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After three years, Felicia has just completed our new Marine Geoscience Bachelor's programme. During her studies, she has developed a particular interest in marine geology and is now looking forward to continuing her studies at Master's level.

– I already knew that I was interested in natural sciences, which led me to start looking for programmes in this area. When I began reading about geology and its different specialisations, I became particularly interested in marine geology and the different career opportunities it can offer. I then visited Stockholm University during an open day, where I had the opportunity to meet professors and students. This made me even more certain that it would be my first choice.

– The best thing about my studies is that they combine theory with practical work and field trips. The professors are also very dedicated and good at teaching, which is a big plus! I have had a lot of fun over these three years.

My plans for the future involve continuing my studies at Master's level and pursuing a career in research, preferably within marine geotechnics.

More information about our new Bachelor's Programme in Marine Geoscience.

– I have always been fascinated by the ocean: how it spans our planet, shapes its surface, and interacts with the land. Everything from mapping the seafloor to modelling ocean currents and studying the effects and patterns of waves appealed to me. At the same time, I wanted to learn more about climate change and its consequences, the interactions between the ocean and the atmosphere, and, quite simply, how much we still have to discover about the ocean.

– One of the things that makes the programme stand out is the close connection between theory and practice. The courses combine theoretical knowledge with practical work, including fieldwork on land and at sea, as well as laboratory experiments. This gives you the opportunity to see how things work in practice, experiment for yourself, and tackle the challenges that come with working in the empirical sciences. Things do not always turn out as expected on paper or on a screen, and I find this hands-on approach to learning particularly rewarding.
Another great aspect is the variety of teachers, each offering a different perspective on the ocean and the systems surrounding it. This makes the programme both broad in scope and specific in focus at the same time.

– I am currently in my third year and doing a research internship in which I am investigating P- and S-wave velocities in different marine sediments. I spend my days in the laboratory, working to develop a controlled experimental setup that allows for reliable measurements, while also getting my head around the underlying theory and calculations.
After completing my bachelor’s thesis, I would love to work in the field, out at sea, carrying out measurements and surveys. There are so many different roles and areas of work connected to marine geoscience, so I am curious to see where I will end up.

Information about our Bachelor programmes

– I took a course that combined climate research and geology and was instantly hooked on geoscience. I decided to pursue a bachelor's degree in geology, and as my curiosity and desire to learn more continued to grow, I went on to pursue a master's degree in geological sciences.

What is the best thing about your program? –The amount of time we spend in the field, and the fact that geoscience seems to attract so many curious, energetic problem-solvers.

When I have completed my master’s degree, I would like to work in a field where I can contribute to solving problems related to the climate crisis. Climate change mitigation strategies, education, and science communication are all areas that align well with my knowledge and previous experience.

More information about our Master programmes

– As I grew up on a farm, I developed a deep love and fascination for the nature that surrounded me. I wanted to understand why valleys exist. To understand why the mountains I climbed contain former life. I mean, the idea that I can climb at over 4000 metres above sea level on what was once the bottom of the sea is just incredibly gripping!

Structural geology and tectonics seek to explain exactly these processes. How do mountains rise? How do rocks deform? How can water enter the deep Earth’s crust? There is hardly anything more fascinating than trying to understand processes that we cannot observe directly.

What do you enjoy most about your PhD?
– In principle, research is very similar to adventuring. You start with a question, explore something unknown, and often end up somewhere totally unexpected. The freedom to ask questions and then take the time to answer them is an incredible privilege and something I definitely enjoy. Beyond that rather abstract motivation: all the inspiring individuals and scientists I meet along the way.

And doing all this outdoors, surrounded by stunning views, is another perk of working in a field that studies exactly these landscapes. You literally learn to explain things you encounter on a Sunday hike; this is just fascinating!

What are your plans for the future after your PhD?
– First, I want to complete the research project I've just started: understand how the Earth’s deep crust hydrates and deforms.

And after my PhD? As I am curious by nature, I would like to have the opportunity to continue research. Or I might end up combining two of my greatest passions: science and communication? Not an easy choice!

Link to Simon's profile page

WeiLi Hong is Associate professor of Geochemistry. He applys numerical models to quantitatively describe the geochemical observations in pore fluids, sediments and authigenic minerals. He teaches one course at the undergraduate level and one at the master level.

– As a researcher in the field of geology, my journey is fueled by an insatiable curiosity about the dynamic processes that have shaped our planet throughout its history. From the grand geological events of the past to the subtle yet profound changes occurring in the present, I am captivated by the intricate dance of forces that mold the Earth's landscapes.

What draws me most to this field is the elegant interplay between various scientific disciplines. Mathematics provides the language to quantify and model complex geological phenomena, revealing patterns and relationships that would otherwise remain hidden. Chemistry unveils the molecular interactions driving geological processes, from the weathering of rocks to the formation of minerals. Physics elucidates the fundamental forces at play, whether it's the tectonic movements shaping continents or the behavior of fluids within the Earth's interior.

It is this synthesis of mathematics, chemistry, and physics within the realm of geology that truly fascinates me. Through their synergy, we gain profound insights into the Earth system, unlocking a deeper understanding of our planet's past, present, and future. As a researcher, I am committed to unraveling the mysteries of the Earth, driven by a passion for discovery and a desire to contribute to the collective knowledge of humanity.Why is it important to educate about the Earth?

– Understanding the interconnectedness of the Earth's systems is paramount in today's world. Every component, from the atmosphere to the lithosphere, plays a crucial role in shaping our planet's delicate balance. Educating about the Earth is not just about acquiring knowledge; it's about gaining awareness of the intricate web of relationships that sustain life.

By comprehending how the different parts of the Earth connect to each other, we become acutely aware of the consequences of even the slightest perturbation. Whether it's human activity altering the climate, deforestation impacting biodiversity, or pollution contaminating waterways, every action sends ripples through the Earth system. Without a deep understanding of these connections, we risk unintentionally disrupting the delicate equilibrium upon which all life depends.

Education about the Earth empowers individuals to make informed decisions and take meaningful action towards sustainability and conservation. It fosters a sense of responsibility towards our planet and inspires stewardship for future generations. By promoting awareness of the Earth's interconnectedness, we pave the way for a more harmonious coexistence with nature, ensuring the preservation of our precious home for generations to come.

What can students work with when they have completed their education?

– Upon completing their earth science education with a solid foundation in geochemistry, students open the door to a wide array of exciting career opportunities. Armed with the fundamentals of geochemistry, they are well-equipped to embark on diverse paths in both academia and industry.
Many graduates find rewarding careers in consultant companies, where their expertise in geochemistry is invaluable for analyzing environmental data, assessing geological risks, and developing sustainable solutions for various industries. Whether it's conducting soil and water quality assessments, evaluating the impact of mining activities, or advising on environmental remediation projects, their knowledge of geochemical principles is indispensable.
For those with a passion for research and a thirst for knowledge, pursuing higher education offers endless possibilities. Graduate studies in geochemistry delve deeper into specialized areas such as aqueous geochemistry, isotope geochemistry, or environmental geochemistry, paving the way for groundbreaking research and innovation in academia, government agencies, and research institutions worldwide.

Furthermore, graduates with a strong background in geochemistry are highly sought after by companies specializing in analytical instruments. From designing and manufacturing cutting-edge instruments for geochemical analysis to providing technical support and training for clients, opportunities abound for skilled professionals to contribute to the advancement of analytical techniques and technologies.

Beyond these traditional career paths, the interdisciplinary nature of geochemistry opens doors to a myriad of industries and sectors. Whether it's exploring opportunities in energy exploration, natural resource management, environmental consulting, or even science communication and policy advocacy, the versatility of a background in geochemistry enables students to make meaningful contributions to society while pursuing fulfilling careers aligned with their interests and aspirations.

Read more about WeiLi's reasearch

Paola Manzotti is Associate Professor of Geochronology and tectonics. Paola teaches Mineralogy and Petrology, and Petrogenesis at the undergraduate level.

– I have been always fascinated by nature since I was a child. I had lovely memories of collecting fossils, rocks and shells during the holidays with my parents, doing orienteering at school (the first time that I had something to do with a map!) and seeing my garden bloom again in spring. Even now I cannot resist the stunning landscapes you see on reaching the top of a mountain or in front of the vastness and the mystery of an ocean. I liked nature, but I have followed humanities at the high school (Latin, Greek, philosophy and Literature). These subjects opened my mind and strengthened my communication skills. The choice of Geology at the university level reflects for sure my curiosity and love for nature, but stems also from meeting a talented professor in Earth Sciences the last year of the high school. Her lectures were so fascinating that I was passing my afternoon studying Earth Sciences instead of Latin and philosophy!

Why I choose Geology?

Studying geology develops a broad and deep knowledge of the Earth. Geology provides a comprehensive framework essential to understand the Planet where we live. It is an exciting journey through minerals, rocks and their interaction with fluids with the aim of understanding how our Planet formed. You may be able to answer questions like how do mountain belts grow? Through which processes do continental and oceanic crust form? How rocks transform and deform when they are buried at great depth? Which mechanisms are able to exhume these rocks? Where and why we find precious ore deposits? These are just a few fascinating discoveries that are waiting you…

A good knowledge of the “Earth system” is a fundamental step towards global sustainability, hazard mitigation and the building of an eco-friendly environment. This will include understanding (i) the availability of natural resources (mineral, water, energy…) and how we have used or abused of them in the past or (ii) the causes and consequences of geological processes (floods, landslides, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions…). We are part of the “Earth system” and it is our responsibility to interact with it in a friendly and balanced way.

What can you work with when you have completed the education?

– Education in geology is a combination of field and theoretical studies and gives the possibility to acquire analytical skills that may be useful for future jobs. There are several career opportunities in this field.

• Applied Geologist – working on infrastructure (railways, dams, tunnels) and monitoring geological risks (landslides, floods, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, tsunamis)
• Environmental Scientist – working on for example treating contamination problems of lakes and rivers
• Geologist working on renewable and not renewable energies (geothermal energy, oil and petroleum, ore deposits)
• Academic research – with the possibility to do a PhD and to discover and investigate poorly understood events and processes in Earth history
• Finally, yet importantly, teaching in high school to educate the new generations about the Earth.

Helen Coxall is Professor of marine micropaleontology. Helen teaches two courses at the undergraduate level: Critical Steps in the Evolution of Earth and life and Paleoceanography and marine geology.

– I loved science at school but I did not know what area to focus on at university level. Medicine? Biochemistry? Environmental Science? Chemistry?
Geological sciences, broadly, is the perfect blend of biology, chemistry, physics and environmental science that helps us address and explain everything natural that we see around us, why mountains, oceans and forests are where they are, why some countries are rich in mineral wealth and have good farmland, while others don’t, how the different countries came to have the characteristic flora and fauna that we are familiar with. It gives a long-term history of these things, how they have and can change and therefore allows us to predict what will happen in the future. I ended up specializing in marine geology once I discovered that the deep sea contains the best and most continuous records (mud layers) for unravelling climate change patterns in the past, and even how organisms evolve or go extinct to in response to climate and ocean change. Most people don’t know that the hidden mud layers at the bottom of the sea hold all these secrets.

– Earth is our home. There is no second planet we can escape to if life on Earth becomes too difficult. Earth may seem vast and robust but what you learn from studying it’s geological history is that its various ocean, ice, climate and biological systems, upon which we depend for food, jobs and safe stable places to live, is fragile. From the geological record (rocks, sediments and fossils) we can see that these systems have all changed radically in the past and they will change again as humans continue to disturb them. We need to know what the most vulnerable systems are for the climate and environment and what human activities cause the most damage. Politicians need to listen to this. Also from a very practical point of view we also need to know about the physical properties of the rock and sediment beneath our feet because humans use this for extracting raw materials (metal ores, sand, gravel, rock for building, chemicals for industry and food, etc.), to build on, dig into to burry our waste, and fix engineered structures into (e.g. roads, power generating infrastructure).

What can students work with when they have completed their education?

Environmental consultant for surveying rock and subsurface samples for the construction industry, mineral extraction industry/mining; offshore-sediment surveying industry; museum collections; advisory role to the climate/environmental sector.