Beginning with 1970, a chair in particular for engineering geology had been established, which later was upgraded to the stand-alone Institute of Engineering Geology and Applied Mineralogy (EGAM). Between 1987 and 2003 more than 100 students were graduated in "Technische Geologie" (joint studies between Graz University and University of Technology). For the time being the larger part of graduates is active as engineering geologists in the fields of consulting, public services and academic research.

Teaching
Starting with October, 2004, Masters Studies in "Engineering Geology" will be provided by TU Graz (Graz University of Technology). Lectures will be given exclusively in English. Prerequisites for applicants are a Baccalaureus Diploma in "Earth sciences" (comprising at least 180 ETCS-credits) or an equivalent graduation from an academic institution. The graduation from TU Graz after successful completion of the studies will be "Magister rerum naturalium - Mag.rer.nat.", i. e. Master of Science.

The course of studies and education will focus on the requirements for engineering geologists in practice:

• Engineering Geology,
• Rock Mechanics and Tunnelling
• Soil Mechanics and Foundation Engineering,
• Mineralogy,
• Hydro-Geology,
• Structural Geology,
• GIS
• Statistics,
• Geophysics,
• Remote Sensing,
• Surveying,
• Construction Management and Economics

Research

Technische Geologie:

1. Gebirgscharakterisierung und –klassifikation
2. Ingenieurgeologische Untersuchung spröder Störungszonen
3. Mikrostrukturelle Analyse von Störungsgesteinen
4. Baugrunderkundung
5. Geologische Charakterisierung von Massenbewegungen
6. Entwicklung von Methoden zur Erhebung und statistischen Auswertung von Daten aus Tunnelvortrieben

Angewandte Mineralogie:

Untersuchungen:

• der Vorkommen, Bildungsbedingungen, Eigenschaften und Verwendung von Zeolithen, Tonmineralen und Al-Si-Festphasen
• der Verwitterung und Neubildung von Mineralen
• der Fraktionierung von Isotopen und Spurenelementen in Bezug auf die Entstehung von Karbonatsinter und Grundwässer