Sustainable Development Goals at Baku State University.

Starting from the 2026/2027 academic year, the Faculty of Geology at Baku State University (BSU) will offer a new Master's specialization in Petrology.

Petrology is one of the fundamental branches of geology, focusing on the composition, structure, classification, distribution, and formation of igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks. The discipline plays a key role in understanding the geological evolution of the Earth, geodynamic processes, and the formation of mineral deposits.

The specialization is designed to provide graduate students with advanced theoretical knowledge of rock-forming processes, mineralogical and chemical composition, structural and textural characteristics, and the relationship between rocks and geodynamic environments. The program aims to prepare highly qualified specialists capable of determining rock genesis and comprehensively analyzing geological processes using modern analytical methods.

The curriculum consists of two stages. The first stage covers the theoretical foundations of petrology, magmatic processes, magma generation mechanisms, magma evolution, crystallization and differentiation, as well as liquation, assimilation, hybridization, and the role of volatile components in magmatic systems. The second stage focuses on the mineralogical and geochemical characteristics, classification, geological occurrence, petrogenetic processes, and the evolution of igneous rocks within the Earth's crust and mantle.

Throughout their studies, students will gain practical skills in petrogenetic modeling, thermodynamic calculations, interpretation of geochemical and isotopic data, laboratory analysis, experimental petrology techniques, and the use of specialized geological software. Training will incorporate advanced analytical methods, including optical microscopy, electron microprobe analysis, X-ray diffraction, mass spectrometry, and other modern laboratory techniques.

The curriculum includes courses such as Research Methodology, Academic Writing and Scientific Communication, Magmatism, Geodynamics and Ore Formation, Petrology, Magmatism of Azerbaijan, Ore Deposits of Azerbaijan, Magmatism of Active Continental Margins, Hydrothermal Ore-Forming Processes, Petrology of Igneous Rocks, Geochemistry of Magmatic Processes, Petrology of Metamorphic and Metasomatic Rocks, Interpretation of Geochemical Data, and Metasomatism and Ore Formation.

The program is designed to equip students with the knowledge and practical competencies required to conduct independent geological research, perform laboratory analyses of geological samples, and determine the genesis and geodynamic setting of rocks. Graduates will be well prepared for careers in geological mapping, mineral exploration, geochemical research, scientific research institutes, geological survey organizations, analytical laboratories, and higher education institutions.

Upon completion of the program, students will undertake industrial and teaching internships and graduate as highly qualified specialists in petrology.

SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), SDG 15 (Life on Land).