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About faculty

The Faculty of Geography and Earth Sciences provides academic studies in geography, geology and environmental science. The faculty offers higher academic education in 3 levels of studies – bachelor's, master's and doctoral study programmes, as well as professional training in geoinformatics in the professional bachelor's study programme and spatial development planning professional higher education master's study programme. The faculty's academic staff, in cooperation with scientists from many countries around the world, also ensures the development of science in geography, geology and environmental science in Latvia. The main factors that determine the importance and outcome of the faculty's activities are the faculty's students and our research field – the nature and people of Latvia. Upon graduating from the University, the Faculty students successfully compete in the Latvian and European labour markets.

Suppose you believe in Latvian poet Rainis' quote: "There will be those who transform". In that case, you know: the sciences, studied at the Faculty of Geography and Earth Sciences of the University of Latvia – geography, environmental science and geology – will always exist and be relevant to society! You will be allowed to explore three fields, related to the Earth, to the field of social and natural sciences, to people, animals, plants and rocks, and all the processes around you, if you choose to study at the Faculty of Geography and Earth Sciences. The faculty allows the prospective student to become an independent, knowledgeable, curious erudite and develop into a versatile specialist.

During the study process, you will listen to the lectures of knowledgeable teachers and guest lecturers, perform laboratory and practical work, and go to outdoor classes, field days and practices. During extracurricular activities, you will participate in various attractive traditional geographer events, both on the rivers in the fresh air and under the roof among friends, provided by the Student Self-Government.

Studies occur in the Baltics' most modern higher education and science building. Modern laboratories, equipment, lecture halls and spaciousness await you! Come and learn about the world at the Faculty of Geography and Earth Sciences! As long as the Earth exists, so will geology, environmental science and geography. Although – geology can also be on the Moon and Mars. So choose a sustainable profession.

Join the Geographers Mafia!

STUDIES BASED ON RESEARCH EXCELLENCE
Studies are based on Latvian land, nature, people and internationally significant geospatial human-environmental systems, their research, solutions and applicable technologies. Future specialists in natural sciences go on field studies and cognitive hikes both in Latvia and abroad.

GLOBALLY ORIENTED AND LOCALLY PATRIOTIC STUDENT
The Faculty of Geography and Earth Sciences provides a platform for growth, which ensures and improves society's quality of life and promotes understanding of natural capital, offering innovative solutions for the preservation of natural, cultural-social diversity and the environment.

STUDY CONTENT IS HIGHLY VALUED IN THE LABOUR MARKET
The Faculty of Geography and Earth Sciences is the only institution in Latvia that prepares specialists in geography, geology, and spatial development planning. Here, employees are trained for territorial and environmental management institutions, municipalities, private companies, operating in geographic information systems and cartography, territorial development planning, environmental state assessment, landscape planning, natural and cultural heritage protection, and geological research.

CRITICAL THINKING
Geography helps us to better understand our rapidly changing world. Critical thinking and understanding the regularities of the development of nature and social processes are integral to geography studies.

GEOGRAPHERS MAFIA COMMUNITY
Geography is a way of life. All current and former faculty students are united by the ties of the friendship of the "mafia of geographers" and the slogan – I deny the quiet life, I am looking for, what’s the happiness!". During the studies, an "invisible support network" is created, applicable throughout life. Our most anticipated event is the legendary boat trip – geo-rally.

HIGHLY QUALIFIED, COMPETENT, STUDENT-FRIENDLY, EXCELLENCE-ORIENTED ACADEMIC STAFF
An opportunity for students of different study levels to get involved in national and international research projects.

QUALITY STUDY INFRASTRUCTURE, RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT FOR PROVIDING A MODERN STUDY PROCESS
Modern study environment and opportunities for international cooperation during studies.

 

The House of Nature building of the Academic Centre of the University of Latvia in Torņakalns has been designed to create equal opportunities for every member of society to use it and receive the necessary services. Preconditions have been met to ensure that each individual has independent mobility, access to the object, provision of basic needs, ability to perform the intended activity and receive services independently.

  • 10 parking spaces for persons with special needs.
  • Magnum auditorium has special seats for people in wheelchairs.
  • Vertical movement between floors is provided by three elevators.
  • Floors are announced in Latvian in the panoramic elevators. Braille inscriptions are provided on the floor buttons.
  • The first and last rungs of ladders are marked with a contrasting colour.
  • Other environmental accessibility solutions are also provided, e.g. door width and sink height suitable for wheelchairs, alarm buttons in toilets.

The environmental accessibility solutions of the academic centre have been highly appreciated by the "Apeirons" association of the disabled and their friends, awarding the "Zelta kruķis” award in the nomination for the most humane building of the year in 2015 (more information).

Solutions for the accessibility of the House of Nature environment in the programme "Three quarters" (watch here from the 10th minute).

The Lode manor is a field courses station of the Faculty of Geography and Earth Sciences of the University of Latvia. Most field courses take place there. During  the courses future geographers, geologists and environmental science experts learn practical skills in fieldwork. The entire Mafia of Geographers has loved this place for generations.

­­Look at the surroundings of Lodesmuiža in a 3D model.

The rural hospital "Lodesmuiža" of the Faculty of Geography and Earth Sciences can be used as a place of study, research and accommodation. To promote cooperation with other educational and research institutions, promote the financial activity of the UL and facilitate the provision of economic needs, the UL approved it on 30.03.2012. Order No. 1/100 price list of services at rural stationary "Lodesmuiža" (here).

Location of "Lodes muiža" stationary of the field courses of the Faculty of Geography and Earth Sciences, Vecpiebalga district, Taurene parish:
 

1920
The Department of Physical Geography was established at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences of the University of Latvia (Head: Reinholds Voldemārs Putniņš (1881–1934)).

1922
Based on the Department of Physical Geography, R.V. Putniņš established the Institute of Physical Geography and Geonomy.

1935
The Institute of Physical Geography and Geonomy was divided into two independent institutes – founded by Ģederts Ramans (1889–1964).

05.11.1944
Rector Matvejs Kadeks (1897–1950) signed the order to divide the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences of the University of Latvia into four independent faculties: the Faculty of Geography, Geology – Soil Sciences, Biology, Physics and Mathematics.

11.12.1944
The independent Faculty of Geography started its activities on Kronvalda bulvāris 4, where the Institute of Geography of the UL was located before the war. The faculty had three departments: Departments of Physical Geography, Regional Geography, and Soviet Union Geography.

1946
The Department of the Soviet Union created the Department of Foreign Geography.

1944–1947
The first dean, Ģederts Ramans, headed the Faculty of Geography.

1947–1949
Indriķis Saule-Sleinis (1888–1953) held the position of dean.

1949
The first reorganisation took place – the Faculty of Geography was merged with the Faculty of Geology and Soil Sciences, creating the Faculty of Geology and Geography, which was located on Kronvalda bulvāris 1.

1949–1950
The joint Faculty of Geology and Geography was headed by dean Werner Melnalksnis (1896–1980).

1950–1951
The Faculty of Geology and Geography dean was Kārlis Sprinģis (1903–1987).

01.01.1951
The Geology department was closed, and the Faculty of Geography was restored.

1952
The last graduation of geologists in Latvia during the Soviet Union.

1951–1955
The renewed Faculty of Geography dean was Aleksandrs Jaunputniņš (1904–1974).

1955–1961
The faculty dean's duties were entrusted to Kamils Ramans (1917–1991).

1958
The Faculty of Geography was moved to the building at Raiņa bulvāris 29.

1961–1964
Dean Valija Klane headed the faculty.

1963–1970
A rural stationary "Vējava" was established in the Madona district of Vestiena parish for students' training practices and research work.

1964–1969
Dean Gunārs Berklavs took over the management of the faculty.

1969–1973
Dean Guntis Eberhards headed the faculty.

1971
The faculty is again being moved to other premises. This time – at 48, 69 Krišjāņa Valdemāra (former Gorkija) iela.

1971–1986
Student internships took place at the internship base "Mežole", Valka district, Launkalne parish.

1973–1980
Renāte Āva performed the dean's duties.

1974
The School of Young Geographers (JGS) starts work on the student's initiative.

1978
The Faculty of Geography has a new location – Jūrmala gatve 74/76.

1980
The Geological Museum was restored under the leadership of Ojārs Āboltiņš.

1980–1985
The position of dean was Jānis Štrauhmanis.

1984
Due to the creation of the Faculty of Pedagogy as part of UL, geographers are being transferred to Alberta iela 10.

1985–1988
Dean Guntis Eberhards again headed the faculty.

1988–1994
Jāzeps Jankevics took over the dean's duties.

1989–1990
This academic year saw the start of the transition from five-year higher education to two-level academic education with bachelor's and master's programmes.

1989–1990
Studies in geology were renewed.

1990
The Department of Nature and Environmental Protection and Restoration (now the Department of Environmental Protection) was established, with its leader – prof. Guntis Eberhards.

1991
Department of Geology was restored, and Igors Danilāns became its head.

1994–1997
The Faculty of Geography (from 1995 – the Faculty of Geography and Earth Sciences) was headed by the dean prof. Vitālijs Zelčs.

1996
Changes in the structure of the faculty. Departments were created to correspond to the study programmes and scientific research directions implemented in the faculty: Department of Geography, Geology and Environmental Science.

1997–2006
The faculty was headed by the dean prof. Māris Kļaviņš.

1999
The Department of Geomorphology and GIS was established (now the Department of Geomorphology and Geomatics), headed by prof. Vitālijs Zelčs.

2004
There were changes in the structure of the Department of Geology and the Department of Environmental Science. The Department of Bedrock Geology (head Ervīns Lukševičs), the Department of Applied Geology (head Valdis Segliņš) and the Department of Applied Environmental Science (head Magnuss Vircavs) were established.

Since 2007
The dean of the faculty is prof. Olģerts Nikodemus.

2008
An Environmental and Sustainable Development Education Centre was established.

2015
The faculty moved from the beloved Art Nouveau building at Alberta iela 10 to the newly-built, most modern higher education building in the Baltics – the House of Nature at the UL Academic Centre, Jelgavas iela 1.

Since 2016
The dean of the faculty is prof. Zaiga Krišjāne.