Dwindling raw material deposits, rapid global population growth and increasing numbers of natural disasters … There are many good reasons, not only for politics, but above all for science to deal with the state of our planet and to look for solutions to the pressing problems of our time .
What are geosciences?
The term geosciences encompasses various scientific disciplines. These deal in a predominantly scientific manner with the history, the current state and the future of the earth and the atmosphere around it.
According to top-mba-universities, the geosciences include various disciplines . They differ in terms of their specific object of investigation, the methods used and the main focus areas:
- geography
- geology
- Geoinformatics
- geophysics
- meteorology
- Oceanography
Independent and interdisciplinary courses
In the past, most geoscientific disciplines in Germany were offered as independent courses. This still applies to some disciplines such as geography and geoinformatics.
Other disciplines can now be selected almost exclusively as focus areas within the framework of interdisciplinary courses, especially in the bachelor’s degree . This includes geology, geophysics and also meteorology. These courses are often referred to simply as geosciences. They usually begin with a joint geological and natural science basic course. In the later course of their studies, they often offer students the opportunity to choose one or more geoscientific disciplines as a specialization area.
Advantages
Both a more general degree in geosciences and the choice of a course that is predefined for a geoscientific discipline have their advantages:
- In interdisciplinary courses of study, students can initially gain a comprehensive overview of the various areas of the geosciences and, over time, become aware of their personal interests.
- An independent subject such as geography, on the other hand, offers the advantage of going more in-depth and being able to impart greater knowledge in individual specialist areas .
Requirements for studying geosciences
Regardless of which type of geoscientific course you choose: In any case, prospective students should have good prior knowledge of subjects such as mathematics and physics as well as enjoy science . In the first semesters in particular, basic scientific training takes up a lot of space. If you want to study geosciences, you should also be “weatherproof” and enjoy working in the field . An important part of both the course and many later activities are measurements, sampling and other excursions.
Studying geosciences abroad
As in Germany, many interdisciplinary courses are also offered in the field of geosciences abroad . In English-speaking countries, these can usually be found under the name Earth Sciences or – but much less often – Geological Sciences . Some courses are consistently broad. Most courses, however, allow students to choose between different concentrations or emphases in later semesters . In this way, they can deepen their knowledge in individual areas .
Unlike in Germany, in addition to these interdisciplinary courses there is also a wide range of specialized Bachelor and Master courses in individual geoscientific disciplines . These include, for example, geology and oceanography. A complete study abroad program can therefore be an attractive option for prospective students who prefer to specialize at such an early stage.
Even those who have already started studying geosciences in Germany can set interesting accents and sharpen their personal profile by studying abroad . A semester abroad or a master’s or doctoral degree are ideal for this.
Experience the course content up close
Many geoscientific phenomena and processes that can only be studied in theory in Germany can be experienced by students abroad. For example, where could earthquakes be better researched than in areas with high tectonic activity such as California and New Zealand ? Such regionally specific content focuses make studying abroad in the field of geosciences extremely attractive. Whether it’s Snow Science in Montana at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, Oceanography in Hawaii or Climate Studies in Perth, Australia – the possibilities are endless.
Study geosciences and then? – occupational fields
There is a wide range of employment opportunities for geoscientists, which differ depending on the individual profile and focus.
Traditionally, many geoscientists are active in research and teaching at universities or work for state and private research institutes as well as for authorities in the field of environmental and disaster control.
The private sector also offers geosciences graduates exciting careers. Construction companies, energy companies and engineering offices are increasingly relying on the analytical skills and technical expertise of geoscientists. This involves, for example, preparing risk assessments and forecasts or securing construction projects.
Other potential employers for geoscientists include museums and environmental associations, but also international government and non-governmental organizations.
In an increasingly globalized world, many of the pending problems can only be solved across borders. Not least because of this, there are numerous opportunities for geoscientists to work internationally, for example in the context of research projects abroad or simply in international teams. The language skills, intercultural skills and international contacts acquired while studying abroad are always helpful.
