General Information about the Study Course Geosciences at the JGU Mainz

Geosciences - fascinating, dynamic, interdisciplinary

The geosciences analyze organisation of the Earth from its inner core to the atmosphere, reconstruct the mechanisms of its beginnings 4.5 billion years ago, study ist evolution till today and try to recognize future developments. Geoscientists combine worldwide field work with high-tec lab reasearch and computer technology. They use methods and knowledge of such diverse natural sciences as physics, chemistry, biology and mathmatics.

The study areas cover mountains, rocks, minerals, gemstones, crystals, atoms and ions as well as diverse bodies of water, gases, volcanoes or the fossil remains of extinct life forms. The topics of research diverge as much as the studied objects themselves.

Geoscientific findings help to understand a large variety of fundamental Earth processes - with time and space scales ranging from nanoseconds to billions of years and from nanometers to global processes.

The import of the geosciences on society has risen sharply within the last years. They help to deal with the challenges of global climate change or to detect and limit damages from natural catastrophes. But in our modern society such classical fileds as the exploration for raw materials like metals and oil are also important. Sustainable extraction and use of these materials offer fascinating fields for employment. Other areas for graduates of the geosciences are i.e. groundwater use and protection, environmental restoration or geological engineering.

Studies

Study Courses

Since the winter term 2008/2009 the Institute of Geosciences at the JGU Mainz offers a Bachelor Course Geosciences (B.Sc). After successfull completion of the B.Sc. degree a Master Course (M.Sc.) may be added. This degree course will start in October 2011. Further enrollment in the Diploma Courses Geology/ Paeontology and Mineralogy is not possible, they will be phased out. All students enrolled already enrolled, however, may complete their course.

Docoral Degree

Students, who have earned their M.Sc. or Diploma in the geosciences can go on to the doctoral degree Dr. rer. nat within a specialized topic. The time needed for completing the degree is largely dependent on the choosen topic and the financing of the position. Generally it takes between 3 and 3.5 years. During this time the doctoral students will be involved in the teaching at the Institute for Geosciences.

Minor Field of Study

Besides the Courses mentioned above, geosciences may also be read as a minor field of study for several other study courses.

If you have any further question concerning the study of geosciences, please contact the Study Office.