About us
History
Geology was already a part of the educational programme of Ghent University since 1817, when the university was founded.
During the last 200 years, several geology professors from Ghent have left their mark on the evolution of the education and research in geology in Belgium… Some examples are: Jacob Van Breda, Alphonse-François Renard, Jules Cornet, Xavier Stainier, Alfred Schoep, Valère Billiet, Victor Van Straelen and Jean de Heinzelin de Braucourt.
Over the years, the geology education at Ghent University has evolved from a traditional, broad education in natural sciences to a modern education, built according to the bachelor and master system; shedding a light on diverse topical, specialised subjects, and subjects relevant for society.
Thanks to a steady growth, especially during the last 20 years, this education has developed to the largest educational pool in geology in Belgium.
Activities
The organisation of the education in geology is the responsibility of the Department of Geology. Together with the KULeuven the Department also offers an English master program. Moreover, the members of the Department of Geology are also strongly involved with the English educations Master in Physical Land Resources and Master in Marine and Lacustrine Science and Management. Also numerous educations at the Faculty of Sciences, but also at other faculties, such as Engineering or Architecture and Bio Engineering sciences and Languages and Philosophy, are supported by professors and assistants from the Department of Geology.
Currently the Department is composed of five research groups, performing scientific research in three big research topics: Geology of Global Change, Geomaterials and Natural Resources, and Earth Sciences and Environment. The Department employs a total of nearly 100 scientific and technical staff members.
Infrastructure
The education infrastructure on the Campus Sterre is modern and well equipped. Research facilities are available for students for independent thesis and project activities. They are also trained in the required computer skills. Since geology remains an observational science, students also receive a full-scale terrain training. Furthermore they have access to our extensive collection of rocks and fossils, which is permanently exhibited.