Earth Sciences

Abstract

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  Profile of the study programme

  A journey through time and space
  Geology, and in the wider context earth sciences, is concerned with the structure, composition, and past and future development of the earth. Students of geology are transported on a fascinating journey through time and space. They trace the development of the earth, the atmosphere and the oceans, from the very beginnings 4 billion years ago to the present day. A key stop on this journey is the origin and evolution of life. Students follow processes which on the one hand take place on an atomic scale and on the other cause the formation of entire mountain ranges. Knowledge of the structure and the history of the earth provides students with the necessary tools to make predictions about the future development of our planet.

  Fribourg profile
  The study of earth sciences at our university covers a very broad spectrum. The bachelor programme introduces all the key areas of earth sciences. Focal points here are the development of life and environmental conditions on the earth (sedimentology, palaeontology and palaeoecology), the dynamics of the earth's surface, which cause the formation and disappearance of mountains and oceans (tectonics), and the dynamics of the earth's interior, which are responsible for volcanism and the occurrence of earthquakes (petrology, volcanology, geophysics). Apart from these fundamental aspects of earth sciences, the curriculum also provides plenty of opportunities for the practical application of geology, such as assessing building land (engineering geology), locating and processing raw materials, or detecting natural hazards and initiating countermeasures. Special emphasis is placed on on-site work at the study-object, i.e. students put what they have learned in lectures into practice on field trips and excursions to nearby areas, as well as to more distant locations (Sardinia, Cyprus). Besides fieldwork, practical training also includes an introduction to the key analytical methods and instruments used in earth sciences. Earth sciences is closely linked to geography, and together they form the Department of Geosciences. This gives students unrestricted access to lectures in fields related to earth sciences such as glaciology or geomorphology in the geography subsidiary programme.

  Academic and professional openings
  After successfully completing your studies in earth sciences you will have acquired extensive skills and knowledge which will open the door to a wide array of career opportunities. You can work as a professional geologist on construction sites such as the new Gotthard Base Tunnel, or investigate polluted locations to assess the environmental risks they pose. You can search for deposits for international oil and mining companies and accompany extraction processes. You will have the ability to take charge of a cement plant in the minerals industry. You will find employment possibilities with federal and cantonal agencies as a specialist for environmental hazards. You will be able to evaluate the threats arising from earthquakes, landslides, rockfalls and floods and launch the appropriate countermeasures. If you feel drawn to research, you can continue your studies by pursuing a doctoral programme. With a Ph.D. you can continue your career in the academic world, or work in a research laboratory in industry.

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Minor study programmes to be chosen