Program Overview

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Introduction to the Master's Program in Earth Sciences

The Master's program in Earth Sciences at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is a two-year, full-time program that offers students a comprehensive education in the field of Earth Sciences. The program is designed to provide students with a broad background in the Earth Sciences, as well as the opportunity to specialize in one of several areas of concentration.

Program Structure

The program is divided into two years, with the first year consisting of compulsory courses, practicals, and an excursion. The second year offers a variety of electives focused on advanced and more specialized topics and themes, culminating in a Master's thesis.

Specializations

The program offers several specializations, including:

• Earth and Climate
• Geology and Geochemistry
• Global Environmental Change and Policy
• Science Communication

Earth and Climate Specialization

The Earth and Climate specialization focuses on the Earth's climate system, including the processes that control the climate and the impacts of climate change on the environment and society. Students in this specialization take a range of courses, including:

• Basin Tectonics and Subsurface Resources
• Climate Systems
• Advanced Spatial Analyses
• Marine Geology and Paleoclimatology
• Climate Modelling
• Environmental Remote Sensing

Geology and Geochemistry Specialization

The Geology and Geochemistry specialization focuses on the geology and geochemistry of the Earth, integrating tectonics, petrology, geochemistry, sedimentary geology, and planetary science. Students in this specialization take a range of courses, including:

• Research Project Geology and Geochemistry
• Basin Tectonics and Subsurface Resources
• Mantle Properties
• Orogenesis
• Source to Sink
• Multidisciplinary Uncertainties and Risks

Global Environmental Change and Policy Specialization

The Global Environmental Change and Policy specialization integrates the disciplinary insights from Earth Sciences, Environmental Economics, and Environmental Policy and Governance to arrive at interdisciplinary solutions to complex sustainability problems. Students in this specialization take a range of courses, including:

• Challenges and Solutions for GEC&P
• Climate Systems
• Environmental Policy for GEC&P
• Land Use Change and Ecosystems
• Earth science observation research methods
• Methods of Global Environmental Change

Science Communication Specialization

The Science Communication specialization provides a critical understanding of science-society interactions and interfaces, the current trends of digitalization and democratization, and different domains of science communication such as science journalism, museology, and public engagement. Students in this specialization take a range of courses, including:

• Research Methods for Analyzing Complex Problems
• Science and Communication
• Communication, Organization and Management
• Science Journalism
• Science Museology
• Science in Dialogue

Research Projects

Students in the Master's program in Earth Sciences are required to complete a research project, which can be taken in one of several areas, including:

• Research Project Earth & Climate
• Research Project Geology and Geochemistry
• Research Project Global Environmental Change & Policy

Master's Thesis

The Master's thesis is a compulsory component of the program, and students are expected to complete an original research project under the supervision of a faculty member. The thesis is typically completed in the second year of the program.

Conclusion

The Master's program in Earth Sciences at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam offers students a comprehensive education in the field of Earth Sciences, with a range of specializations and research opportunities. The program is designed to provide students with a broad background in the Earth Sciences, as well as the opportunity to specialize in one of several areas of concentration. Graduates of the program are well-prepared for careers in research, industry, government, and non-profit organizations.