Curriculum
Understanding the dynamic processes of the Earth system requires a sound education in mathematics and physics. These foundations are combined with an introduction to Earth system sciences in the first three semesters. Beginning in the third semester, there is a steadily growing proportion of core elective courses, which enables students to choose modules within the Earth system sciences or to specialize in a field of their interest. A large fraction of additional free electives allows cross-disciplinary education beyond Earth system physics. In the third year of study no compulsory modules are scheduled. The 5th semester is ideally suited for a stay abroad. In the 6th semester students write a Bachelor’s thesis on a research topic of their choice. Embedded in a research group and under supervision they investigate and document a current question in the field of Earth system physics.
Semester overview
All modules in the first year of study are compulsory for all students. They take the modules Mathematics 1 and 2 and the modules Physics 1 and 2 to acquire the mathematical and physical foundations. Parallel to this, there is an introduction to the Physics of the Earth System, which provides an initial overview of the Earth system and its subsystems. Students learn about the subject areas of geophysics, oceanography, meteorology and climate as well as the interlinking of the topics in Earth system research. In the first semester, there is an Introduction to Python to acquire initial programming skills, which are required as a basis for various subsequent modules. In the second semester, there is also an Introduction to Scientific Work, in which students learn basic scientific practices such as literature research, writing scientific texts and preparing presentations. These skills are required in the subsequent modules, especially in the final Bachelor’s thesis.
The second year of study includes the three compulsory modules Numerics, Differential equations and Statistics for Earth System Physics, for which the Department of Earth System Sciences is responsible. In addition, Fundamentals of Fluid Dynamics and the Practical Training are compulsory courses for all students. Together with the modules from the first year of study, these modules form the solid basic training for Earth system sciences, but also for further disciplinary training.
In the second academic year, students start choosing courses based on their interests to deepen or widen their knowledge. There is a large Required Elective block, in which students can choose from the lectures and modules offered by the department. Here, students do not have to focus on a single disciplinary specialisation but can also combine specialisations. This elective area is supplemented by a Free Elective block, where students can choose from the university-wide offer to acquire cross-disciplinary skills.
See an exemplary list of Required Elective Modules below. An up-to-date list of courses in the Required Elective Area can be found in the current version of the module handbook.
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In the third year of study no compulsory modules are scheduled. The students continue choosing courses from the Required Elective Area and the Free Elective Area. Therefore, the 5th semester facilitates the recognition of externally collected credit points and provides the ideal mobility window. Interested students can spend a semester abroad at one of the partner universities or as a self-organised research stay.
For their 6-week Bachelor’s thesis in the 6th semester the students can choose from a broad range of research topics provided by the professors of the different disciplines in the Department of Earth System Sciences. Collaboration with neighbouring institutions or foreign universities is possible. Embedded in a research group and under supervision the students investigate and document a current research question.
Some modules are taken together with students of the other study degrees at the Department for Earth System Sciences or the Physics Department. The structure similarity between the degree programs in the first semesters enables mutual recognition of the modules and thus facilitates a potential change of degree program.