Fossil Hunting: Geology and Paleontology

Ulyanovsk is a city located in Central Russia on two rivers - Volga and Sviyaga. The great Volga river divides Ulyanovsk into two parts – industrial “new town” and historically old part with museums, galleries, theaters, and squares. Despite the fact that Ulyanovsk is a fast-grown city, it's green, cozy and picturesque. Beautiful Russian landscapes impress everyone.

Ulyanovsk State Technical University (UlSTU) and is the second biggest university in the city and the leading regional research and scientific center. The main university campus is located on a picturesque Volga river in the Northern “old” part of the city. The site is 10 minutes from the center by local transport (trams, minibusses). Nevertheless, students can find everything for living on campus (food stores, library with riding hall, gym, canteens, etc…).

Educational program is an integrated course of classes and field training supported by diverse culture and entertaining program, introducing the history and culture of the Volga region.

Classes consist of lectures and practical exercises on geology and paleontology, including lots of visual information in the form of illustrative materials, presentations, samples, special equipment, where students learn the basics of geology and the geological composition throughout the region and the world. After-school students will be able to apply their knowledge in historically and geologically interesting places on the banks of the Volga.

During summer school students participate in an expedition to the territory of the Undorovsky Reserve, which is the largest whereabouts of the fossil Mesozoic marine reptiles in Russia, visit sandpits and chalk pits.

The Reserve is a unique and fascinating place for geographers and paleontologists. The precipitous shore of the Volga reservoirs (50 m high) in this place is a section of Jurassic and Cretaceous sediments in border periods the Mesozoic era and contains a huge number of petrified remnants (some of them are unique) of the ancient animals of millions of years ago.

During the expedition participants learn geological structure, fossil fauna, as well as the methods of preparation of fossils and take part in fieldwork.

Russian language and culture classes are offered as an extracurricular course. They are offered for beginners and advanced (upon request) learners. Teachers of Russian as a Foreign Language Department have been running the classes for more than 8 years. Students receive a certificate of a taken course, indicating the number of academic hours and credit points recommended, as well as study materials of a taken course.

Entertaining part of the program combines sports activities, workshops, cultural museums, city tours, bicycle rides, camping, and many other events.

Participants of the Summer school are accommodated within walking distance from all educational buildings. The university also provides transport for students when arriving in the city.

During the School participants will be accompanied by student tutors and volunteers. It is recommended for students to form groups when arriving in Russia so the university specialist could meet them in Moscow and follow to Ulyanovsk (if applicable).

Date

August 7-22, 2021

Requirements

Students of civil engineering majors, interested in geology, paleontology , ecology, geography

Language of instruction

English, German

ECTS

4 ECTS

Participation fee

850 Euro, including: tuition, language classes, accommodation, lunch/day, cultural program (including welcome and farewell dinners), migration support, transfer within the city.

Deadline for applications

May 23, 2021

Documents required
  • Application form (download from the homepage);
  • Copy of international passport;
  • Motivation letter;
  • CV.
Scholarships

Discounts for partner universities’ students.

Apply now!