Earth and Space Sciences (BSc) Program at a Glance

• Explain the natural phenomena in the world around us
• Tackle problems as diverse as the origin of the universe and the greenhouse effect
• Study such microscopically small objects as mineral crystals, and extremely large ones, such as galaxies
• Expand into new fields of modern research and techniques
• Provide the opportunity to work outdoors, in the laboratory and on the latest supercomputers
• Offer a vast range of career opportunities

Jacobs University offers a three-year Bachelor of Science program in Earth and Space Sciences. This program addresses questions that require a transdisciplinary view of our planet and the universe, such as the study of the Earth’s climate and oceans, its natural resources, the link between Sun and Earth, as well as the origin of the solar system and the evolution of life. ESS topped the table in the largest nationwide university ranking (CHE) in 2009.

The first year offers a broad natural science education with lectures accompanied by laboratory and data analysis courses. In the second year, students can choose to specialize in a large number of areas such as astrophysics, space physics, oceanography, environmental geosciences, natural resources, geoinformatics and even some exotic fields such as astrobiology and space exploration.

Specialization areas from second year on:

• Astro and Space Physics
• Oceanography
• Geochemistry
• Resources and Environment

During the first year, general (introductory) lectures and lab courses are mandatory. As outlined in the handbook, the students select more courses from a variety of electives from the School of Engineering and Science (SES) or from the School of Humanities and Social Sciences (SHSS). In addition, so-called University Studies Courses (USCs) have to be selected which are taught by professors from both Schools. They are unique in that here perspectives from apparently different areas of science are brought together.

For a full listing of the Course Requirements of the Undergraduate ESS Program please see the program handbook. 
 
See also the Program Handbook for the course requirements for students matriculated in the year:
2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004

Full-Time Faculty:
Prof. Dr. Michael Bau
Geosciences

Prof. Marcus Brüggen, PhD
Astrophysics
Prof. Dr. Andrea Koschinsky-Fritsche
Geosciences
Prof. Dr. Stephan Rosswog
Astrophysics
Prof. Dr. Laurenz Thomsen
Oceanography
Prof. Vikram Unnithan, PhD
Geosciences
Prof. Dr. Joachim Vogt
Space Physics


Adjunct Faculty:
Prof. Dr. Jelle Bijma
Geosciences
Prof. Dr. Rüdiger Gerdes
Oceanography
Prof. Dr. Arzhang Khalili
Computational Science
Prof. Dr. Klaus Slenzka
Space Exploration
Prof. Dr. Karen Wiltshire
Oceanography

The study of Earth and Space Sciences will give you an excellent foundation for future careers in fields as diverse as engineering, geosciences, the life sciences, climate research, work in international space agencies or theoretical physics research. Our teaching philosophy emphasizes a transdisciplinary view of the world, relies on a mixture of theoretical and hands-on practical work, and focuses on problem-solving skills that are also in high demand in a variety of career paths. Moreover, in this major, teaching and teamwork, helpdesks and personal training will provide you with a sound background in the natural sciences and mathematics. Mandatory courses in the humanities and soft skills acquired in seminars, laboratory courses and field trips will prepare you for a leading role in today’s world. We strive to equip you with state-of-the-art expertise, knowledge and a professional flexibility that will enable you to work at the forefront of research, in industry and in academia.
As with graduates in the other sciences less than half take up careers closely related to their chosen degree subject. A majority of graduates find equally rewarding careers in other areas, for which they are very well suited by their general scientific training and the wide range of core skills developed during their degree courses.


Career opportunities include:

• Exploration and production - searching and managing of natural resources such as fossil fuels, metals, renewables both on land and in the ocean
• Managing and environmental - investigating and monitoring ground conditions associated with construction, planning, land/ocean use, reclamation of contaminated land/seafloor, and waste disposal.
• Geological surveying - collecting surface and subsurface geological information, onshore and offshore, for geological, geophysical and geochemical maps and databases.
• Education and research - teaching and research in universities; teaching in schools and colleges; museum work.
• Developing methods and strategies for renewable energy
• Planning satellite missions for Space Agencies
• Becoming a staff astronomer at observatories such as the European Southern Observatory (ESO)
• Working in Space and Aeronautics Industry
• Working as Science Journalist
• Pursuing a University career in
  • Geosciences
  • Ocean sciences
  • Applied and theoretical physics
  • Resource management
  • Astronomy/Physics

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