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Faculty of Science Handbook, Academic Session 2025/2026

DEPARTMENT OF GEOLOGY

The Department of Geology is the oldest geology department in the country. It was
founded in Singapore in 1956 and relocated to Kuala Lumpur in 1960. From its modest
beginning, the Department has expanded and evolved into a multidisciplinary department,
committed to the development of academic excellence in teaching and research with 14
academic staffs, and 18 supporting staffs. From early on in its history, the Department has
been actively engaged in postgraduate research. Master and doctorate graduates have gone
on to become leaders in industries, government agencies and universities. Currently there are
more than 30 local and foreign postgraduate students in the department. The fields of research
being pursued range from fundamental geology to more applied fields such as geophysics,
geochemistry, hydrogeology, and petroleum geology. The department also offers MSc.
Petroleum Geoscience by coursework every year.

In line with the Department’s pursuit of educational excellence, the facilities are
continuously being upgraded. In 1998, a new wing was built to house new laboratories and
additional lecturer offices. The Department has a computer laboratory, a map laboratory, a
library with a comprehensive collection of geological and geophysical books, and a range of
modern and sophisticated equipment to aid in our teaching, research, and consultancy work.
The Department also houses a Geological Museum showcasing diverse collection of
geological items ranging from common rocks and fossils found in Malaysia to tektites and
replicas of skulls.

The Department is also the hub for the exchange, discussion, and dissemination of
geological knowledge in the country and the region. It houses the Secretariat of the
Geological Society of Malaysia (GSM). GSM is a body that actively organizes workshops,
seminars, conferences, and fieldworks to promote geology and geophysics both regionally
and internationally. The Department also engage with Institute Geology Malaysia (IGM) to
improve professional practice in geology.

Through the academic staff and alumni, the Department have established a good rapport
with the petroleum, mining, and engineering industries as well as with other universities (local
and foreign). Apart from excellent career opportunities for our graduates, these efforts and
contacts have opened avenues for joint research, funding, industrial training and consultancy
work for our staff and students.

Latest information about the Department, including research activities and publications of the
academic staff can be obtained through the web site: http://geology.um.edu.my

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