Structure and Components of the Degree
The Master’s degree is based on a qualification gained in a preceding degree in natural sciences - for example a bachelor in Geology. It is made up of modules (core modules, compulsory modules and supplementary modules) which can be chosen from a list for the winter semester and summer semester. The number of modules depends on the focal point (Geology, Georesources and the Environment, Quaternary Sciences) and semester.
The structure for the master’s degree “Georesources and the Environment”, which is taught solely in English, is as follows:
The following compulsory modules with a total of 40 ECTS must be completed:
| Code | Module | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| PM 29 | Personal Profiling | 1st Semester |
| PM 30 | Literature Discussion and Thesis Proposal | 3rd Semester |
| Master Thesis | 4th Semester |
The course to be defined for “Personal Profiling” will be defined after a personal consultation with the study advisor within the first four weeks of the semester and upon agreement with the student.
The students must choose five of seven core modules with a total of 40 ECTS in the first and second semesters:
| Code | Module | Semester | Winter / Summer |
|---|---|---|---|
| KM 4 | Advanced Data Analysis in Earth Sciences | 1st / 2nd | Winter |
| KM 5 | Mineral Deposits and Applications | 1st / 2nd | Winter |
| KM 6 | Clay Minerals and the Environment | 1st / 2nd | Winter |
| KM 7 | Georesources and Sustainability | 1st / 2nd | Winter |
| KM 15 | Aquatic Environmental Geochemistry | 1st / 2nd | Summer |
| KM 16 | Environmental Hydrogeology | 1st / 2nd | Summer |
| KM 17 | Geomaterials, Geoenergy and Georisks | 1st / 2nd | Summer |
Students must study supplementary modules (with a total of at least 40 ECTS), chosen from the list of modules on offer for the master’s degree course in the second and third semesters. Students may choose to attend courses only taught in English, but if their German language skills are sufficient, they may also opt to attend courses taught in German.
| Code | Module | Semester | Winter / Summer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter Semester | |||
| KM 1 | Tectonics & Sedimentary Basins | 2nd / 3rd | Winter |
| KM 2 | (Paleo)-Oceanography | 2nd / 3rd | Winter |
| KM 4 | Advanced Data Analysis in Earth Sciences | 2nd / 3rd | Winter |
| KM 5 | Mineral Deposits and Applications | 2nd / 3rd | Winter |
| KM 6 | Clay Minerals and the Environment | 2nd / 3rd | Winter |
| KM 7 | Georesources and Sustainability | 2nd / 3rd | Winter |
| KM 9 | Facies Analysis of Glacial Sediments | 2nd / 3rd | Winter |
| Summer Semester | |||
| KM 13 | Depositional Environments and Quaternary Geology | 2nd / 3rd | Summer |
| KM 15 | Aquatic Environmental Geochemistry | 2nd / 3rd | Summer |
| KM 16 | Environmental Hydrogeology | 2nd / 3rd | Summer |
| KM 17 | Geomaterials, Geoenergy and Georisk | 2nd / 3rd | Summer |
| KM 18 | Climate Change | 2nd / 3rd | Summer |
| EM 22 | Well Log Interpretation in Applied Geology | 2nd / 3rd | Summer |
| KM 24 | Dendrochronology | 2nd / 3rd | Summer |
| Both Semester | |||
| KM 27 | Geoscientific Mapping | 2nd / 3rd | Winter / Summer |
| EM 28 | Mobility Module | 2nd / 3rd | Winter / Summer |
| EM 31 | Practical Research Experience (in Landscape Ecology) | 2nd / 3rd | Winter / Summer |
| EM 32 | Advanced Field Skills (in Landscape Ecology) | 2nd / 3rd | Winter / Summer |
The supplementary module with the lowest mark will not be included in the overall mark. Modules that were chosen as core modules cannot be taken a second time as supplementary module.
List of general modules offered for the MSc "Earth Sciences" as pdf-download. (please note: modules with English names are taught in English, modules with German names are taught in German.)
The Examination and Study Regulations [de] for the Master of Science in “Earth Sciences” include several important pieces of information:
- paragraphs that regulate examinations
- table with focal points defining Modules [engl]
- sample study plan for focal point Geology [de], Georesources and the Environment [engl] and Quaternary Science [de]
- detailed information about module descriptions, qualification targets, type of examination, information on the length of the lectures, the amount of time required and suggested prior knowledge (see module catalogue [de])
The so-called “Personal Profiling” is a compulsory module and part of the degree together with core- and supplementary- modules. A consultation with the graduate student advisor is required to discuss the personal interests of the students prior to enrolment for that module. The sudy advisor and student agree on the course(s) that serve the interest of the student and/or the requirements for core modules . This agreement will be made between the study advisor and student in writing.
Furthermore, the list of supplementary modules includes a “Mobility Module”, which can be taken up to three times with 8 ECTS each. The Mobility Module can be selected from courses offered at any German or international universities. Therefore, it is possible to integrate a semester abroad into your degree, without having to extend your overall length of study.