General description

One earth - many worlds: The earth and its diverse environments are at the focus of studying Geography at the University of Zurich. How do humans and the environment interact? What are the relationships between human beings and natural space?
Global change, neoliberalisation, virtual worlds, environmental changes and urbanisation are challenges that concern Geography. At the Department of Geography in Zurich, students learn about socially relevant topics in Switzerland and the global south, in the high mountains, in metropolitan areas and in cyberspace.
Geography’s main strength is combining approaches from the natural, social and computer sciences. Geographers work in interdisciplinary networks and formulate solutions to current problems. In an increasingly networked and accelerated world, geographers assume social responsibility and address not only the opportunities but also the challenges of global change.
The minor study program in Geography 60 provides students with an introduction to the different thematic subject areas of Physical Geography, Human Geography, Remote Sensing and Geographical Information Science. Subsequently, two thematic subject areas are selected and explored in greater depth. 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 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

Geography

Educational goals

Within the minor study program in Geography 60 students study different approaches to the analysis of current issues in the natural, social and computer sciences. Students strengthen their skills in two of the three thematic subject areas (Physical Geography, Human Geography, Remote Sensing and Geographical Information Science). In teaching, in-depth knowledge from current research projects is presented in order to critically examine socially relevant topics. Students’ intellectual abilities and networked thinking are encouraged to prepare them for their future educational path.

ECTS credits

60 ECTS Credits

Program structure

For a minor study program in Geography 60 introductory modules in Physical Geography, Human Geography, Remote Sensing and GIScience are completed as well as a module in Stochastics for Natural Sciences. Subsequently, two thematic subject areas are chosen and each of them is explored in greater depth in three further core elective modules. The remaining ECTS credits can be chosen from the entire range of courses offered in the major study program in 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