B.Sc. Earth System Physics (since winter term 2025/26)
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For anyone who wants to understand natural phenomena and the changes taking place on our planet!
In this English-language degree program, you will explore the physical Earth system in all its facets: from the Earth's interior to the climate and the oceans. Topics such as earthquakes, climate change and extreme weather events such as hurricanes are not only exciting, but also highly relevant to society. You will learn how to use physical and mathematical methods to investigate the dynamics of the solid Earth, the atmosphere and the oceans – in other words, how our planet ‘ticks’. In the process, you will develop skills in measurement methods, data analysis and computer modelling. Even during your studies, you can participate in current research projects and thus help shape real science. Thanks to a flexible election of courses, you can focus on your areas of interest – whether in geophysics, meteorology or oceanography. Or you can opt for a broad education in all areas of physical Earth system sciences.
This interdisciplinary program is directed at students who are driven by the curiosity to gain a holistic understanding of the physics of the Earth system and to understand how its key components function physically. You will learn about the structural and dynamical fundamentals of the three subsystems solid earth, atmosphere and ocean as well as the physical interactions between the subsystems, like water cycles, geohazards and climate feedbacks.
As the name of the program suggests, we use physical methods to investigate and describe the dynamics of the solid earth, the oceans, and the atmosphere. Foundations in Mechanics, Heat theory, electrodynamics, optics and fluid dynamics are therefore a central part of the course work.
Many phenomena in the dynamics of the earth systems are described using differential equations, which are solved numerically and analysed statistically. Mathematical foundations like calculus, linear algebra, differential equations, numerics and statistics are therefore integral parts of the curriculum.
In order to be able to analyse measurement data, solve model equations and run computer simulations you will be introduced to scientific programming. The supercomputer of the DKRZ is just next door.
Observations of the current state of the subsystems are crucial for understanding the earth system. You will learn to perform measurements and experiments using subject-specific equipment in order to prepare you for field trips.
English is the language of research. In this program you will learn the technical vocabulary early on. Don't worry, studying in English isn't that difficult – your school English should be perfectly adequate. The necessary technical English is introduced in the lectures, and anyone who wants to can attend in-depth English courses at the university.
Do you want to learn all about earthquakes, ocean currents and stratocumulus clouds? Discover the curriculum of the program and apply now!
Further resources:
Quick Facts
Study Earth System Physics: research-oriented, English-language, interdisciplinary, flexible
- Start of program: winter semester
- Application period: 1 June to 15 July
- Admission requirements: proof of English language proficiency (Abitur sufficient)
- Tuition fees: none, but semester contribution
This bachelor's program is offered by the disciplines of geophysics, meteorology and oceanography in the Department of Earth System Sciences and will replace the previous German-language bachelor's program in Geophysics/Oceanography (B.Sc.) from the 2025/26 winter semester onwards.