Earth Sciences

Specializations

Earth Sciences at VU University Amsterdam offers you these specializations:

• Solid Earth
• Applied Environmental Geosciences (AEG)
• Paleoclimatology and Geo-ecosystems
• Earth and Economics  
• Geoarchaeology
  • Archaeometry
  • Landscape Archaeology

Solid Earth
 
In the specialisation ‘Solid Earth’ you will focuss on the Earth’s crust and lithosphere. You will deal with lithosphere tectonics, sedimentary and structural geology, petrology, isotope geochemistry and basin analysis. You will apply geophysics, (isotope) geochemistry and radiometric dating techniques to, for example:

• understand the relations between subduction, volcanism, and metamorphism;  
• ascertain the age and rates of continental collision and uplift, subsidence, denudation and exposure; 
• study the origin, filling and deformation of basins, providing understanding of the structures in which oil and gas can be found; 
• deal with relationships between deeper processes caused by intraplate stresses, surface processes and sedimentary sequences.

More information on Solid Earth
 
Applied Environmental Geosciences (AEG)

This specialization offers you a broad and applied programme focussing on the Earth’s surface. The programme enlarges your knowledge of recent geology and physical geography, land-surface processes, ocean and climate dynamics, climate change, ecology, and the role of man in System Earth. Central themes are: Earth systems and Sediments, Climate Change, Environmental management and Policy, GeoTools and Techniques.

The Applied Environmental Geosciences programme component in the first semester is largely comparable to the Paleoclimate and Geo-ecosystems research Master’s programme. The elective options in the first and second year provide the opportunity to explore your own interests and to further specialize for the labour market.

More information on applied Environmental Geosciences

Paleoclimatology and Geo-ecosystems

This Master’s programme will teach you how to account for the interaction between climate and marine/terrestrial ecosystems by studying the geological past A good knowledge of geology, biology, chemistry and physics is essential. You will use paleoclimate records from land and ocean environments to assess the dynamic relationship between the climate compartments.

Paleoclimatologists unravel the processes controlling past and present climate change. A better understanding of these processes helps us improve our climate predictions. This Master’s programme covers the full spectrum of paleoclimate research from a resolution of 10,000 to 100,000 years down to the rapid climate change occurring on millennial or even multiannual time scales.

The programme also focuses on extreme climate states from the geological past to assess the full natural range in climate change between an ice age and a greenhouse world. The results of paleoclimate reconstructions can provide clues to our man-made future climate. 

More information on Paleoclimatology and Geo-ecosystems

Earth Science and Economics
Keeping economies healthy requires implementation of Earth scientific knowledge. Apart from implementation of long-term processes resulting from drilling new oil and gas resources, alternative sources like earth heat, wind energy or large water dams require combined earth scientific and economic knowledge.

More information on Earth Science and economics

Geoarchaeology

In this specialisation earth scientific principles are combined with a solid base in cultural archaeology. In this way, you will be provided with a science-based insight in archaeology. Geoarchaeology as a material science, to understand material properties of artefacts, of ancient techniques and of on-site preservation. Geoarchaeology as geography for landscape reconstruction and knowledge of influences of soil on materials. Or Geoarchaeology as biology for (bio)degradation and paleodiet. Combine all these aspects in your master education and become the expert Europe is waiting for.  

• Archaeometry
  Focuses on developing your numeracy and logical reasoning in a scientific environment. The student becomes familiar with mineralogical and physico-chemical instrumental analysis techniques, and aspects of material science pertaining to archaeological materials. You will, for instance, learn how ancient technologies of ceramic, glass and metal production developed through time; a specialisation in conservation science is optional.
• Landscape Archaeology
  This specialization covers all chronological periods, familiarizing students with local geomorphological settings and land use. Within these specialisations you will also learn about Bio-archaeology which deals with modern techniques in bio-material studies, including stable isotopes and ancient DNA. Fieldwork in- and outside the Netherlands is an essential part of the specialisations.

More information on Geoarchaeology

Study Guide

Please click on the link to go to the online study guide to view all courses. 

Online study guide