Vision
The vision of the Department of Earth Sciences at Sultan Qaboos University is to be a center of excellence in both teaching and research in the Earth Sciences within the Gulf States.
Mission
The mission of the Department of Earth Sciences at Sultan Qaboos University is to:
- Provide the Sultanate with quality Earth Science graduates,
- Offer post-graduate courses relevant to the needs of the Sultanate and the region and
- Contribute with geoscience solutions to the local community and industry through research and consultancy.
The aims of the degree in Earth Sciences (Geology) are:
- To provide the students with a broad Earth Sciences education embracing all aspects of the science and
- To equip the students with the appropriate geoscience knowledge and skills to make them employable and capable to serve the needs of the Sultanate
Program Objectives in the Earth Sciences (Geology): To provide a broad training within the of Earth Sciences through a series of predetermined core courses and through a guided choice of electives such that students gain a basic understanding of Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology in order to aid their understanding at an advanced level of the major processes operating within the interior of the Earth, the major Earth surface processes, the principles of Earth history, particularly with relevance to Oman and the Middle East and the economic significance of these processes and principles for the Sultanate and the region
Program Outcome - Geology: On completion of the program, the graduates are capable
- To carry out geological mapping and study geological samples in field and laboratory, of understanding the various major process within the interior and on the Earth surface, particularly with relevance to Oman and the Middle East
- To use geological and geophysical instruments in the field, laboratory and ability to collect analyze and interpret various data viz. geochemical, geophysical, hydrological and remotely sensed data with basic understanding of Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology
- To analyze and integrate data using specific industry-relevant software packages of economic significance and governed principles of Sultanate of Oman
- To function as a team member to accomplish a common goal
- To communicate effectively with a range of audiences, using written, spoken and visual media
- To understand the need for, and have ability to engage in, life-long learning and continuing professional development
The aims of the degree in the Earth Sciences (Geophysics) are:
- The students should gain a solid understanding of the fundamentals of physical and mathematical theory as to be able to understand courses in geophysics
- They should obtain a sufficient knowledge of geophysics with the appropriate skills required for a geophysicist to serve the needs of the industry in the Sultanate
Program Objectives in the Earth Sciences (Geophysics): To provide a broad training within Geophysics through a series of predetermined core courses and through a guided choice of electives such that students gain a basic understanding of Mathematics, Physics and Earth Sciences, in order to aid their understanding at an advanced level of The major physical and tectonic processes, which control major Earth processes The principles of Earth history, particularly with relevance to the Middle East The economic significance of these processes and principles to the oil, gas, minerals, geotechnical and water.
Program outcome – Geophysics: On completion of the program, the graduates capable
- To carry out geophysical surveys and making choice of methods in the exploration of oil, gas, minerals, ground water besides geological, geotechnical and environmental engineering understanding the interior of the Earth through mathematical tools
- To use geophysical and geological instruments in the field, laboratory and ability to collect analyze and interpret various data by acquiring adequate knowledge in geology of Oman and Middle East in particular
- To integrate and synthesis data using specific industry-relevant software packages relevance to economic significance and governed principles of Sultanate of Oman
- To function as a member of a team and to communicate effectively with a range of audiences, using written, spoken and visual media
- To understanding the need for, and have the ability to engage in, life-long learning and continuing professional development
There is no better country in the world than Oman in which to learn about Geology.The geological distinctiveness of the Oman Mountain has led to its recognition as one of the geological wonders of the World, with a history of hundreds of millions of years. Oman’s mountains are well known for their spectacular scenery and geology.
The Semail Ophiolite, The Jabal Al-Akhdar and the Sand desert are just a few of Oman’s natural gems. The Semail ophiolite is the largest, best preserved, best exposed and best-studied ophiolite in the world, widely recognized as a "world class" example of its type. Thus the record of the Earth's history in Oman is unique, particularly in providing the world’s best exposure of the oceanic lithosphere. The Semail Ophiolite offers a great opportunity to explore the geological wonders of Oman, which are considered as among the best natural geological laboratory and museum and in the world. The Department of Earth Sciences at Sultan Qaboos University has the aspiration to be the prime centre of education and research excellence in the Earth Sciences within the Gulf States.
The Department of Earth Sciences at Sultan Qaboos University provide the Sultanate with quality Earth Science graduates, and provide geosciences solutions to the local community and industry. The Department offer degree in Geophysics and in Earth Sciences as well as highly flexible M.Sc. and PhD programs that are responsive to market needs. Number of students majoring earths Sciences increased rapidly and reach now up to 85 students each year. The Department of Earth Sciences currently has an academic staff of 16. In addition there are very close links with the University’s Earthquake Monitoring Center (EMC), the University’s Remote Sensing and GIS Center (RSC). There are good job opportunities for students of earth Sciences and Geophysics graduating from SQU.
Currently the oil and gas industry is booming and many companies need to hire Omani graduates. The Department aims to give the best possible people. Many companies come to SQU to interview and hire. Other opportunities come via the annual careers fair. In addition employment opportunities through companies that hire summer placement students.
Talal K. Al-Hosni, Assistant Professor (HoD)