Bachelor Earth and Climate Sciences
Understanding the Earth's System
Our Earth is a complex system which undergoes change as a result of all kinds of different processes. In order to understand those processes, earth scientists use laboratory experiments, field campaigns, computer simulations and remote sensing.
Career profile
Earth scientists make a vital contribution to the exploration of all parts of planet Earth. They study the Earth’s materials from the atomic to the planetary scale and try to understand the evolution of the planet in the past as well as its present and future development. Their work is practice-based:
- searching for water, mineral resources and energy sources
- predicting and controlling natural disasters
- solving hydrogeological problems in major technical projects
- developing long-term solutions for the disposal of all types of waste
- understanding the causes and consequences of climatic and other environmental change.
Potential employers include engineering offices, international companies, public and private organisations and consulting agencies.
Bachelor's degree programme (180 credits)
In addition to getting to grips with the basics of mathematics and the natural sciences, students will also tackle specific issues relating to Earth sciences in the first two years of the degree programme, including from an interdisciplinary perspective.
In the third year, students choose between the two majors in Geology and Geophysics or Climate and Water, and write a Bachelor’s thesis in this area. Excursions and field trips are an important supplement to the lectures and practicals throughout the period of study.
General basic courses: Introduction to Earth Sciences, Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics
General and advanced Earth science subjects
Integrated Earth Systems
Excursions and field trips
Majors: Geology and Geophysics, Climate and Water
Master's degree programme (120 credits)
Students define the focus of their Master’s degree through their choice of specialisation.
The Geology specialisation is concerned with the interaction between the Earth’s mantle, the Earth’s crust, the hydrosphere and atmosphere, as well as the development of rocks from sedimentation to deformation at all scales.
Mineralogy and Geochemistry examines the Earth’s materials in the field and in the laboratory to better understand the origins and composition of the planets, conditions in the Earth’s core, volcanic activity and the development of valuable raw materials.
Choice of specialisation:
- Engineering Geology
- Geology
- Geophysics
- Mineralogy and Geochemistry
Compulsory subjects, modules and electives
Master’s thesis