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Introduction to Geosciences

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

Study Areas and Research

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.

Importance of Geosciences

The importance 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 fields 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:

• Groundwater use and protection
• Environmental restoration
• Geological engineering

Study Courses

Since the winter term 2008/2009, the Institute of Geosciences at the JGU Mainz offers a Bachelor Course Geosciences (B.Sc). After successful completion of the B.Sc. degree, a Master Course (M.Sc.) may be added. This degree course will start in October 2011.

• The Bachelor Course Geosciences (B.Sc) is available for enrollment.
• The Master Course (M.Sc.) is available for students who have completed their B.Sc. degree.

Doctoral 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 chosen 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.

Program Structure

The program structure includes:

• Bachelor Course Geosciences (B.Sc)
• Master Course (M.Sc)
• Doctoral degree Dr. rer. nat
• Geosciences as a minor field of study for other courses