Geological Sciences
Geological Sciences
Course sheet
A.Y. 2025/2026
Bachelor
L-34 R - Scienze geologiche
The degree programme aims to provide a solid grounding in geological sciences, enabling graduates to pursue
a Master's degree or to enter the job market directly, particularly in the fields of geology, applied geology for
land management, georesources and geomaterials. The programme is structured to provide students with an in-
depth understanding of the fundamentals of scientific disciplines applied to the study of Earth, while providing
the practical skills required to work in the geological sciences.
The programme aims to provide students with:
- a sound understanding of the fundamentals of mathematics, physics, chemistry and computer science, which
will then enable them to quantify and interpret geological processes and the Earth's structure;
- a solid grounding in all areas of the geological sciences to be able to recognise and interpret natural processes
in geological environments;
- analytical skills in field geology for basic geological mapping in diverse terrains;
- analytical laboratory skills for characterising geomaterials and their behaviour;
- technical skills in the use of tools for basic geological investigations;
- the ability to collect and process data using general computational methods and those specific to geological
sciences;
- the ability to apply mathematical models for simulating geophysical and geological processes.
a Master's degree or to enter the job market directly, particularly in the fields of geology, applied geology for
land management, georesources and geomaterials. The programme is structured to provide students with an in-
depth understanding of the fundamentals of scientific disciplines applied to the study of Earth, while providing
the practical skills required to work in the geological sciences.
The programme aims to provide students with:
- a sound understanding of the fundamentals of mathematics, physics, chemistry and computer science, which
will then enable them to quantify and interpret geological processes and the Earth's structure;
- a solid grounding in all areas of the geological sciences to be able to recognise and interpret natural processes
in geological environments;
- analytical skills in field geology for basic geological mapping in diverse terrains;
- analytical laboratory skills for characterising geomaterials and their behaviour;
- technical skills in the use of tools for basic geological investigations;
- the ability to collect and process data using general computational methods and those specific to geological
sciences;
- the ability to apply mathematical models for simulating geophysical and geological processes.
Geological data collection and management specialist for land analysis
Environmental, land and resource monitoring technician
Natural resource exploration, management and use specialist
Laboratory analyst for natural materials and geomaterials
Graduates work in public administration offices (both national and local) involved in acquiring knowledge of
the region, in research institutes and in private companies engaged in the management of land and natural
resources.
They are employed in private companies involved in land planning and in the design of structures interacting
with soil and rocks, in public administration offices (national and local) directly responsible for land
management, and they provide operational support to research institutes.
They work in medium to large-sized companies (such as energy companies, service providers and mineral
exploration companies) as technical specialists, or in private companies focused on natural and synthetic
materials and their transformation (geomaterials) for various applications. They may also work in public
institutions responsible for verifying the use of natural materials and their derivatives in civil applications and
for monitoring mineral pollutants. They also provide operational support to research institutes.
Lastly, there are opportunities to freelance.
The license to practice as a Junior Geologist is officially granted by the State Board of Geologists (Section B -
Junior Geologist) upon successful completion of the licensing exam. Junior geologists are assigned specific
and primarily operational responsibilities relating to the acquisition and representation of field and laboratory
data, under the supervision of a Senior Geologist holding a Master's degree (Section A ? Geologist). The
Department of Earth Sciences serves as the main academic body responsible for coordinating the programme.
Environmental, land and resource monitoring technician
Natural resource exploration, management and use specialist
Laboratory analyst for natural materials and geomaterials
Graduates work in public administration offices (both national and local) involved in acquiring knowledge of
the region, in research institutes and in private companies engaged in the management of land and natural
resources.
They are employed in private companies involved in land planning and in the design of structures interacting
with soil and rocks, in public administration offices (national and local) directly responsible for land
management, and they provide operational support to research institutes.
They work in medium to large-sized companies (such as energy companies, service providers and mineral
exploration companies) as technical specialists, or in private companies focused on natural and synthetic
materials and their transformation (geomaterials) for various applications. They may also work in public
institutions responsible for verifying the use of natural materials and their derivatives in civil applications and
for monitoring mineral pollutants. They also provide operational support to research institutes.
Lastly, there are opportunities to freelance.
The license to practice as a Junior Geologist is officially granted by the State Board of Geologists (Section B -
Junior Geologist) upon successful completion of the licensing exam. Junior geologists are assigned specific
and primarily operational responsibilities relating to the acquisition and representation of field and laboratory
data, under the supervision of a Senior Geologist holding a Master's degree (Section A ? Geologist). The
Department of Earth Sciences serves as the main academic body responsible for coordinating the programme.
The Department of Earth Sciences offers opportunities for spending time as guest students at European universities and research centres both for attending courses/exams and for research and internship related to projects for graduate, post-graduate and PhD students. Studying and doing research in foreign universities is not only an important life experience and the occasion for thorough learning of a foreign language, but is also, and primarily, the opportunit for experiencing and acquiring different and more flexible learning approaches. Doing research and internship abroad may allow the access to facilities not available here (e.g., highly specialized labs), the performance of applied research on specific fields as well as the first-hand interaction with wider, international research groups. At present our partner universities in official Erasmus exchange agreements devoted to course/exams and, where indicated, research activity, are located in France, Germany, Greece, Spain, Holland, Switzerland. However the agreements for bursaries specifically devoted to applied research/internship can be stipulated with any other university or research centre with which any members of our department have or may establish collaboration on common research interests. For these research bursaries and, in general, for the correct validation of the research activity done by our students abroad, the role and the active involvement of a local member of the department is of fundamental importance, as he/she will act as official, competent internal scientific tutor for the student hosted in the guest foreign university. Students may access to "normal" Erasmus bursarships, allowing course/exam in addition to research activities in partner universities, as well as Erasmus Student Placement bursaries exclusively devoted to research/internship activities. The access to the different types of bursary is done by means of separate application procedures. The activity (course/exam or research) that the candidate will do in the guest foreign university has to be agreed with the local professors/tutors in both original and guest universities by means of the "Learning Agreement". This document is of prime importance for the final validation and official administrative registration of the activity done abroad.
In addition to required field training, attendance is mandatory for practical laboratories. Attendance is essential for students to learn and pass exams.
Enrolment
Qualifications and knowledge required for admission To be admitted to the Bachelor's degree programme in Geological Sciences, applicants must hold an upper secondary school-leaving certificate or a suitable equivalent foreign qualification. In addition, an adequate personal preparation is required, particularly in the basic sciences and in elementary logic. Admission assessment: although the Bachelor's degree programme in Geological Sciences has open admissions, a compulsory but non-selective entrance exam is used to assess the applicant's knowledge and preparation prior to enrolment. Assessment is carried out through the TOLC (CISIA Online Test), which students must take either at the University of Milan or at any other university participating in the CISIA network (Interuniversity Consortium for Integrated Access Systems). Registration for the TOLC must be completed on the CISIA website (www.cisiaonline.it). The TOLC tests accepted for admission to the Bachelor's degree programme in Geological Sciences are TOLC-B, TOLC-S and TOLC-I. Students may enrol only after having taken one of the following TOLCs, REGARDLESS OF THE
OUTCOME: TOLC-B, the test structure and topics and other useful information are available at https://www.cisiaonline.it/en/tolc/tolc-b/structure-and-syllabus TOLC-S, the test structure and topics and other useful information are available at https://www.cisiaonline.it/en/tolc/tolc-s/structure-and-syllabus TOLC-I, the test structure and topics and other useful information are available at https://www.cisiaonline.it/en/tolc/tolc-i/structure-and-syllabus Each TOLC test contains an additional English section, consisting of 30 questions to be completed in 15 minutes, the outcome of which does not count towards the test score. Registration procedures, dates, deadlines and other useful information can be found in the call for applications. Please also see https://www.unimi.it/en/study/bachelor-and-master-study/degree-programme-enrolment/enrolment-first-degree-programme. Candidates must show up with a valid identity document at the time and date indicated on the TOLC registration receipt. Admission of transfer or graduate students: Students already enrolled in a degree programme at the University of Milan or at another university or who have already graduated may be exempted from the test only if admitted to years after the first. To this end, a request for evaluation of academic records must be submitted by accessing the online service indicated in the call for applications. Interested parties must declare all the exams they have taken, specifying the relevant scientific-disciplinary sector (SSD), credits and grades, and must attach the syllabuses of courses. For further details on the procedure, please see the call for applications. The deadline for submitting the request for the evaluation of academic records is specified in the call for applications. The outcome of the request will be communicated by email. Students admitted to the first year must take the test. Additional learning requirements (OFA) and remedial activities: First-year students who do not achieve a score of at least 10 in the Mathematics section will be assigned additional learning requirements (OFA). Remedial courses will be organised between October and December for students who have been assigned additional learning requirements (OFA). Said students must then pass a remedial exam to demonstrate that they have improved their preparation, or they will not be allowed to take any second-year exams until they have passed the Mathematics I and Information Technology exam. For further information see https://geologia.cdl.unimi.it/it/studiare/le-matricole
OUTCOME: TOLC-B, the test structure and topics and other useful information are available at https://www.cisiaonline.it/en/tolc/tolc-b/structure-and-syllabus TOLC-S, the test structure and topics and other useful information are available at https://www.cisiaonline.it/en/tolc/tolc-s/structure-and-syllabus TOLC-I, the test structure and topics and other useful information are available at https://www.cisiaonline.it/en/tolc/tolc-i/structure-and-syllabus Each TOLC test contains an additional English section, consisting of 30 questions to be completed in 15 minutes, the outcome of which does not count towards the test score. Registration procedures, dates, deadlines and other useful information can be found in the call for applications. Please also see https://www.unimi.it/en/study/bachelor-and-master-study/degree-programme-enrolment/enrolment-first-degree-programme. Candidates must show up with a valid identity document at the time and date indicated on the TOLC registration receipt. Admission of transfer or graduate students: Students already enrolled in a degree programme at the University of Milan or at another university or who have already graduated may be exempted from the test only if admitted to years after the first. To this end, a request for evaluation of academic records must be submitted by accessing the online service indicated in the call for applications. Interested parties must declare all the exams they have taken, specifying the relevant scientific-disciplinary sector (SSD), credits and grades, and must attach the syllabuses of courses. For further details on the procedure, please see the call for applications. The deadline for submitting the request for the evaluation of academic records is specified in the call for applications. The outcome of the request will be communicated by email. Students admitted to the first year must take the test. Additional learning requirements (OFA) and remedial activities: First-year students who do not achieve a score of at least 10 in the Mathematics section will be assigned additional learning requirements (OFA). Remedial courses will be organised between October and December for students who have been assigned additional learning requirements (OFA). Said students must then pass a remedial exam to demonstrate that they have improved their preparation, or they will not be allowed to take any second-year exams until they have passed the Mathematics I and Information Technology exam. For further information see https://geologia.cdl.unimi.it/it/studiare/le-matricole
Call for applications
Please refer to the call for admission test dates and contents, and how to register.
Application for matriculation: from 15/07/2025 to 30/09/2025
CALL FOR APPLICATIONS - NOTICE
The call for applications is the only official document for admission to degree programmes. Please read it carefully. If you are reading this notice is because the call is available only in Italian as the programme is offered in Italian. Students wishing to enrol must be proficient in Italian.
Online services
Learn more:
Programme description and courses list
year
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| Physics I | 6 | 60 | Italian | FIS/01 |
First semester
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| Chemistry and Laboratory | 9 | 84 | Italian | CHIM/03 |
| Introduction to Geology and Laboratory | 7 | 68 | Italian | GEO/01 GEO/02 GEO/03 GEO/07 |
| Mathematics I and Information Tecnology | 9 | 78 | Italian | INF/01 MAT/05 |
| Paleontology and Laboratory | 9 | 84 | Italian | GEO/01 |
Second semester
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| Geomorphology and Laboratory | 10 | 96 | Italian | GEO/04 |
| Mineralogy and Lithology Practicals | 10 | 108 | Italian | GEO/02 GEO/06 GEO/07 |
Open sessions
There are no specific sessions for these activities (e.g. open online courses).
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| English Proficiency B2 (3 ECTS) | 3 | 0 | English | NN |
be activated by the A.Y. 2026/2027
First semester
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| Mathematics Ii | 6 | 60 | Italian | MAT/05 |
| Mineralogy | 6 | 56 | Italian | GEO/06 |
| Physics Ii | 6 | 56 | Italian | FIS/01 |
| Sedimentary Geology and Laboratory | 10 | 96 | Italian | GEO/02 |
Second semester
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| Petrography and Laboratory | 10 | 96 | Italian | GEO/07 |
| Physics of the Earth and Laboratory | 9 | 84 | Italian | GEO/10 |
| Structural Geology and Tectonics and Laboratory | 10 | 96 | Italian | GEO/03 |
be activated by the A.Y. 2027/2028
First semester
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| Engineering Geology and Laboratory | 9 | 80 | Italian | GEO/05 |
| Geological Mapping and Fieldwork Practicals | 9 | 100 | Italian | GEO/02 GEO/03 GEO/07 GEO/09 |
| Georesources and Laboratory | 9 | 84 | Italian | GEO/09 |
| Topography and Gis | 6 | 56 | Italian | ICAR/06 |
| Optional | ||||
| Raw Materials and Industry | 6 | 48 | Italian | GEO/09 |
Second semester
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| Geochemistry | 6 | 50 | Italian | GEO/08 |
| Optional | ||||
| Applied Geophysics | 6 | 48 | Italian | GEO/11 |
| Facies Analysis | 6 | 52 | Italian | GEO/02 |
| Geotechnical Field Test and Measures | 6 | 48 | Italian | GEO/05 |
| Mineralogy of Earth and Planets and Analytical Methods | 6 | 48 | Italian | GEO/06 |
| Palaeoecology | 6 | 48 | Italian | GEO/01 |
| Photogeology | 6 | 48 | Italian | GEO/04 |
| Structural Analysis I | 6 | 56 | Italian | GEO/03 |
| Volcanology | 8 | 52 | Italian | GEO/08 |
Conclusive activities
There are no specific sessions for these activities (e.g. open online courses).
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| Training | 5 | 0 | Italian | NN |
| Final Dissertation | 4 | 0 | Italian | NN |
Study plan rules
- The student must also acquire 12 ECTS in training activities freely chosen from those activated by the University as long as they are consistent with the study plan, subjected to the judgment of the competent commission of the Teaching Board of the course of study.
The Teaching Board of the study course provides for the activation of the following courses for free choice (third year courses) starting from the 2027-28 academic year.
The Teaching Board of the study course provides for the activation of the following courses for free choice (third year courses) starting from the 2027-28 academic year.
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | Lesson period | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raw Materials and Industry | 6 | 48 | Italian | First semester | GEO/09 |
| Applied Geophysics | 6 | 48 | Italian | Second semester | GEO/11 |
| Facies Analysis | 6 | 52 | Italian | Second semester | GEO/02 |
| Geotechnical Field Test and Measures | 6 | 48 | Italian | Second semester | GEO/05 |
| Mineralogy of Earth and Planets and Analytical Methods | 6 | 48 | Italian | Second semester | GEO/06 |
| Palaeoecology | 6 | 48 | Italian | Second semester | GEO/01 |
| Photogeology | 6 | 48 | Italian | Second semester | GEO/04 |
| Structural Analysis I | 6 | 56 | Italian | Second semester | GEO/03 |
| Volcanology | 8 | 52 | Italian | Second semester | GEO/08 |
Prerequisites are recommended for the following courses:
Physics I on Physics II;
Mineralogy on Geochemistry.
Consult the following table for the compulsory preparatory courses.
Physics I on Physics II;
Mineralogy on Geochemistry.
Consult the following table for the compulsory preparatory courses.
Prescribed foundation courses
| Learning activity | Prescribed foundation courses |
|---|---|
| Engineering Geology and Laboratory | Chemistry and Laboratory (compulsory), English Proficiency B2 (3 ECTS) (compulsory), Geomorphology and Laboratory (compulsory), Introduction to Geology and Laboratory (compulsory), Mineralogy (compulsory), Mineralogy and Lithology Practicals (compulsory), Paleontology and Laboratory (compulsory), Sedimentary Geology and Laboratory (compulsory), Structural Geology and Tectonics and Laboratory (compulsory) |
| Geochemistry | Chemistry and Laboratory (compulsory), English Proficiency B2 (3 ECTS) (compulsory), Geomorphology and Laboratory (compulsory), Introduction to Geology and Laboratory (compulsory), Mineralogy (compulsory), Mineralogy and Lithology Practicals (compulsory), Paleontology and Laboratory (compulsory), Petrography and Laboratory (compulsory), Physics I (compulsory), Sedimentary Geology and Laboratory (compulsory) |
| Geological Mapping and Fieldwork Practicals | Chemistry and Laboratory (compulsory), English Proficiency B2 (3 ECTS) (compulsory), Geomorphology and Laboratory (compulsory), Introduction to Geology and Laboratory (compulsory), Mineralogy (compulsory), Mineralogy and Lithology Practicals (compulsory), Paleontology and Laboratory (compulsory), Petrography and Laboratory (compulsory), Sedimentary Geology and Laboratory (compulsory), Structural Geology and Tectonics and Laboratory (compulsory) |
| Georesources and Laboratory | Chemistry and Laboratory (compulsory), English Proficiency B2 (3 ECTS) (compulsory), Geomorphology and Laboratory (compulsory), Introduction to Geology and Laboratory (compulsory), Mineralogy (compulsory), Mineralogy and Lithology Practicals (compulsory), Paleontology and Laboratory (compulsory), Petrography and Laboratory (compulsory), Physics I (compulsory), Sedimentary Geology and Laboratory (compulsory), Structural Geology and Tectonics and Laboratory (compulsory) |
| Mathematics Ii | Mathematics I and Information Tecnology (compulsory) |
| Mineralogy | Chemistry and Laboratory (compulsory), Mineralogy and Lithology Practicals (compulsory) |
| Petrography and Laboratory | Mineralogy (compulsory), Mineralogy and Lithology Practicals (compulsory) |
| Physics I | Mathematics I and Information Tecnology (compulsory) |
| Physics Ii | Physics I (compulsory) |
| Physics of the Earth and Laboratory | Physics I (compulsory) |
| Sedimentary Geology and Laboratory | Mineralogy and Lithology Practicals (compulsory) |
| Structural Geology and Tectonics and Laboratory | Mineralogy (compulsory), Mineralogy and Lithology Practicals (compulsory), Petrography and Laboratory (compulsory), Sedimentary Geology and Laboratory (compulsory) |
| Topography and Gis | Chemistry and Laboratory (compulsory), English Proficiency B2 (3 ECTS) (compulsory), Geomorphology and Laboratory (compulsory), Introduction to Geology and Laboratory (compulsory), Mineralogy (compulsory), Mineralogy and Lithology Practicals (compulsory), Paleontology and Laboratory (compulsory), Physics I (compulsory) |
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Location
Milan
Course locations
The teaching facilities of the Degree Course in Geological Sciences are located in the two structures of the Department of Earth Sciences "A. Desio":
The two main teaching areas are the Geology and Paleontology structure (via Luigi Mangiagalli, 34) and that of Mineralogy, Petrography, Geochemistry, Mineral Deposits and Geophysics (via Botticelli, 23).
The specific exercises of the Minerals and Rocks, Introduction to Geology and Laboratory Laboratory (with Geological Cartography) and the Paleontology and Laboratory are held in dedicated educational laboratories.
The two main teaching areas are the Geology and Paleontology structure (via Luigi Mangiagalli, 34) and that of Mineralogy, Petrography, Geochemistry, Mineral Deposits and Geophysics (via Botticelli, 23).
The specific exercises of the Minerals and Rocks, Introduction to Geology and Laboratory Laboratory (with Geological Cartography) and the Paleontology and Laboratory are held in dedicated educational laboratories.
Laboratory locations
Teaching laboratories take place both in departmental structures, equipped with technical-scientific instruments and collections, and on-field, using customised logistics solutions.
Educational collections for the recognition and study of fossils, minerals, rocks, thin sections of rocks, topographic and geological maps are available in classrooms and in ad-hoc teaching laboratories. Computerized classrooms offer software for data processing and for the simulation of geological processes.
Scientific instruments available at the Department of Earth Sciences (https://distad.unimi.it/it/didattica/progetti-e-laboratori/didattica-laboratorio) help provide an introduction to optical, chemical and physical-mechanical characterization of minerals, fossils, rocks, soils, other natural or synthetic materials, as well as water and other terrestrial fluids. Practical exercises are carried out in laboratories of optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, mechanics of rocks, sedimentology, X-ray diffraction, X-ray spectrometry, absorption and emission spectrophotometry, visible and infrared spectroscopy.
Field laboratories take place in areas where students can learn geological cartography, process geological data and reconstruct the genetic processes of terrestrial materials (e.g. Valchiavenna Station).
Educational collections for the recognition and study of fossils, minerals, rocks, thin sections of rocks, topographic and geological maps are available in classrooms and in ad-hoc teaching laboratories. Computerized classrooms offer software for data processing and for the simulation of geological processes.
Scientific instruments available at the Department of Earth Sciences (https://distad.unimi.it/it/didattica/progetti-e-laboratori/didattica-laboratorio) help provide an introduction to optical, chemical and physical-mechanical characterization of minerals, fossils, rocks, soils, other natural or synthetic materials, as well as water and other terrestrial fluids. Practical exercises are carried out in laboratories of optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, mechanics of rocks, sedimentology, X-ray diffraction, X-ray spectrometry, absorption and emission spectrophotometry, visible and infrared spectroscopy.
Field laboratories take place in areas where students can learn geological cartography, process geological data and reconstruct the genetic processes of terrestrial materials (e.g. Valchiavenna Station).
Head of study programme
Study plan tutor
Internship tutor
Quality Assurance Delegate
Reference structures
Contacts
- Teaching Office
Via Botticelli, 23 Milano (piano terra)
https://informastudenti.unimi.it/saw/ess?AUTH=SAML
Per informazioni o appuntamento solo attraverso InformaStudenti - Student Secretariats
Via Celoria, 18 Mialno
https://www.unimi.it/it/studiare/servizi-gli-studenti
https://informastudenti.unimi.it/saw/ess?AUTH=SAML
+390250325032
Per informazioni o appuntamento InformaStudenti - Department Library, Director Dr. Fabio Bottazzi
Via Luigi Mangiagalli, 34 Milano (piano terra)
[email protected]
+390250315496
solo per appuntamento via mail - Contact person for Disability: Prof Maria Rose Petrizzo
Via Luigi Mangiagalli, 34 Milano
[email protected]
solo per appuntamento via mail
The tuition fees for students enrolled in Bachelor's, Master's and single-cycle degree programmes are divided into two instalments with different calculation methods and payment schedules:
- The amount of the first instalment is the same for all students
- The amount of the second instalment varies according to the ISEE University value, the degree programme and the student status (on track / off track for one year or off track for more than a year)
- An additional fee is due for online programmes
The University also offers:
- Concessions for students meeting high merit requirements
- Diversified tuition fees according to the student's home country for international students with assets/income abroad
- Concessions for international students with refugee status
Scholarships and benefits
The University provides a range of financial benefits to students meeting special requirements (merit, financial or personal conditions, international students).
Learn more
Guidance:
Admission, ranking and enrolment