Bachelor's Programme in Earth Sciences

Humanity has enormous challenges that must be deciphered and resolved in the coming years; climate change, environmental degradation and overexploration of natural resources. Thus there is great need for competence in the field of Earth Sciences.

The Bachelor's Programme in Earth Sciences aims to provide Earth Scientists with professional knowledge for career prospects in; public sector and in business with planning and investigation in risk and environmental impact assessment, construction, sustainable extraction of natural resources, etc., both in Sweden and abroad.

Depending on the student's specialization, the programme offers specialized competence in either Geology or Physical Geography/Climatology.

The Bachelor's Programme in Earth Sciences is delivered by the Department of Earth Sciences, which is characterized by a consummate academic environment providing competences in both scientific and pedagogical quality. The Department of Earth Sciences has strong contact and opportunities for collaboration within the respective fields of Earth Sciences.

The programme provides broad and in-depth Earth Science expertise and good conditions for continued in-depth scientific studies in Earth Sciences.

The programme leads to a Degree of Bachelor of Science with a major in Earth Sciences (Naturvetenskaplig kandidatexamen med huvudområde Geovetenskap).

Programme structure

The Bachelor's Programme in Earth Sciences consists of a total of 180 credits, of which at least 120 credits in the main field of Earth Sciences, including 15 credits for an independet project (degree project).

The programme begins with basic courses in Earth Sciences. Students get to practice their knowledge in the field by using investigation methods used in Earth Sciences. Excursions are a recurring component in the programme.

Compulsory courses

The following courses are compulsory within the programme:

• Geosciences, Basic Level Course, 30 credits
• Data Analysis for Earth Sciences, 7,5 credits
• Theoretical and historical perspectives on science, 7,5 credits
• Bachelor Thesis in Earth Sciences, 15 credits

In addition to the compulsory courses, recommended courses are offered in the two specializations of Geology and Physical Geography/Climatology, during the second and third years. These courses build on each other with a gradual deepening of knowledge within the subject area.

Specialization Geology

Geologists are needed to determine how we can use the Earth's natural resources in a sustainable way to develop green technology and infrastructure.

Geologists are experts in both chemical and physical processes in bedrock, sediments, minerals and groundwater, and understand how these affect the environment, humans and the society.

Specialization Climatology/Physical Geography

Physical geographers and climatologists specialize in environmental and climate issues and understand how these affect the environment, humans and the society.

Physical geographers and climatologists have expertise in processes in soil, water and how the bioshpere and atmosphere interact and how this affects our environment.

Language of instruction

Language of instruction: Swedish

Some teaching may be given in English. In some courses, examinations are also conducted in English. Course literature and course materials are in both Swedish and English.

General outcomes for Degree of Bachelor

Knowledge and understanding

For a Degree of Bachelor the student shall

• demonstrate knowledge and understanding in the main field of study, including knowledge of the disciplinary foundation of the field, knowledge of applicable methodologies in the field, specialised study in some aspect of the field as well as awareness of current research issues. 

Competence and skills

For a Degree of Bachelor the student shall

• demonstrate the ability to search for, gather, evaluate and also discuss discerningly relevant phenomena, issues and situations critically
• demonstrate the ability to identify, formulate and solve problems autonomously and to complete tasks within predetermined time frames
• demonstrate the ability to present and discuss information, problems and solutions in speech and writing and in dialouge with different audiences, and
• demonstrate the skills required to work autonomously in the main field of study. 

Judgement and approach

For a Degree of Bachelor the student shall

• demonstrate the ability to make assessments in the main field of study informed by relevant disciplinary, social and ethical issues
• demonstrate insight into the role of knowledge in society and the responsibility of the individual for how it is used, and
• demonstrate the ability to identify the need for further knowledge and ongoing learning.

Excursions can incur additional costs for the student. Programme students have the opportunity to apply for scholarship for travel expenses.

The study programme will be followed up and evaluated in accordance with the applicable Policy för kvalitetssäkring och kvalitetsutveckling av utbildning vid Göteborgs universitet (Policy for the Quality Assurance and Quality Development of Education at the University of Gothenburg).

Students who follow the programme at regular acacemic pace are guaranteed a place on the programme's compulsory courses and on recommended courses offered within the programe, provided that the the entry requirements are met.