About Undergraduate study
Students of the Faculty of Geography study the patterns of spatial distribution and development of diverse natural and socio-economic objects and phenomena. The goal of the educational process is to prepare highly qualified specialists with a broad geographical outlook, capable of seeing nature and the environment in internal relationships and relationships with people, combining deep fundamental knowledge with practical skills and modern research methods.
The undergraduate curriculum for all areas of training combines the teaching of fundamental humanities (history, Russian language and speech culture, foreign language) and natural disciplines (higher mathematics, computer science, biology, physics, chemistry). Basic geographical disciplines - geomorphology with the fundamentals of geology, meteorology and climatology, hydrology, biogeography, soil geography, landscape science, topography, cartography, geoinformatics, physical geography and economic geography of Russia and the world. It is studied in all profiles of Earth Sciences track. Specialized courses are taught at the departments.
In recent years, geoinformation training level for students in a variety of fields has increased significantly; there is an opportunity to acquire good programming skills and automation of spatial data processing processes. The faculty has several computer classes, a laboratory for mathematical modeling of natural and socio-economic processes, etc.
The educational process consists of classroom sessions (lectures, workshops, seminars, laboratory classes) and summer educational and practical training at the faculty's educational and scientific bases. At the Satino base in Borovsky district, Kaluga region, the first-year students undergo a complex of sectoral geographical practices (2 months): topography, geomorphology and geology, soil science, botanical geography, meteorology, hydrology, landscape science, socio-economic geography.
Second-year students undergo specialized training in various regions of the country, including the Khibiny mountains, Elbrus, Krasnovidovo educational and scientific bases, Arkhangelsk and Gelendzhik bases where field and stationary scientific research is actively conducted.
Industrial practice for third-year students and first-year MSc students takes place on faculty expeditions and in research and production organizations. Based on materials collected during practice, final qualifying works are presented.
The faculty is equipped with modern computers, large-format scanners and printers, and instrumentation for conducting field and laboratory geographical work.
The Museum of Geography of Moscow State University plays an important role in the specialist training. In terms of the richness and clarity of the exhibitions illustrating various sections of the Earth sciences, this is the only scientific and educational center of its kind in the country.
