What future geologists really do and why studying at SFedU is not only lectures, but also adventures, says Yuri Popov, Deputy Director for Research and Innovation at the SFedU Institute of Earth Sciences, Head of the Center for Research on Mineral Resources and the Environment, Candidate of Geological and Mineralogical Sciences, Associate Professor.

It is impossible to study geology only from textbooks — future specialists must see the history of the Earth with their own eyes, learn how to work with real objects and master the methods of field research. That is why the practice accompanies geological students throughout their studies.

What awaits students in different courses?

After the first and second courses, future geologists undergo practical training. They get acquainted with a variety of geological objects and processes, learn how to describe rock outcrops, work with maps and field geological equipment. After the third and fourth years, the practice becomes production — students are already working in real enterprises, mastering professional tools and solving real production tasks.

"Geology is a field of knowledge in which theoretical and practical research methods are closely combined. We have to work with objects of different spatial and temporal scales, from crystals visible only under a microscope to large fragments of the Earth's crust, and real observations often differ from idealized models. That is why acquaintance with geological objects is necessary in order to consolidate theoretical knowledge and gain practical experience," says Yuri Vitalievich.

Where do SFedU students practice?

The training routes take place on the territory of the Rostov region and on the basis of the educational and scientific training ground of the SFedU "Belaya Rechka" in the mountainous part of Adygea.

Students explore the northern coast of the Taganrog Bay, the areas of Belaya Kalitva and Krasny Sulin. Here, rocks ranging in age from about 350 million years to modern ones, formed under different geological conditions, come to the surface. Rocks formed in a wide variety of geological conditions are represented in the Greater Caucasus. In addition, there is an impressive variety of nature here — relict forests, mountain meadows, snow—capped peaks - and all this can be explored in one region.

During the practice, students:

Rock outcrops are described and studied;

Samples are taken for laboratory tests;

Systematize the results of field observations;

Geological maps and diagrams are compiled;

They restore the geological history of the development of territories;

The prospects for the availability of minerals are being assessed.

"The variety of geological conditions in the Rostov region and the North Caucasus allows you to get acquainted with a wide range of geological objects and phenomena. This is especially important, since in the future graduates will have to work in various regions of Russia, and sometimes beyond its borders," says Yuri Popov.

The first working tool of a future geologist is a geological hammer. But as they study, the range of equipment expands: students begin to work with geophysical and laboratory equipment, gain experience in drilling and mining, and master digital technologies, including geographic information systems. The 21st century is about geology at the intersection of tradition and high technology.

Production practice: from the Kola Peninsula to Chukotka

Production practices take place at enterprises all over the country — from the Kola Peninsula to Chukotka, from the Caucasus to the northern territories of Russia. They are organized on the basis of agreements between the university and relevant companies.

"During such work, future specialists collect materials for design and final qualification papers, gain their first official professional experience and begin to build a career even before graduating from university," adds Yuri Vitalievich.

According to Yuri Popov, students undergo practical training at the largest geological exploration enterprises in Russia, including Rosgeologiya JSC, Polyus gold mining company, Gazprom PJSC, ALROSA, the leader in the extraction of natural diamonds, and others. Some of the students are interning in the Rostov region in companies engaged in engineering research for construction, which allows future specialists to master various methods of geological research and get acquainted with the specifics of the industry. Many organizations that accept interns subsequently become employers of SFedU graduates, and long-term cooperation helps the university to improve educational programs in accordance with the current needs of the industry.

The materials collected during the training and production practices become the basis of the students' research work. Based on the results of field research, future geologists annually make presentations at conferences and become winners and prize-winners of specialized competitions.

Field routes that lead to science

Field practice often becomes not only the first professional experience for students, but also an opportunity to contribute to science. Yuri Popov says that in the Greater Caucasus, where the complex terrain and dense vegetation cover many more poorly studied geological objects, students often manage to discover outcrops of previously undescribed or poorly studied rocks. Such findings become the basis of scientific research, the results of which are published in specialized publications and presented at scientific conferences.

The daily life of future geologists is no less intense. After the second year, the internship takes place at the Belaya Rechka SFedU educational and scientific training ground in the mountains of Adygea, where comfortable living, working and recreation conditions have been created for students and teachers. The main part of the day is occupied by geological routes, processing of collected materials and analysis of research results, and in his spare time trips are organized to the Lago Naki plateau and the Caucasian Biosphere Reserve, allowing you to get to know the unique nature of the region.