Program Overview

Geophysics Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)

The Bachelor's program in Geophysics at KIT teaches you geophysics as a predominantly physical discipline with close links to the neighboring geosciences. At the beginning of your studies, you will receive a sound basic education in physics, which will provide you with a solid foundation in experimental and theoretical physics as well as in mathematics, programming, and computer use.

Program Details

• Degree: Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)
• Regular program length: 6 semesters (full-time program)
• Credit points (ECTS): 180 credit points
• Language of instruction: German
• Limited capacity:
  • First semester: no
  • Higher semester: no
• Application possible for:
  • First semester: winter term
  • Higher semester: winter and summer term
• Application deadline:
  • German and EU nationals:
    • First semester: September 15
    • Higher semester: September 15 for winter term, March 15 for summer term
  • Non-EU nationals:
    • First semester: July 15
    • Higher semester: July 15 for winter term, January 15 for summer term

Program Structure

The bachelor's degree program in Geophysics at KIT is divided into the following subjects:

• Geophysics and Earth Sciences (52 CP)
• Experimental and Theoretical Physics (24 + 23 CP)
• Programming (6 CP)
• Mathematics (24 CP) From the fourth semester onwards, you will also choose one of the following specializations (12 CP each), giving you the opportunity to develop an initial career-related profile:
• Geosciences
• Geodesy
• Geoinformatics
• Engineering and Hydrogeology In the compulsory elective area, you must also take courses worth at least 13 CP from the following disciplines or - on application - from other subjects that match the study objective:
• geophysics
• physics
• applied geosciences
• geodesy and geoinformatics
• meteorology
• civil engineering
• computer science

Internship

A professional internship of at least four weeks (8 CP), which gives you an insight into the fields of work of geophysicists in industry, authorities, and engineering offices, completes the compulsory part of your studies.

Stays Abroad

Due to its object of study, the earth, the study of geophysics is particularly internationally oriented. Measuring expeditions require worldwide cooperation, and many specialist publications appear exclusively in English. It is therefore advisable to gain international experience during your bachelor's degree.

Qualification Profile of the Graduate

The Bachelor's program is to impart scientific fundamentals and methodological skills relating to the subject of geophysics. Studies are aimed at acquiring the qualification to successfully pass a Master's program and to be able to apply the knowledge obtained in the related vocational fields. Graduates of the Bachelor's program of geophysics know the fundamental scientific basics of general and applied geophysics, classical experimental and theoretical physics, and higher mathematics. They have basic knowledge of programming techniques and computer use and possess basic scientific knowledge of neighboring geoscientific disciplines.

Career Prospects

A bachelor's degree in Geophysics opens up career prospects in university and non-university research, development, and application, e.g., in the field of raw material development (geothermal energy, minerals), in the field of environmental management (pollutant detection, landfill investigations, hydrogeological work), in construction projects (underground investigations for tunnels, dams, buildings, etc.) or in the monitoring of natural hazards (earthquakes, volcanoes) as well as in the exploration of the earth's interior from the crust to the core.

Characteristic Features of the Degree Program

• anchoring of the degree program at the Geophysical Institute of the KIT Department of Physics
• strong physical-mathematical orientation of the degree program
• small study program enables small learning groups, close contact with lecturers, and personal advice
• in-situ events: field experiments, field exercises, and excursions
• integrated internship (240 hours)
• bridge courses and semester-accompanying courses at the MINT-Kolleg
• slow study model - bachelor's degree in Geophysics after seven or eight semesters without counting towards the standard period of study
• intensive study model - parallel studies: bachelor's degree in Geophysics and Physics
• consecutive English-language master's program

Admission and Language Requirements

• Higher education entrance qualification (HZB)
• Language requirements and certificates: sufficient knowledge of the German language, which must correspond to at least level C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)

Module Handbook

• Module handbook Geophysics Bachelor according to 2015 studies and examination regulations, study begin WT 2019/20
• Public view Geophysics Bachelor according to 2025 studies and examination regulations in the Campus Management System
• Public view Geophysics Bachelor according to 2015 studies and examination regulations, study begin WT 2019/20 in the Campus Management System

Statutes and Regulations

• KIT admission and enrollment regulations
• Current studies and examination regulations Geophysics B.Sc.
• Previous studies and examination regulations Geophysics B.Sc.

Teaching Calendar and Course Catalog

• Teaching calendar
• Course catalog current term
• Course catalog current term (English)
• Archive of previous catalogs