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Frequently asked questions about the start of studies

Here are some useful links, frequently asked questions, and answers about the studies, useful for new master's students.

students walking side by side over green grass towards the university library
Photo: Jarli & Jordan/UiO

New programme student?

Mandatory attendance

All courses at the Department of Geosciences have a mandatory first lecture. 

Exemption from mandatory attendance.

  • Students who fail to meet are considered to have withdrawn from the course unless they have previously given notice to the Student administration (studieinfo@geo.uio.no).
  • If you have been withdrawn from the course because you have not attended or given notice of absence, you can re-register if there are places available in the course.

General information about attending the first lecture: 
It is important to participate in the first lecture of a course, as this is where important information about the course is given. You are responsible for obtaining the information given at the lecture if you cannot attend.

NB! Some courses have more applicants than there are places. If you do not wish to use a place, please notify studieinfo@geo.uio.no.

Single-course students must attend the first lecture and then wait until the late registration starts to register.

Username and password

The username will be sent by text message. Information on how to set a password, resend your username, etc. can be found here: https://www.uio.no/english/services/it/username-password/

How to use Studentweb?

As a student, you make all registrations for classes and sign up for exams via Studentweb. Below you will find information and instructions on how to use Studentweb to manage your studies. 

Pay the semester fee

You must pay the semester fee every semester. You create an invoice and find payment information, i.e. account number, KID number and the amount to be paid, in Studentweb from early December/June.

Student card

New students who fulfil the requirements for obtaining a student card can stop by SiO Customer Service at Blindern for a photo and issue the student card. The buddies will show you where this is during the guided tour during the buddy week.

Course registration

You register for courses each semester. Mandatory courses within a programme option are usually made so you will have a collision-free timetable. 

If you cannot register for a course, contact the Study administration at the department and we can help you. You can change your registration for classes and examinations right up until 1 September.

Mandatory HSE courses

There are four compulsory HSE courses for the program:

All HSE courses are taken as eLearning (online self-study) with a final multiple-choice test that must be passed. 

HSE courses taken elsewhere, unfortunately, will not exempt you from the courses above.

For questions about the HSE courses, please contact the MN Student Information Centre.

Excursions and practicals

Many courses at the Department of Geosciences involve field trips/excursions and exercises/practicals in laboratories and computer rooms. Participation in some of these activities and excursions might be mandatory, and you can find more information on the course page.

Learn more about field trips: General information about field trips and excursions.

Field trips and excursion fee

Field trips and excursions that last for more than one day have a participation fee that you must pay. The participation fee for excursions is paid via E-pay (online payment function on the UiO website). You can find the link to the payment form on the course's semester page.

If you fail to pay the participation fee on time, your final grade for the course will not be released until the outstanding amount is paid.

Schedule

You can find your personal schedule on My Studies. Here, you will also find notifications regarding your courses and study program.

Regarding the submission of assignments

All mandatory assignments in a course must be approved before you can take the final exam in the course. You must be registered for both the teaching and the exam in a course to access the Canvas room.

Available master's theses

A selection of available master's theses in Geosciences are presented for a look at what we can offer. You can also make contact with the programme option coordinator and ask for an opportunity to get a tailored thesis within a subject, or a current issue that you are interested in.

Master's contract

You submit your master's contract and project description for the master's programme by 1 December the semester you start. 

Reading room and bookcase

Master's students can apply for a reading room in our student areas. The Geosciences Student Council (GFU) is responsible for the allocation and administration of reading spaces and bookcases. You can find regulations and application forms on the GFU's website.

Email address at UiO

You must ensure that you have access to your email address at UiO. You can find your email address in StudentWeb by clicking on your name at the top right and then selecting "My Profile". We often use this channel to reach you, and you are responsible for staying informed about the information that comes through this avenue.

Do you have any prior education?

You can apply to have your prior education recognized as part of your master's degree at the Department of Geosciences. If you have questions regarding courses you have taken at other educational institutions, please contact the Study Administration (studieinfo@geo.uio.no). 

Leave of absence or part-time studies?

You can apply for a leave of absence from your studies for a period if you have had a child, are serving in military service, or have a long-term illness.

Part-time studies are typically only granted to students who are employed in an industry with job responsibilities relevant to the field of study they are admitted to. An employment contract specifying the position percentage, job title, and duration (if not permanent) must be submitted.

Submit valid documentation by September 1st / February 1st and the application to studieinfo@geo.uio.no.

IT-related

Do I need my own computer? Are there hardware requirements?

As a master's student, you should have a laptop, however there are no specific hardware requirements.

Rules and regulations

How much absence is allowed? Can one have multiple study rights?

All such information can be found in the rules and regulations that govern everything related to studies.

Published July 3, 2024 3:38 PM - Last modified July 3, 2024 3:40 PM