General description

How are forest fires related to climate extremes? How is the rise in oceanic water levels related to the melting of glaciers? Knowledge in natural sciences and interconnected thinking enables students of Earth System Science (ESS) to understand events in different spheres of the Earth.
Humans are increasingly influencing the Earth’s natural system. The consequences are noticeable at multiple scales from a local, regional and global level. These interactions between the use of natural resources and environmental changes are at the heart of Earth System Science.
Students of Earth System Science observe everything from the smallest elements to the whole planet. Starting with the Big Bang in the calculation of time, they make predictions for the future. To do so, they use a range of scientific methods such as observations, experiments, models and simulations. Recognizing different processes in all areas of the earth, from the high mountains to the depths of the oceans, forms the basis for new findings in Earth System Science.
Computer simulations using innovative numerical methods are becoming increasingly important for integrating different data and interactions. With the knowledge of the global processes that control the internal dynamics of our Earth, scenarios for the future can be developed from the diagnosis of the past.
This requires intensive cooperation between different scientific disciplines, such as paleontology, geochemistry, remote sensing, geography, environmental science, geology and biology. The Bachelor's program in Earth System Science brings together subject-specific knowledge and fosters interdisciplinarity.
Participation in excursions, the implementation of small research projects, laboratory exercises and internships offer the opportunity to apply the acquired knowledge in practice throughout the study program.

Admission requirements

The following academic degrees exempt the holder from having to pass any further examinations for admission to the a Master’s degree course: -A Bachelor's degree from the Faculty of Science of the University of Zurich,
whereby the Faculty determines which types of the Bachelor's degree are required for admission to the respective Master's degree courses. - Corresponding degrees of Swiss and foreign universities which are generally
recognized by the Faculty, or recognized by subject. In terms of paragraph 1,
such degrees are reviewed according to the stipulations of § 3 of the Bologna
guideline of the Swiss University Conference. Further possibilities for admission to a Master’s degree course: the Faculty assesses all other qualifications, in particular those from universities of applied sciences,
according to its own criteria, whereby. The principle of equal treatment applies to assessing the equivalence of Bachelor's degrees The Faculty can
require the fulfillment of additional conditions in form of evidence of academic achievement. The Faculty decides about the acceptance of academic
achievements and credit points which were obtained elsewhere.

Branch of studies

Earth Sciences, Geography

Educational goals

This Master's study program provides in-depth training regarding geo-biosphere, hydro-atmosphere and human-environment relations in order to obtain a deeper understanding of the Earth system along with its interactions and correlations between those systems.
Students learn to apply theories, methods and approaches from certain fields in Earth System Sciences to problems in research and practice, and to critically classify and reflect on these. Students are able to defend a position on a scientific basis and to critically reflect on and defend their own research results within a scientific discussion.

Career possibilities

The broad scope of Earth System Science enables students to work in a diverse range of fields. Given the social significance of topics such as environmental protection, natural hazards and support of growing human population, the jobs for Earth system scientists are interesting and challenging. Furthermore, electronic data processing will become increasingly important in our society, which is in turn expected to have a positive influence on the employment of Earth system scientists in this field in the future.
Earth system scientists may find job opportunities in the following fields:

• Science and Research
  
• Industry and Public Sector
  
• Teaching and Training
  

ECTS credits

90 ECTS Credits

Degree

Master of Science UZH in Earth System Science

Program structure

The Master’s study program in Earth System Science 90 includes compulsory modules including the Master’s thesis in Earth System Science (30 or 60 ECTS credits) and the Master’s exam (2 ECTS credits), core elective and elective modules. Further information can be accessed on the website of the Department of Geography.

Part-time studies

Studying part-time is possible within the Master’s study program. However, the maximum period of six or eight semesters (double the standard period of study) must not be exceeded.

Major/minor subject combinations

The Master's study program in Earth System Science 90 can be taken as a single major or be combined with a minor study program 30 at Master's level.

Examination and assessment regulations

The student's achievement is assessed at the end of each module.
Achievements are graded on a scale from 1 to 6, whereby 6 denotes the highest
grade of achievement and 1 the lowest. A grade below 4 is insufficient.
Achievements can also be graded with 'passed' or 'failed'.

Language of instruction

English