Earth Systems: Field Course
Summary
This course focuses on field training and developing your practical skills. You will go on a two-week field trip to a non-Nordic country and gain experience in sampling and measuring, for example, soils, landforms, vegetation and climate. You will also have the opportunity to familiarize yourself with modern field techniques.
About
After completing the course, you will have an in-depth and applied knowledge of the most important processes in the Earth system in relation to a changing climate.
Issues covered include:
- structure and function of terrestrial ecosystems
- biochemical cycles
- climate and human impacts on the Earth system
You will work in a group and under supervision design and carry out a small research project linked to the geosystems aspect of the course. The projects cover the full scientific research cycle, including planning, fieldwork, data analysis, report writing and oral presentation of the results.
Teaching
- lectures
- teaching in the field
- fieldwork
- group project
The teaching is carried out by dedicated teachers who are researchers in the field.
Language of instruction:
English
The course is part of the Master’s Programme in Earth Sciences, the course is also offered as a freestanding course.
Prerequisites and selection
Entry requirements
Admission to the course requires a Bachelor's Degree of 180 credits in Natural Sciences specializing in Earth Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Chemistry or the equivalent, and completion of at least 30 credits at Master's level in Earth Sciences, Environmental Sciences or Chemistry. Students with a chemistry background must also have successfully completed at least 15 credits of Earth Sciences at the master's level or 30 credits of Earth Sciences at the bachelor's level or the equivalent.
Furthermore, basic knowledge of statistical analysis and programming equivalent to GV2500 Data Analysis for Earth Sciences, 7,5 credits, is required.
Students with an equivalent education may be admitted to the course after review and approval.
Selection
Selection is based upon the number of credits from previous university studies, maximum 165 credits.
After graduation
If you study Earth Science, you have good career opportunities both in Sweden and abroad. You can choose to work in industry, as a consultant, project manager or in public administration.
Our former students work, for example, with natural resource management, environmental issues and urban planning, you also have great opportunities to focus on the particular area you are interested in.
Facilities
The Department of Earth Sciences' premises are located in central Gothenburg on Campus Medicinareberget. We are located in the Natrium building, which was inaugurated in 2023 and has state-of-the-art labs and lecture halls.
Natrium brings together students and researchers in the Natural Science fields of Biology, Molecular biology, Chemistry, Marine Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Earth Sciences and Conservation.
More information about facilities
Exchange opportunities
If you are studying Earth Sciences at the University of Gothenburg, there are good opportunities for exchange studies during your studies. This is often seen as a good asset when applying for jobs, as many jobs require international collaboration.
We have over 100 agreements within Erasmus and other exchange programs with universities around the world, both within and outside Europe.
