Bachelor's Programme in Earth Science, Distance Learning

Earth Science is an interdisciplinary subject, covering geology and physical geography, focussed on the planet Earth (Tellus). As a geoscientists you will study how Earth formed more than 4.5 billion years ago, how Earth has changed over time and how the Earth will change in the future. You will learn about minerals and rocks, plate tectonics, the formation of the oceans and mountains, natural disasters and natural resources, the biosphere, hydrosphere, landscape and climate evolution, and geographic information systems. During your studies you will also learn how humans effect and are affected by geosystemen in both a local and global perspective.
As a geoscientist, you can work with the investigation of natural resources, nature and environment, urban planning, land surveys, environmental studies, geoscience risk analysis, based on research both in Sweden and/or abroad. You can also work with global environmental issues such as climate, water and natural disasters.
The Bachelor's distance program in Earth Science is a three-year program. At least 75% of the course requirements (135 credits) are in the form of distance learning courses that are read at your own pace without any mandatory meetings. Most of our distance learning courses can be started at any time during the year. The program includes two intensive on-site courses, 7,5 credits each, in practical geoscience which includes both laboratory and field work investigations. The program ends with an independent project of 15 credits or 30 credits, and for the most part can be done off-site.
Training begins with a introductory year focussed on the theoretical and practical foundations of geology and physical geography. The second year is dedicated to geological and geographical topics such as mineralogy, petrology, structural geology, climatology, or GIS. In the third year, you will spend your time in upper level bachelor geoscience courses and / or electives, and also conduct an independent research study of 15 or 30 credits.
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Programme overview
Note: Our IT/Online courses are not available for exchange students
The program begins (Year 1) with a broad introduction to Earth Science. This introduction begins with a course on Earth Science theory (Tellus I) and continues with a course covering those practical aspects of Earth Science which can be taught remotely (Tellus II). The introductory years ends with an intensive campus/field course (Tellus III) which covers those practical aspects of Earth Science which cannot be taught remotely. For Years 2 and 3, the student may choose from a range of courses offered by the two departments. Most of these courses are given entirely by distance. However, program students need to read an additional campus/field course (Field study in Earth Science) at the end of their second year of study. Some courses may have special admission requirements (see links to program courses). The program ends with individual project work (15–30 credits) at one of two departments.
Year 1
Tellus I – Geology* (15 credits) Autumn/Spring term
Tellus I – Physical Geography* (15 credits at NG) Autumn/Spring term
Tellus II – Geology* (12.5 credits) Autumn/Spring term
Tellus II – Physical Geography* (12.5 credits at NG) Autumn/Spring term
Tellus III – Geology* (2.5 credits on-site course) Spring term
Tellus III – Physical Geography* (2.5 credits) Summer term (application 15/2–15/3)*Required courses
Year 2
Year 2 and 3
Mineralogy (7.5 credits) Autumn/Spring term
Igneous Petrology (7.5 credits) Autumn/Spring term
Sediment Petrology (7.5 credits) Autumn/Spring term
Metamorphic Petrology (7.5 credits) Autumn/Spring term
Ore Forming Processes (7.5 credits) Autumn/Spring term
Structural Geology (7.5 credits) Spring term
Geology of Sweden (7.5 credits) Autumn/Spring term
Marine Geophysics (7.5 credits) Autumn term
Marine Petrophysics (7.5 credits) Autumn/Spring term
Geochemistry (7.5 credits) Autumn/Spring term
Field Study in Geoscience* (7.5 credits) Summer term 2022 (application 15/2–15/3)
Tectonics (7.5 credits) Autumn/Spring term
Petrogenesis (7.5 credits) Autumn/Spring term
Critical Steps in the Evolution of Earth and life (7.5 credits) Autumn/Spring term
Paleoclimatology and the ocean system (7.5 credits) Autumn/Spring term
Climate Variability (7.5 credits) Autumn/Spring term at NG
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) (7.5 credits) Autumn/Spring term at NG
Cartography and Graphic Design (15 credits) Spring term at NG
Earth Science – Specialisation* (15 credits) Autumn term at NG*Required courses
Independent project
Earth science Degree Project 15 credits or
Earth science degree project 30 credits at IGV
or
Earth science degree project 15 credits
Earth science degree project 30 credits at NG -
Career opportunities
Geologists, geochemists and geophysicists find employment both nationally and internationally. Or graduates have been hired in mining and exploration companies, building and construction firms, oil companies, marine industries, consultancy firms, seafloor mapping, local and regional planning bodies as well as universities.
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Contact
If you have questions don't hesitate to contact:
Student counsellor
Elisabeth Däcker, elisabeth.dacker@geo.su.seStudent counsellor for distance learning
Christophe Dupraz, christophe.dupraz@geo.su.se