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 geoscientist 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 how humans affect and are affected by geoscientific processes 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 in Sweden and/or abroad. You can also work with global environmental issues such as climate, water and natural disasters.
The Bachelor's distance programme in Earth Science is a three-year programme. 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 programme includes three obligatory intensive courses in practical geoscience, including both laboratory and field studies. These courses are not offered by distance, and require you to be away from home for about a week each.
Training begins with an 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 petrology, structural geology, climatology, or GIS. In the third year, you will spend your time in upper level bachelor geoscience courses, learn more about scientific principles and methods, and you will 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 programme begins (Year 1) with a broad introduction to Earth Science. This introduction begins with courses on Earth Science theory (Tellus I) and continues with courses covering fundamental themes in Geology and Physical Geography (Tellus II). The introductory year ends with two intensive campus/field courses (Tellus III) which cover practical aspects of Earth Science which cannot be taught remotely. In Years 2 and 3, the student may choose from a range of courses offered by the Department of Geological Sciences and the Department of Physical Geography. Most of these courses are given entirely by distance; some courses may have special admission requirements (see links to programme courses). At the end of the second year of study, programme students should read an additional field course (Field study in Earth Science). The programme ends with an individual, independent thesis project (15–30 credits) at one of the 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* (7.5 credits) Autumn/Spring term
Tellus II – Physical Geography* (12.5 credits at NG) Autumn/Spring term
Tellus III – Geology* (7.5 credits on-site course) Summer term
Tellus III – Physical Geography* (2.5 credits) Summer term (application 15/2–15/3)*Required courses
Year 2
Obligatory courses:
Field Study in Geoscience (7.5 credits) Summer term (application 15/2–15/3)
Elective courses:
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
Structural Geology (7.5 credits) Spring term
Geology of Sweden (7.5 credits) Autumn/Spring term
Marine Geophysics (7.5 credits) Spring term
Marine Petrophysics (7.5 credits) Autumn/Spring term
Geochemistry (7.5 credits) Autumn/Spring term
Tectonics (7.5 credits) 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 term at NG
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) (7.5 credits) Autumn/Spring term at NG
Cartography and Graphic Design (15 credits, course page only in Swedish) Spring term at NGYear 3
Obligatory courses:
Earth Science – Specialisation (15 credits) Autumn term at NG
or
Philosophy & history of science (7.5 credits) Autumn/Spring termIndependent 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 NGNote! In order to obtain a bachelor's degree at the Faculty of Science at Stockholm University, the course Scientific Method 1.5 credits is compulsory. This sub-course is included in the syllabus for the degree project/independent work at undergraduate level, but is read independently of when you do your degree project. It is an advantage to read it early in the education.
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Career opportunities
Geologists, geochemists and geophysicists find employment both nationally and internationally. Our graduates have been hired in mining and exploration companies, building and construction firms, oil companies, marine industries, seafloor mapping, consultancy firms, local and regional planning bodies as well as universities.
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Contact
Sarah Greenwood is the Director of Studies for distance education.
Christophe Dupraz is the student counsellor for distance education.
Elisabeth DäckerStudent counsellor and study administration
- Visiting address
- S 316
- Svante Arrheniusväg 8 C, Geohuset
Sarah GreenwoodWallenberg Academy Fellow, Paleoglaciology
- Visiting address
- R 219
- Svante Arrheniusväg 8 C, Geohuset
Christophe DuprazAssociate professor of Geomicrobiology
- Visiting address
- R 323
- Svante Arrheniusväg 8 C, Geohuset
