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 conditions for admission to the Bachelor’s degree programme are regulated in: „Verordnung über die Zulassung zum Studium an der Universität Zürich (VZS)".

Branch of studies

Earth Sciences

Educational goals

The Bachelor's program in Earth System Science provides an understanding of basic concepts and current trends of development in the subject. It is characterized by a broad and fundamental education and offers opportunities for specialization in the final year of the study program. The program combines scientific fundamentals with advanced modules in Earth System Science. In teaching, well-founded knowledge from current research projects is presented 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

180 ECTS Credits

Degree

Bachelor of Science UZH in Earth System Science, BSc UZH

Program structure

The first two years of the study program mainly consist of compulsory modules in Earth System Science, Geography, Biology, Geology, Mathematics and Chemistry, with applications in field courses and excursions. The third year of the study program includes a Bachelor’s thesis as well as core elective modules within the thematic subject areas of Earth System Science: The Geo-Biosphere System, the Hydro-Atmosphere System and the Human-Environment System. Individual thematic focuses can be set within an elective area.

Part-time studies

Studying part-time is possible, but not recommended. The maximum study time of
12 semesters (twice the standard study time of 6 semesters) must not be exceeded. An exact planning of the part-time study is necessary and should take place in consultation with the Student Advisory Board.

Major/minor subject combinations

The Bachelor's study program Earth System Science is a single major study program. No minor study program can be attended.

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