Master of Science in Earth, Life and Climate
Utrecht University
Key Information
Campus location
Utrecht, Netherlands
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
2 years
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
EUR 2,209 / per year *
Application deadline
Request info
Earliest start date
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* EU/EEA, Surinam or Swiss students; €20,750: International students
Scholarships
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Introduction
Explore Processes Affecting the Earth's Life and its Environment
In our Master's program in Earth, Life, and Climate, you will explore the fundamental processes which regulate the past, present, and future dynamics of sedimentary systems, biodiversity, and climate, as well as their evolution. This two-year program will provide you with the knowledge you need to understand climate change and its impact on natural environments such as soils, sediments, lakes, groundwater, wetlands, estuaries, and oceans.
The main topics you will study include the evolution of life, the development of sedimentary basins, carbon sources and sinks, biogeochemical and geochemical fingerprinting of sedimentary processes/environments, and climate reconstruction.
Curriculum
Societal and Scientific Challenges
In this program, you will learn state-of-the-art reconstruction methods, modeling techniques, and laboratory experiments used in a wide range of earth and beta science disciplines. These disciplines include biogeology, paleontology, palynology, sedimentology, stratigraphy, environmental geochemistry, organic geochemistry, hydrology, physical geography, geology, biology, climate dynamics, marine sciences, and palaeoceanography. You will utilize these skills in your own research project or on the traineeships you can take in preparation for an international career in applied or fundamental research.
The program focuses on the following societal and scientific questions:
- How does the Earth’s climate system respond to higher levels of atmospheric CO2?
- How fast do ice sheets respond to global warming?
- How are regional patterns of precipitation controlled by changes in monsoon strength or El Niño?
- How resilient is the ocean to chemical perturbations?
- How sensitive are ecosystems and biodiversity to environmental change?
- How and when did life originate on Earth?
- How are resources, such as fossil fuels and metal deposits, formed?
Tracks
Tracks are recommended, coherent combinations of courses from the program. They are meant to help students design their own curriculum and they facilitate specialization within the program.
The Earth, Life, and Climate program offers the following tracks:
Integrated Stratigraphy and Sedimentary Systems
Dynamics of marine and continental sedimentary systems
Geologists use geologic time scales to monitor the effects of climate, tectonics, and sea level on sedimentary basins over time. Oscillations, trends, or aberrations that have occurred due to changes in these systems are reflected in the sedimentary record and can be studied through field observations, modeling, and lab experiments. These changes are known as sedimentary basin dynamics. An understanding of sedimentary basin dynamics can help predict the occurrence and reservoir size of fossil fuels and other natural resources.
On this track, you will use an integrated stratigraphic approach to explore the dynamics of marine and continental sedimentary systems. You will focus specifically on the processes surrounding the production, transport, and deposition of siliciclastic and carbonate sediments, as well as the application of radiometric and astronomically derived age models.
Potential career path: sedimentologist, stratigrapher, exploration geophysicist.
Climate Reconstruction
The reconstruction of climate change through Earth's history
On the Climate Reconstruction track, you will focus on reconstructing historical climate changes using high-resolution proxy records such as temperature, CO2, salinity, sea level, continental aridity, and climate modeling experiments. The main aim of this area of study is to identify the external and internal forces driving climate change and to understand the response of amongst others the oceans, ice sheets, monsoons, and carbon cycle to these forces. This knowledge can help you predict future climate change and evaluate the consequences of measures taken to counteract these changes.
Potential career path: climate change analyst, climate researcher, paleoclimatologist, marine geologist, physical oceanographer.
Biogeosciences and Evolution
The evolution and response of biota to perturbations in the environments
On the Biogeosciences and Evolution track, you will focus on the evolution and response of biota to perturbations in their environments. You will also work on establishing biogeochemical and geochemical fingerprints to reconstruct particular environmental conditions. Special emphasis is placed on the development of organic and inorganic proxy records such as temperature, CO2, and salinity, through experimental research and actuo-ecological studies. You will also explore ways of identifying new evolutionary traits in microorganisms (e.g. foraminifera and dinoflagellates) and macroorganisms (e.g. mammals).
Potential career path: biogeologist, paleontologist, biological oceanographer, marine physicist.
Biogeochemistry
Processes that control the elemental cycles at the Earth’s surface
On the Biogeochemistry track, you will focus on the processes controlling natural environments on the Earth’s surface. These environments are connected together by the hydrologic cycle and their chemistry is strongly influenced by biological activity. These environments are increasingly perturbed by human activity on a local, regional, and global scale. On this track, you will gain knowledge of the biological, geochemical, and hydrodynamic interactions taking place within these systems. This will allow you to predict the impact of that activity on Earth’s surface environments, as well as develop the means to maintain and improve the quality of these environments.
Potential career path: geochemist, marine chemist.
Career Opportunities
Many of our graduates go on to find employment in research. Depending on your personal interests and ambitions, you will be equipped to work in both fundamental and applied research. You can pursue a career in applied research in government institutes, consulting firms, or various industries. Typical professional profiles of our graduates include Geologist, Sedimentologist, Biogeologist, Physical Geographer, Geochemist and Hydrologist.
Knowledge of large-scale and long-term processes provides you with a good basis for managing major environmental issues. The numerous global-change issues currently facing us mean you can pursue a variety of employment opportunities.
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