Geosciences
(Master of Science)

Profile

Course type

Postgraduate studies (Master)

Standard Course Duration

4 semesters

Course Start

Winter semester, Summer semester

Language of Instruction

German, English

Language Requirements

Instruction language: German
German HZB: none
International application: German C1
Instruction language: English
English B2
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Admission

Unrestricted admission

International

Stay abroad possible, but not obligatory.

Short Description

Geosciences play a central role in addressing important global issues, such as the exploration, development and use of Earth’s surface and natural resources (water, soil, energy resources, metal ores, rocks and earth)under rising pressure from a growing population. Further tasks are the assessment of georisks, the development of new materials and procedures, especially in the fields of energy efficiency and environmental protection, climate change. The results of these efforts have implications for physical, geochemical, ecological and economic processes of the Earth’s surface.

In the last few decades, researchers in Geosciences have utilised modern techniques that incorporate physical and chemical methods together with a strong theoretical element based on mathematical-physical models. This includes the analysis and modelling of processes taking place at Earth's surface and interior on different temporal and spatial scales. Geosciences aim at finding socially relevant answers to the scientific issues named above and to teach state-of-the-art methods.

Further information for students on the website of the Faculty of Natural Sciences

Course Content

Soil/water (Soil science, distribution of soil units and land use, soil contamination, soil degradation and soil protection, soil processes and their modelling, soil and environmental mineralogy, hydrogeology and water management)
Sedimentary systems and tectonics (neotectonics and tectonic geomorphology, quaternary geology, paleoenvironmental reconstruction, sedimentology and stratigraphy, dynamics of sedimentary basins)
Applied geology and geophysics (sedimentology / quaternary geology, deposits and raw materials, geophysics, engineering geology, numerical modelling of geological processes)
Mineralogy/geochemistry (soil mineralogy, geochemistry / isotopic geochemistry, magmatic and hydrothermal processes / formation of deposits, technical mineralogy / properties of glass)

Course Structure

The free choice of modules in the master’s programme in Geosciences enables students to specialize for two years. By applying quantitative methods of analysis or numerical models to geological problems, student develop approaches to understanding the endogenous and exogenous processes influencing the earth’s surface (e.g. weathering, soil formation, erosion, sedimentation, tectonics, volcanism and climate development in mountain areas). Through their choice of modules and in cooperation with BGR, LIAG and LBEG, students can specialise in geo-resources (e.g. soil, water, hydrocarbons, metallic raw materials).

Students specialising in geochemistry and mineralogy learn to make critical use of the latest analytical methods to investigate the properties of natural and synthetic minerals and solids.

Recommended Abilities

To study Geosciences, you should have good observational skills, enthusiasm for conducting experiments and laboratory work, the ability to work in a team, an interest in technical matters, as well as a good background in science. A certain level of physical fitness is needed for the participation in modules involving field trips and excursions.

Career Opportunities

Graduates in Geosciences have job opportunities in a variety of career fields. For instance, geoscientists work at universities and external research institutes, federal and state authorities, museums, engineering companies, environmental agencies and laboratories, consultancies. Further professions can be carried out in the companies engaged in: soil mapping, soil analysis and soil restoration, in the exploitation of natural resources and analysis and treatment of contaminated sites.

Admission requirements and application

Admission Requirements

An undergraduate degree in a related field of study, such as

Geosciences (Bachelor of Science)

For master's degree programmes with unrestricted admission, all applicants who fulfil the admission requirements will be admitted a university place. The exact admission requirements can be found in the admission regulations: