Bachelor Geosciences
Study structure and module overview
Staircase of the Institute for Geosciences of the Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena , taken at the "Open Day" on 15.09.2010
The aim of the course is to develop a broad basic understanding of the geosciences. You will learn about the different subfields, understand their goals and methods, and develop your own area of specialization.
Geoscientists have always solved societal or economic problems in conjunction with other professionals; therefore, an understanding of other geoscience sub-disciplines and related STEM subjects is important.
The online study checkExternal link (with movieExternal link) provides extensive and useful information.
At a glance: What does the BSc Geosciences offer ?
- Six semesters standard period of study
- Two-year basic training phase plus one-year advanced training phase
- Sound basic training in at least two of three scientific subjects at the beginning of the program: chemistry, mathematics and physics
- Possibility to individually deepen interests through a wide range of compulsory electives
- Compulsory modules impart common basics of the geoscientific subdisciplines
- Possibility of interdisciplinary studies
- Variety of excursions, field events and internships
- Learning the basics of data processing, physical and chemical principles of laboratory and terrain measuring equipment and scientific work
- Possibility of a stay abroad during the 5th semester without extending the study time
How is the study program structured? Which subjects can I take?
The workload is measured in credit points (LP or CP = Credit Points in the ECTS system). 1 LP corresponds to about 25 to 30 hours of study. Full-time students take courses of approximately 30 LP per semester. In many semesters this corresponds to 5 modules of 6 LP each or a weekly working time of about 29 - 35 hours. The actual workload can vary considerably, depending on interest and aptitude.
A new version will go into effect in WS 2019/2020. Here are the orders in comparison. There you can also find the overview below in PDF_format.
We only teach the new modules, but have equivalence lists to the old ones. For already students, of course, the study regulations under which you had enrolled here still apply !
Abbreviations:
SS - Summer semester
WS - winter semester
V - Lecture
S - seminar
Ü - exercise
P - practical course
GÜ - field exercise
Ex - excursion
T - days
Prior to the start of the program, a pre-course in mathematics is offered as part of the introductory study days and is recommended for all newly enrolled students. For students who want to choose geophysics as a specialization, the participation in the more intensive pre-course "Mathematics for Physicists" is recommended. This will lead seamlessly into the course "Mathematical Methods in Physics I" (elective module for geophysics-oriented students in the 3rd semester).
Basic mathematics and physics modules can be taken either with materials science students or with those in mathematics and physics. The former are more applied and emphasize calculations of facts and similar tasks. Courses for mathematicians and physicists also include proofs and derivations.