Programme syllabus for the master programme in Earth Science 2014/2015

4.4.1 Description of the programme

After successfully completing the programme the student will fulfil the requirements for a Master of Science in Earth Science. The structure of the programme also includes the possibility to fulfil the requirements for a Degree of Master (One Year) ”Magisterexamen” after one year of studies.

Based on studies at basic (Bachelor of Science) level, the master education (advanced level) will enhance the student’s knowledge, skill and competence in one or several specialization fields of earth science. The formal requirement for a master of science is that the studies should include deeper (advanced level) studies in earth science corresponding to 60 higher education credits (corresponding to two semesters) based on 90 higher education credits progression at the basic level.

The master education is completed with one or two degree project(s), each corresponding to 30 higher education credits. The work can be carried out as a research project at the department or as a project for a company or an authority.

4.4.2 Comprehensive aims of the education

The Master Programme in Earth Science should result in the knowledge, skill and competence required for a qualified professional career in an international, diversified labour market or a PhD education. After the examination the student should be able to independently analyze problems, perform compilations and evaluations in her/his field of specialization. The student should also have achieved a good understanding of applications in related fields of earth science.

4.4.3 Aims as expected results of the study

In addition to the general objectives stated in the Higher Education Ordinance, the student should

• have considerable knowledge about the Earth systems and how they individually or jointly affect and change planet Earth
• be able to independently apply her/his knowledge in research, development and investigation
• have advanced skills in work by computer and in the interpretation of analytical results and field investigations
• be able to answer for scientifically based investigations and surveys concerning complex problems in earth science
• be able to apply a multidisciplinary approach in issues of earth science by relating to knowledge and skills of adjacent fields such as chemistry, biology, mathematics/statistics and geophysics
• be able to examine, analyse and evaluate models and results in her/his professional field in the perspective of a sustainable development
• be able to work in as well as to plan and lead projects

4.4.4 Programme outline

There are four specializations in the programme

Geology
Hydrology/Hydrogeology
Palaeobiology
Physical Geography

The first semester of the programme, offering the courses Dynamics of Earth Systems – Global Change, Global Geophysics and Analytical Methods in Earth Science, is common to all specializations. The following semesters offer a number of core courses in the specializations Hydrology/Hydrogeology, Paleobiology, Physical Geography/Quaternary Geology and Geology. Most of these courses are closely related to the research profile of the department. Some courses are shared with the educations in Aquatic and Environmental Engineering, Geophysics and Meteorology. There are specific admission requirements to each course but the syllabus offers a large freedom to chose a personal profile of the education.

4.1.5 The courses of the programme

The order of courses in the programme is shown below per study year. Each year is divided into four periods, period 11 means period one year one etc. Main field is given by the abbreviations B = Biology, F = Physics, G = Earth Sciences, and T = Technology. Courses, up to 30 hp, also can be chosen from other main fields.

Semester 1
All specializations

 Period 1

 
Specialization Palaeobiology and Geology

Period 2

Specialization Physical Geography
Period 2

Specialization Hydrology/Hydrogeology
Period 2

 
Semester 2

Specialization Palaeobiology

 
Specialization Geology

 
Specialization Physical Geography

 
Specialization Hydrology/Hydrogeology

 
All specializations

Semester 3 and 4

Specialization Palaeobiology

 
Specialization Geology

 
Specialization Physical Geography

 
Specialization Hydrology/Hydrogeology

All specializations

Other advanced courses

4.4.6 Eligibility requirements

Geology: A Bachelor´s degree of Science, equivalent to a Swedish degree of at least 180 credits (i.e. three years of full time studies), including 90 credits in earth science and 15 credits in chemistry or 90 credits in physics and 30 credits in earth science. Proficiency in English.

Hydrology/Hydrogeology: A Bachelor´s degree of Science, equivalent to a Swedish degree of at least 180 credits (i.e. three years of full time studies), including 90 credits in earth science and 15 credits in mathematics alternatively 90 credits in physics. Proficiency in English.

Physical Geography: A Bachelor´s degree of Science, equivalent to a Swedish degree of at least 180 credits (i.e. three years of full time studies), including 90 credits in earth science. Proficiency in English.

Palaeobiology: A Bachelor´s degree of Science, equivalent to a Swedish degree of at least 180 credits (i.e. three years of full time studies), including 90 credits in earth science or 90 credits in biology. Proficiency in English.

Students who, outside the programme, have acquired equivalent qualifications corresponding to at least 15 hp on advanced level in addition to the degree at bachelor’s level, may apply to be accepted to a later part of the programme. The application deadline is for the autumn term May 1 and for the spring term December 1.

4.4.7 Grade and examination

Unless otherwise prescribed in the course syllabus, a grade is to be awarded on completion of a course. A student who has taken two examinations in a course or a part of a course without obtaining a pass grade is entitled to have another examiner appointed, unless there are special reasons to the contrary.

4.4.8 Courses together in a degree

Some courses cannot be considered in a degree together. Which courses this concern will be pointed out in each course syllabus.

4.4.9 Qualification and diploma

Upon request, a student who has received a pass grade in a course is to receive a course certificate from the higher education institution. Upon request, a student who meets the requirements for a qualification is to receive a diploma from the higher education institution.

A Degree of Master (One Year) is obtained after the student has completed course requirements of 60 higher education credits with a certain area of specialisation determined by each higher education institution itself, including at least 30 higher education credits with in-depth studies in Earth Science. For a Degree of Master (One Year) students must have completed an independent project (degree project) worth at least 15 higher education credits in Earth Science, within the framework of the course requirements.

A Degree of Master (Two Years) is obtained after the student has completed course requirements of 120 higher education credits with a certain area of specialisation determined by each higher education institution itself, including at least 60 higher education credits with in-depth studies in Earth Science. For a Degree of Master (Two Years) students must have completed an independent project (degree project) worth at least 30 higher education credits in Earth Science, within the framework of the course requirements. A degree of Master (Two Years) may, except for courses on advanced level, contain one or several courses on basic level comprising not more than 30 higher education credits.