Karstology graduate study programme

Study programme: Karstology
Main fields of study: Karst surface and underground, karst in Slovenia and in the world
Name of the qualification: Diploma
Qualification title: Master/Doctor of science
Qualification abbreviation: MSc/Dr
Final examination: no

Programme director: akad. prof.dr. Andrej Kranjc
ECTS coordinator: prof.dr. Iztok Arčon

Programme description

The postgraduate study in Karstology is aimed at graduates with Bachelor's degrees in various subjects, who would like to gain an in-depth insight into the wide 'integrated system of scientific study on karst' in order to become karst experts, be it researchers or managers. Hence the programme of study offers a wider, fundamental insights into Karstology from various aspects (eg. geological compound, surface, subterranian research, waters), but it also provides an in-depth approach into more specialised fields of Karstology (eg. use and maintainance of karst waters). This is reflected in the way the course of study is structured, so that the fundamentals of Karstology are covered in the first year of study, with the optional modules being offered in the second year of study. Postgraduate students can apply their knowledge and skills obtained during the master's course at institutions which do research in the field of karst, or manage it. The master's course is run and taught by distinguished Slovene and foreign experts.

Length and method of study

The programme offers two options a master's and a PhD course of study. In the former, the programme takes two years, and leads to the title of 'Master of Science'. In the latter, the programme takes four years, and leads to the title 'Doctor of Science, ie PhD'.

The course of study comprises of:

• The compulsory part of the programme
• The four optional modules

Subject sessions are taught during shorter, more intensive periods of the academic year, followed by an exam. Each subject is assigned a particular number of credits. In the evaluation of subjects, the European credit and transfer system (ECTS) is used, which enables an easy transfer of credits among European higher education institutions. Students are required to pass the exams from the compulsory part of the programme before entering the second year of study.

Course structure

The students must gather 120 credits (45 per year) to obtain scientific title Master of Science, that is 45 credits from obligatory part of the programme, 45 from modules by choice and 30 credits for successfully realised individual research work (Master thesis). To obtain the title Doctor of Science, the candidate has to collect 240 credits, 90 for organised study forms (similar as for master degree) and 150 credits for individual research work (Doctor thesis), an original contribution to world treasury of knowledge. The subject and topic of individual research work are chosen in agreement with tutor, one of the lecturers in the programme. Lectures and exams are held in Slovene language, in case of foreign lecturer or foreign student they can be in English. In principle one of two supervisors has to be foreign specialist, the same is for the board of examiners, and therefore doctoral thesis is expected to be in English.

Attention

In 2008/2009 candidates can enroll into a programme Karstology (III. Level).

Admission requirements

Grade of university study programme of geography, geology, chemistry, physics, biology, forestry, agronomy, nature protection, and civil engineering or those who graduated in other university programmes. If necessary additional (differential) examinations are required. In graduate study candidates have to achieve the mean mark 8 at least, or achieved remarkable success in research or development-research work in the sphere of karstology, proved by bibliography.

Educational and professional goals

The student gets to know the basic karst relief features and principal geomorphic processes on karst. The student understands a tight connection between the geological structure, processes and ensuing relief features in various climatic environments both in Slovenia and in the world. He recognizes the development of basic paradigms of karst morphology and is capable to compare and use old geomorphologic literature. He masters the karst terminology. He learns to use the methods of geomorphological mapping in the field and remote sensing in the lab. Thus acquired wider understanding of geomorphic processes and features gives the capability for an objective recognition, understanding and evaluation of relief and its connection with other natural and social geographic landscape components.

Access to further studies

Student who reaches master degree can continue the study for the doctor degree.

Examination and assessment regulations

Examinations can be oral, written or by distance. One written work by student is compulsory. Individual study requires more written work, in accordance with the organisation of the programme.

Course structure diagram

Module karst human geography

Module karst geomorphology

Module karst hydrology

Module speleology