Research

The Department of Geosciences and Geography is a multidisciplinary unit that conducts research in both natural sciences and social sciences. There are three Research Units where topics relevant to geoscience are studied: Geology and Geophysics, Biogeosciences and Seismology. The internationally recognised, high-quality research is supported by modern laboratories and research stations.
Research and teaching

The students in the Master's Programme in Geology and Geophysics benefit from the research programmes in Geology and Geophysics, Biogeosciences, and the Institute of Seismology, as they run a range of active research projects offering interesting opportunities for MSc thesis projects and provide the resources and personnel for our research-based curriculum.  

In addition to high-level basic research, much of the programme curriculum reflects the applied nature and numerous analytical tools and facilities required for modern geoscientific and palaeobiological inquiry. Throughout your studies, you will receive practical training in multiple analytical methods hosted by our well-equipped laboratory facilities. 
Research focus

There are three Research Units in the Department of Geosciences and Geography, where topics relevant to geoscience are studied: 

  1. The BioGeoScience research programme investigates interactions between the biosphere and geosphere, including the impacts of human actions. The research areas span the entire history of our globe, from the distant past to future scenarios.
  2. The Geology and Geophysics research programme (GeoHel) hosts researchers with a particular interest in geological and environmental processes. 
  3. The Institute of Seismology performs research, education, continuous Earth monitoring, and helps government and private organisations in their projects requiring seismological expertise.

Some of the current major research themes revolve around topics related to: 

  • groundwater and contaminated soils
  • palaeoclimate
  • evolutionary palaeontology and macroevolution
  • hominin ecology
  • structure and evolution of the continental crust, 
  • exploration and sustainable extraction of mineral commodities
  • monitoring of seismic events on multiple time scales
Examples of research projects
Research-based education

Teaching at the University of Helsinki is based on research and provided by researchers well-versed in their discipline, teaching the topics of their research.

In addition to relevant research-based knowledge, university education utilises diverse teaching and assessment methods promoting students’ learning, the development of scholarly thinking and the establishment of expertise.

From the beginning of their studies, students are part of the academic community. They get to familiarise themselves with the latest research. In many fields, students have the opportunity to complete their thesis in collaboration with research groups.
More about the programme