Geosciences (B.Sc.)
Geology, mineralogy and paleontology
The geosciences are a modern and diverse science that deals with sustainable solutions to current challenges facing our society.
At the GeoCentre we research, among other things, the
- Causes and consequences of climate change
- Securing and sustainable use of resources (e.g. metallic raw materials, water)
- Development and optimisation of materials (e.g. CO2-reduced cements)
- Geodynamics and evolution of our planet (e.g. volcanism)
- Research into sustainable geothermal energy sources (e.g. deep geothermal energy)
In research, geoscientists work with highly specialised and high-resolution chemical and physical laboratory and field analysis. Therefore, the geosciences are a very diverse branch of science in which there are constantly new research findings and methodological developments.
Basically, geoscientists deal with the interrelationships and interactions of the Earth system and the structure, evolutionary history and current and future state of our planet Earth and its habitats. All geoscientific processes of the Earth system in the lithosphere, hydrosphere and biosphere are examined. This includes all geological, chemical, physical and biological procedures and processes that have taken place and are currently taking place from the formation of the Earth to its present appearance.
Current issues and important scientific areas are research into raw material deposits (metals, oil, natural gas), geothermal energy, natural disasters (volcanoes, earthquakes), climate impact research, the development of new materials (CO2-neutral cements, high-performance ceramics, bone substitutes) and engineering geological and hydrogeological issues (e.g. subsoil investigations, slope analyses, geophysics). e.g. subsoil investigations, landslides, designation of water protection areas, investigations of the water cycle), as well as the investigation of past and present ecosystems (climate archives, biodiversity, reaction of organisms and ecosystems to environmental influences).
Fact Sheet
- Degree
- Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)
- Admission
- No Admissions Restrictions
- Duration of studies
- 6 semesters
- Teaching language
- completely in German
- Faculty
- Faculty of Sciences
- Start of degree program
- Winter semester
- Number of students
- 150-250
- Special ways to study
- 1-subject Bachelor
- Special features
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During your studies in geosciences, you will definitely have the opportunity to spend one or more semesters abroad. For this purpose, we have concluded partnership agreements with universities in Europe and the rest of the world. You can find an overview of the most common opportunities for a stay abroad, e.g. Erasmus or our direct exchange with universities in the USA, on the pages of the Faculty of Natural Sciences. Here you will also find information about internships abroad especially for natural scientists.
Already in the first semester you need a Geology Hammer and a magnifying glass for the exercises (purchase costs: approx. 60-70 Euros).
(Travel) costs are incurred when participating in excursions. However, since FAU provides some financial contributions for the excursions, the personal costs are not too high.
Program overview
What is the degree program about?
In our Bachelor’s degree program in geosciences, you will deal with relationships and interactions of the Earth system and all the associated basics. In addition to theory, this also includes modern training in laboratory and working methods and practical training in the field. The first four semesters you study according to a predefined course plan, after which you can choose your focus depending on your interests. Particular focus is placed on climate research, sustainable resource research, alternative and renewable energies, development and optimisation of materials, and geodynamics and evolutionary research.
The Bachelor’s degree program in Earth Sciences is divided into two sections. The first area is the four-semester basic studies. It teaches the basics of geology, mineralogy and palaeontology, as well as the natural sciences of biology, chemistry, mathematics and physics. This is followed by two semesters of the specialisation phase. In this phase, three of five specialisations are selected. The Bachelor’s degree is completed in the sixth semester with the Bachelor’s thesis. In a period of eight weeks, you work on your own, small, scientific project and write a written paper about it. In addition, you present your research results at the end of the program in a colloquium in the form of a seminar presentation.
Out of five specialization fields, three can be selected in the Bachelor’s degree. We offer the following specializations:
- Petrology – Geodynamics – Georesources (PG).
- Applied Geology (AG)
- Applied Sedimentology – Georesources (AS)
- Applied Mineralogy (AM)
- Paleobiology / Paleoenvironment (PB)
Enthusiasm for the Earth system, climate research, sustainability research, and ideally rocks.
In addition, there should be a general interest in the natural sciences of chemistry, physics, mathematics and biology.
Together with our students, we explore the Earth system to find solutions for the challenges of the future.
We research:
- Climate and climate impact research
- Sustainable exploration of resources
- Development and optimization of geo-materials
- Geothermal energy/geoenergy
- Research and protection against natural disasters (e.g. volcanism, earthquakes)
- Groundwater protection
We offer:
- In both the bachelor’s and master’s program, there is the possibility to choose from different specializations. Study according to your own interests!
- Numerous excursions at home and abroad
- Intensive supervision during your studies
- Proximity to research and industrial projects
The numerous fields of geosciences also encompass a large number of different occupational areas. Geoscientists work in Germany and abroad, for example in engineering offices, universities, the chemical industry, the State Office for the Environment, laboratories, museums and research centres. The career prospects are very good due to the broad scientific education.
Application for a Degree Program
Admission Requirements and Application
Admission
- 1st semester: No Admissions Restrictions
Application deadline
- Winter semester: 30.09.
- Summer semester: nicht möglich
Details and notes
The application deadline for the winter semester for international applicants is July 15th.
In addition to the general qualification for university entrance (Abitur), there are other access options for studying at FAU.
