oriented procedures
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.
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.
Appeals and complaints
Complaints regarding matters governed by the academic regulations must be submitted to the Board of Studies. A prerequisite for immediate processing is that the complaint must be made in writing, stating reasons.
Complaints regarding examination results must be submitted to the Dean. Students are recommended to contact a student counsellor before submitting a complaint. A complaint must be in writing and specific, stating reasons.
The complaint must be addressed to:
Dean of the Faculty of Science
Ny Munkegade 120, Building 1521
8000 Aarhus C
The complaint must reach the Faculty of Science no later than 14 days after publication of the examination results.
See also http://www.au.dk/uddannelse/eksamen/ for university rules and examination guidelines (in Danish only).
Guidelines for degree programme rules
Acts and executive orders relating to education are available in the electronic rules and regulations of Aarhus University at http://www.au.dk/en/about/administration/index/.
Study plan and student guidance
Students may not enrol in optional courses without prior submission and approval of a study plan for the Bachelor’s degree programme. The study plan is prepared at http://bachelor.au.dk/ (available in Danish only) 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 for the Bachelor’s degree programme.