General description

The study program Earth System Science (ESS) is characterised by intensive cooperation between different scientific disciplines. It enables students to understand, observe and describe, analyse and forecast interactions and processes in and between the different spheres through scientific knowledge and a broad range of expertise.
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. This requires intensive cooperation between different scientific disciplines, such as paleontology, geochemistry, remote sensing, geography, environmental science, geology and biology.
The minor study program in Earth System Science 60 offers an introduction to various fields such as Earth System Science, Geology, Mathematics, Physical Geography, Remote Sensing and Geographical Information Science. Subsequently, the interdisciplinary knowledge is further consolidated with modules in Earth System Science, Geography, Environmental Sciences and Biology. 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 provisions laid out in the framework ordinance for Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs and the provisions defined in the program regulations at the Faculty of Science of the University of Zurich, apply.

Branch of studies

Earth Sciences

Educational goals

Within the minor study program in Earth System Science 60 students study different approaches to the interdisciplinary analysis of current issues. The program combines scientific fundamentals with advanced modules in Earth System Science. In teaching, well-founded knowledge from current research projects is imparted and students are encouraged to critically examine socially relevant topics. Practical experience in measurement techniques, experimental methods and application-oriented data analysis complement the study program.

ECTS credits

60 ECTS Credits

Program structure

For a minor study program in Earth System Science 60 introductory modules are attended in various fields such as Earth System Science, Geology, Mathematics, Physical Geography, Remote Sensing and Geographical Information Science.
Subsequently, the interdisciplinary knowledge is expanded with modules in Earth System Science, Geography, Environmental Sciences and Biology. These modules foster the knowledge within the thematic subject areas of Earth System Science: The Geo-Biosphere System, the Hydro-Atmosphere System and the Human-Environment System.
Due to the fact that some modules are part of both study programs, there are some differences in the study structure for students with the major in Geography (details on the website of the Department of Geography).

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

German, English