Program Overview

Introduction to the Soil Science Program

The master's programme 'Soil Science' is designed to train high-calibre, competitive experts in soil and land resources to provide regional market services. The programme aims to solve problems in the field of soil ecology, land use, and environmental protection, as well as complex soil problems in the sphere of interaction between nature and society.

Program Description

The academic programme covers a wide range of disciplines in the field of experimental work in laboratories and field methods of investigation of soil regimes. These methods are widely used in practice to assess the environmental state and plan measures for soil and environmental protection.

Main Courses

• Methodological Principles of Modern Soil Science
• Theory of Soil Forming Process
• Transformation of Toxic Compounds in Soils
• Digital Representation of Soils and Topsoil
• Ecological Physics of Soils
• Ecological Functions of Soil Organic Matter
• Ecological and Agroecological Potential of Soils
• Land Use and Soil Assessment Regulations in Russia
• Current Problems of Palaeopedology
• Biological Processes in Soil
• Computer Technologies in Science and Education
• Cadastral Evaluation of Agricultural and Other Lands
• Soils of the World
• Soils of the Leningrad Region

Program Advantages

The programme provides fundamental education in Earth sciences (geology, geography, ecology), life sciences (biology), and soil science. Students have the opportunity to work with cutting-edge scientific equipment in laboratories and resource centres of the St Petersburg University Research Park. They also carry out various research projects in the field of modern soil science and related sciences, with extensive contacts with academic institutions and potential employers.

Research Opportunities

Students participate in joint research projects with leading foreign universities and companies and have the opportunity to be engaged in projects supported by grants from the Russian Foundation for Basic Research. They also undergo summer field practice in various regions of Russia and the world, with practical training and internships taking place at the bases of St Petersburg University and partner organisations.

Main Areas of Research

• Genesis, mapping, geography, and classification of soils
• Humic substances of soils
• Pollution of soils
• Cadastral valuation of soils
• Micromorphology of soils
• Palaeopedology
• Urban soils
• Soil fertility theory
• Physics of soils and subsoils
• Soil chemistry
• Humic preparations

Career Opportunities

Graduates can work as soil scientists, soil ecologists, soil assessment experts, specialists in the field of land cadastre, soil meliorators, specialists in land management, and agronomists.

Program Details

• Level of education: Master
• Type of instruction: Full-time
• Duration: 2 years