Master of Geology (Leuven et al)

The Master of Geology
· is a broad-based geologist who has the experience to map independently a complex or poorly exposed geological area;
· has a thorough understanding of a specialized domain in geology, namely Surface processes and Paleoenvironments or Geodynamics and Georesources.;
· is able to integrate in a trans-disciplinary approach the acquired knowledge and skills in the specialized field to specific geological problems;
· can, based on the study of specialized literature, independently formulate a research question and translate it into a research plan;
· can integrate own observations and studied processes within different spatial and time frames, in particular to the characterization of these processes in the geological archive and can also translate these to future scenarios;
· can handle in a reasoned way the results of scientific research (through appropriate software programs, where relevant) and write this down in reports and in a monograph (= Master's thesis);
· can orally present and defend scientific results in a structured manner, using modern communication techniques (in English and Dutch);
· has the scientific attitude to independently solve new concrete geological problems by choosing the appropriate scientific methods and apply these;
· can apply in an integrated way qualitative and quantitative methods (field analysis, direct and indirect observation techniques, physical and chemical analysis, modeling of geological processes, ...) in order to solve geological problems. Here, the master must not only know the techniques and the basic principles, but also understand the possibilities and limitations;
· can work in a team to arrive at a coherent solution for a given problem;
· has insight into various geological aspects of sustainable development and in the position that a geologist can take in such issues;
· can participate in the public debate with scientifically-based contributions and knows the social relevance of geological research.