1. Brief History of Department

Salale university established a different department of studies in 2011 E.C. Geology is one of these studies which started with six teachers, two technical assistants and 26 students. The department is among the largest in the College of Natural Sciences and teaches 73 students in 3 batches at the General Tadesse Birru campus. The department proved its potential through transferring experienced lecturers, preparing scholarships for staff, training, and research. In the last 3 years, the department has focused on increasing human resource potential and establishing laboratories besides teaching and research activities. The department shows critical change and approaches to achieve the vision and mission of the university.

The geology of Ethiopia includes from Precambrian to recent. Salale has been the site of some of the most geological events in Earth’s history. The Blue Nile basin exposed in an eastern (Jema), western (Mugher basin), and northern (Gowatsion) part of Salale is one of the vital sources of the cement industry in Ethiopia. The Mesozoic sedimentary rock was covered by enormous tertiary basalt. Generally, these areas are a potential source of raw material for a mega-industry and factory-like cement, gypsum, glass, construction material, and water industry.

The surrounding was rich in geologic resources using these opportunities our department worked to create qualitative students and valuable research. The department is working to offers a great variety of courses in geology that all of which have fascinating field trips and fully equipped laboratories.

2. Objective

To produce competent and innovative geologists through the regular program. Undertake problem-solving research and provide various community-based services to fulfill the gaps that are found in society.

3. Plan of department in 2024

• Fully equipped laboratories
• Open different Master programs in 2023-2024 G.C
• To be a professional school in 2023-2024 (School of Earth Science) with the center of excellency

4. Research thematic area

Geology is realistic in all studies of earth materials or earth resources independently and also through collaboration with other streams of natural sciences

• Engineering geology

• Quality of building materials
• Soil and Rock mechanics
• Engineering mapping
• Site Investigation for construction materials
• Slope stability
• Groundwater Exploration using geophysical methods
  • Mineral exploration and mining geology
• Mineral exploration using geophysical investigation
• Identification of mineral potential area
  • Hydrogeology
  • Groundwater potential assessment of catchments
  • Hydro-geo-chemistry of groundwater and surface water
  • Geological and hydrogeological mapping of sites
  • Groundwater and surface water isotope study
  • Exploration techniques and well site selection (shallow and deep) using geological and structural and geophysical methods
  • Hydro-geological characterization of catchment
  • Recharge estimation of catchments
  • All others related with
  • Environmental
  • Structural
  • Minerals and petrology
  • Petroleum and coal

5. Department teacher and student data
   • Staff profile

Table 1: List of teachers

Student profile

Table 2: list of students in each batch