Degree Explorer
geological mapping, picture by Leonluca Klein
Don't know where to start? Why not try our Degree finder!
Geology is the study of the Earth's large scale processes over long time periods. This encompasses speciality subjects like vulcanology, sedimentology, structural geology, ore processes and crystallography.
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This broad geoscience subjects relies in majority in linking fieldwork and laboratory work with hypothesis in order to better understand the subsurface and its history
Geophysics is the science of understanding the Earth using the advencements in physics.
Geophysicists use techniques based of electromagnetics, gravity and sound waves to understand the subsurface. They are also heavily involved in designing new analytical instruments.
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This degree links theoretical physics, practical physics, geology and fieldwork altogether, making it a very versatile degree.
Physical geography is the study of surface processes like erosion, rivers, glaciers, earthquakes, volcanoes and landlsides. In contrast with geology, physical geography focuses on shallow depth, and "recent" (up to the las ice age) processes.
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During this degree you will also tackle climate change related problems like a change in rainfall, coastal erosion, sea-level rise and ocean acidification.
Environmental Geosciences focuses on understanding the Earth oceans, athmosphere and rocky subsurface in order to solve environmental issues. These studied issues range from climate change to the behaviour of pollutants.
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It is the most chemistry focused degree in geosciences, dealing a lot with the chemistry of fluids and how they interact with the rocky Earth.
Paleontology is the studie of the evolution of life on Earth, since the very beginning. Paleontologists learn to use the rock record (fossils and rock characteristics) to look back in time and unravel the past evolution of life.
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From primitive life to dinosaurs and mass extinctions, there is still a lot to discover!
Other Geoscience subjects wich might not be represented as full degrees in all universities
Astrobiology
Astrobiology is the study of any form of life outside of the Earth. It asks the questions: how do we recognise life? What do you need for life to be possible? and, is there any chance of intelligent life elsewhere?
Studies have already shown that bacteria can survive in the extreme conditions of space, so life in the underground oceans of Titan and Enceladus might actually be a possibility!
Ecology
Ecology is the study of the interaction of living organisms between themselves and the environment. Understanding this allows to better estimate the impacts human activities and climate change have on the biology of our planet.
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This degree includes fieldwork, both on land and in the sea, linking biology and the inert Earth.