Program Overview

Program Overview

The Paleobiological and Stratigraphic Aspects of Paleobiota Research program is designed to familiarize students with modern paleontological and stratigraphic research, including micro-paleontology, paleo-technology, and paleoecology. This program focuses on the study of geological and paleobiological aspects of the Earth's history and its sedimentary shell, the origin of the biosphere, and their relationship with practical applications for mineral prospecting and exploration.

Program Goals

The primary goal of this program is to train scientifically oriented, highly qualified personnel capable of conducting comprehensive, interdisciplinary research at the intersection of paleontology, stratigraphy, sedimentology, paleobiology, and paleoecology.

Duration of Study

The program lasts for two academic years.

Language of Instruction

The language of instruction for this program is English.

Program Structure

Mandatory Disciplines

• Fundamentals of Geobiology (Introduction to Geobiology), 2 semesters
• Micropaleontological Research Solutions to Geological Problems, 1 semester
• Paleoichnology, 1 semester
• Fossil Lagerstaette: Uniquely Preserved Fossil Sites, 1 semester
• Precambrian Palaeobiology, 1 semester
• Regional Russian Geology, 2 semesters
• Geotectonics and Geodynamics, 1 semester

Elective Subjects

• Paleoecological Reconstructions for Paleontological and Paleobiogeographic Research, 1 semester
• Graphical Methods in Palaeontology, 1 semester
• Introduction to Palaeontological Data Analysis, 1 semester
• Paleontological and Paleobotanic descriptions, Zoological and Botanical Nomenclature Codes, 1 semester
• Modern Scientific and Technical Communicative Culture, 1 semester

Master Dissertation

To complete the MA Program in "Paleobiological and Stratigraphic Aspects of Paleobotany Research", students must prepare and defend a Master's thesis. The thesis topics are proposed by the GGD Historical Geology Section and approved by the Department's academic council. Supervisors from NSU GGD specialized departments provide research work materials.

Key Personnel

• Dmitry Grazhdankin: Doctor of Geological and Mineralogical Sciences, Head of the Laboratory of Precambrian Paleontology and Stratigraphy.
• Olga Obut: Candidate of Geological and Mineralogical Sciences, Senior Researcher at the Laboratory of Paleozoic Paleontology and Stratigraphy.
• Vasily Marusin: Candidate of Geological and Mineralogical Sciences, Senior Researcher at the Laboratory of Precambrian Paleontology and Stratigraphy.
• Nikolay Matushkin: Candidate of Geological and Mineralogical Sciences, Senior Researcher, Laboratory of Geodynamics and Paleomagnetism.
• Igor Kosenko: Candidate of Geological and Mineralogical Sciences, Senior Researcher at the Laboratory of Paleontology and Mesozoic and Cenozoic Stratigraphy.
• Natalia Bykova: PhD, Senior Researcher at the Laboratory of Precambrian Paleontology and Stratigraphy.
• Dmitry Tokarev: Candidate of Geological and Mineralogical Sciences, Senior Researcher at the Laboratory of Paleozoic Paleontology and Stratigraphy.

Fees and Financial Support

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are U.S. $5200 per year.

Scholarships

Foreign students have the opportunity to apply for the Russian Government Scholarship Program, which includes full tuition and a monthly stipend. Additionally, students can participate in the "Open Doors" Russian Scholarship Project to win a full scholarship.

Entrance Requirements

• Copy of the 1st page of the traveling passport with personal data
• Legalized educational certificate
• Legalized academic transcripts
• 2 photos
• English language course marks sheet/TOEFL certificate or other international certificates
• Curriculum Vitae
• Motivation Letter
• Medical certificate of overall health condition
• HIV + AIDS certificates

Application Deadlines

The application form and a full set of scanned documents must be submitted by August 6.