GEOLOGICAL EDUCATION IN SOFIA UNIVERSITY – INTEGRATION OF TRADITIONS AND KNOWLEDGE IN PRACTICE
Authors: Botoucharov Nikola 
Published: August 2019

Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” is the first Bulgarian and the highest academic institution with more than a century long educational and scientific traditions. Geology is part of the university from the very beginning in the area of Natural sciences. It is an example of the effective interaction between the educational processes and implementation of science, technology and innovation. The scientific activities of Sofia University have been developing along with the research priorities, lecture courses, field work and their implementation into practice.The degree programs in Geology were set up at the end of the 19th century, just 3 years after foundation of the Sofia University. The first lectures in Geology and Mineralogy dates back to 1891 when the Department for Natural History at the Sofia University started. They both form the basis of education and research in the field of Geology in Bulgaria. The main contribution in the beginning for the development of teaching and research belongs to remarkable scientists like Prof. Georgi Zlatarski, Prof. Georgi Bonchev, Prof. Stefan Bonchev, Prof. Lazar Vankov, Prof. Dimitar Yaranov and so many others. Faculty of Biology, Geology and Geography inherits the Faculty of Natural History, but is later divided.Faculty of Geology and Geography in Sofia University was formed in 1963 and till now the geology is studied in a regular form of education. There are Bachelor, Master and PhD degrees with duration of 8, 3 and 6 semesters respectively. The Bachelor Degree provides fundamental knowledge in all geological disciplines. The Master Degree covers a wide range of educational and scientific research work carried out in specialized, well-equipped laboratories for investigation of geological objects. PhD Degree is a basic form of organized training for highly qualified graduates in all spheres of geological science and practice.The teaching process in the Faculty focuses on the lectures and seminars, as well as on the individual forms of education – tasks, course and diploma thesis works, laboratory and field practices. The educational practices - stationary and field trips to certain geological, mining or economic sites are regularly held after the end of the summer semesters. Modern profile of Geology means that students obtain detailed knowledge on structure, tectonics, geological features, underground and surface processes of the Earth as well as regularities for the accumulation and distribution of ores, non-metalliferous raw materials, coal, oil and gas.The implementation of geological education into practice is supported by student membership in various society and sections. The specific activities focus student interests in organized working groups, participation in field trips and applied research. These non-profit organizations integrate in the best way geological traditions from the industry and knowledge from university into the future career development of young people. The Sofia University SEG Student Chapter supports student field trips with the idea to provide understanding of main geological characteristics of the visited geological sites and obtain specific skills of investigation and mining exploration. The Sofia University Student Chapter of AAPG actively contributes to student community growth, enriching educational culture and expanding geological expertise of its members in the field of Petroleum geology.