The Department of Geosciences is a descendant of the former Department of Mineralogy and Petrology and Department of Geology, Paleontology, and Geophysics of the University of Padova, and is part of the School of Science.

The main Department's research and teaching activities cover a wide range of disciplines in basic and applied geosciences, including (in a non-exhaustive list) paleontology and paleoclimatology, sedimentology and stratigraphy, structural geology, planetary geology, geomorphology and morphodynamics, applied geology, mineralogy, petrology, geophysics, hydrogeology, applied geophysics, and cultural heritage.

The mission of the Department is to increase the knowledge in Earth Sciences providing students with high-quality teaching at all levels, including specific training for those interested in a career as a geologist, in the industry, as researchers or teachers.

The Department offers a Bachelor's Degree in Geological Sciences, a Master's Degree in Environmental Geology and Earth Dynamics (with a Study Track in English), and a Master's Degree completely held in English (Geophysics for Natural Risks and Resources).

Moreover, academic staff and researchers are involved in other teaching courses belonging to the School of Engineering, to the School of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, and to the School of Human and Social Sciences and Cultural Heritage (also for the Master in GIScience and Unmanned System for the integrated management of the territory and the natural resources - with majors, and for the Master in Communication Science).

The Department offers also a Ph.D. Programme in Geosciences, an important reality in the  Italian third level education and training of researchers. During each academic year, the Department promotes and organizes also International Summer and Winter Schools, high-level training courses carried out with the contribution of partner universities