Master's Programme in Earth Science

120 credits

Programme syllabus, TGV2M

A revised version of the programme syllabus is available.
Code
TGV2M
Finalised by
The Faculty Board of Science and Technology, 12 November 2015
Registration number
TEKNAT 2014/47
Responsible faculty
Faculty of Science and Technology
Responsible department
Department of Earth Sciences

Decisions and guidelines

1. Decision to offer two-year Master programmes

According to a decision taken by the Vice Chancellor 2006-09-16, Uppsala University will offer two-year Master programmes in biology, computer science, physics, earth science, sustainable development, chemistry, mathematics, computational science and applied biotechnology, all from 2007-07-01. Furthermore according to a decision taken by the Vice Chancellor 2008-06-07 a Master programme in bioinformatics from 2009-07-01.

2. Objectives for a Degree

2.1 Objectives for a Degree of Master (One Year) (Magisterexamen)

Objectives for a Degree of Master (One Year) according to the Higher Education Ordinance, System of Qualifications.

Knowledge and understanding

For a Degree of Master (One Year) students must

- demonstrate knowledge and understanding in their main field of study, including both a broad command of the field and deeper knowledge of certain parts of the field, together with insight into current research and development work; and

- demonstrate deeper methodological knowledge in their main field of study.

Skills and abilities

For a Degree of Master (One Year) students must

- demonstrate an ability to integrate knowledge and to analyse, assess and deal with complex phenomena, issues and situations, even when limited information is available;

- demonstrate an ability to independently identify and formulate issues and to plan and, using appropriate methods, carry out advanced tasks within specified time limits;

- demonstrate an ability to clearly present and discuss their conclusions and the knowledge and arguments behind them, in dialogue with different groups, orally and in writing; and

- demonstrate the skill required to participate in research and development work or to work in other advanced contexts.

Judgement and approach

For a Degree of Master (One Year) students must

- demonstrate an ability to make assessments in their main field of study, taking into account relevant scientific, social and ethical aspects, and demonstrate an awareness of ethical aspects of research and development work;

- demonstrate insight into the potential and limitations of science, its role in society and people's responsibility for how it is used; and

- demonstrate an ability to identify their need of further knowledge and to take responsibility for developing their knowledge.

2.2 Objectives for a Degree of Master (Two Years) (Masterexamen)

Objectives for a Degree of Master (Two Years) according to the Higher Education Ordinance, System of Qualifications.

Knowledge and understanding

For a Degree of Master (Two Years) students must

- demonstrate knowledge and understanding in their main field of study, including both broad knowledge in the field and substantially deeper knowledge of certain parts of the field, together with deeper insight into current research and development work; and

- demonstrate deeper methodological knowledge in their main field of study.

Skills and abilities

For a Degree of Master (Two Years) students must

- demonstrate an ability to critically and systematically integrate knowledge and to analyse, assess and deal with complex phenomena, issues and situations, even when limited information is available;

- demonstrate an ability to critically, independently and creatively identify and formulate issues and to plan and, using appropriate methods, carry out advanced tasks within specified time limits, so as to contribute to the development of knowledge and to evaluate this work;

- demonstrate an ability to clearly present and discuss their conclusions and the knowledge and arguments behind them, in dialogue with different groups, orally and in writing, in national and international contexts; and - demonstrate the skill required to participate in research and development work or to work independently in other advanced contexts.

Judgement and approach

For a Degree of Master (Two Years) students must

- demonstrate an ability to make assessments in their main field of study, taking into account relevant scientific, social and ethical aspects, and demonstrate an awareness of ethical aspects of research and development work;

- demonstrate insight into the potential and limitations of science, its role in society and people's responsibility for how it is used; and

- demonstrate an ability to identify their need of further knowledge and to take responsibility for developing their knowledge.

Entry requirements

European Palaeobiology Specialisation (Uppsala-Lille)

Bachelor of Science (i.e. three years of full-time studies), including 90 credits in earth science or 90 credits in biology.

Proof of skills in English to a level corresponding to English B in the Swedish secondary school. This is normally attested by means of an internationally recognised test with the following minimum scores:

  • IELTS: an overall mark of 6.5 and no section below 5.5
  • TOEFL: Paper-based: Score of 4.5 (scale 1-6) in written test and a total score of 575. Internet-based: Score of 20 (scale 0-30) in written test and a total score of 90
  • Cambridge: CAE, CPE

Geology

Bachelor of science (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 or 90 credits in geology.

Proof of skills in English to a level corresponding to English B in the Swedish secondary school. This is normally attested by means of an internationally recognised test with the following minimum scores:

  • IELTS: an overall mark of 6.5 and no section below 5.5
  • TOEFL: Paper-based: Score of 4.5 (scale 1-6) in written test and a total score of 575. Internet-based: Score of 20 (scale 0-30) in written test and a total score of 90
  • Cambridge: CAE, CPE

Sustainable and Innovative Natural Resource Management

Bachelor of science (i.e. three years of full-time studies), including 90 credits in engineering or science (physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics, earth science, computer science, materials science), including 10 credits in chemistry and 15 credits in mathematics or physics.

Proof of skills in English to a level corresponding to English B in the Swedish secondary school. This is normally attested by means of an internationally recognised test with the following minimum scores:

  • IELTS: an overall mark of 6.5 and no section below 5.5
  • TOEFL: Paper-based: Score of 4.5 (scale 1-6) in written test and a total score of 575. Internet-based: Score of 20 (scale 0-30) in written test and a total score of 90
  • Cambridge: CAE, CPE

Hydrology/Hydrogeology

Bachelor of Science (i.e. three years of full-time studies), including 90 credits in earth science and 15 credits in mathematics or 90 credits in physics.

Proof of skills in English to a level corresponding to English B in the Swedish secondary school. This is normally attested by means of an internationally recognised test with the following minimum scores:

  • IELTS: an overall mark of 6.5 and no section below 5.5
  • TOEFL: Paper-based: Score of 4.5 (scale 1-6) in written test and a total score of 575. Internet-based: Score of 20 (scale 0-30) in written test and a total score of 90
  • Cambridge: CAE, CPE

Physical Geography

Bachelor of Science (i.e. three years of full-time studies), including 90 credits in earth science.

Proof of skills in English to a level corresponding to English B in the Swedish secondary school. This is normally attested by means of an internationally recognised test with the following minimum scores:

  • IELTS: an overall mark of 6.5 and no section below 5.5
  • TOEFL: Paper-based: Score of 4.5 (scale 1-6) in written test and a total score of 575. Internet-based: Score of 20 (scale 0-30) in written test and a total score of 90
  • Cambridge: CAE, CPE

Palaeobiology

Bachelor of Science (i.e. three years of full-time studies), including 90 credits in earth science or 90 credits in biology.

Proof of skills in English to a level corresponding to English B in the Swedish secondary school. This is normally attested by means of an internationally recognised test with the following minimum scores:

  • IELTS: an overall mark of 6.5 and no section below 5.5
  • TOEFL: Paper-based: Score of 4.5 (scale 1-6) in written test and a total score of 575. Internet-based: Score of 20 (scale 0-30) in written test and a total score of 90
  • Cambridge: CAE, CPE

Layout of the programme

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's education (advanced level) will enhance the student’s knowledge, skill and competence in one or several specialisation 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's 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 analyse problems, perform compilations and evaluations in her/his field of specialisation. 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 specialisations in the programme:

• Geology

• Hydrology/Hydrogeology

• European Palaeobiology (Uppsala-Lille)

• Palaeobiology

• Physical Geography

• Sustainable and Innovative Natural Resource Management

The first part of the first semester of the programme, offering the courses common to all specialisations. The semester starts with a broad course that provides a depth of insight into earth systems and a course in applied GIS. Dynamics of Earth Systems – Global Change, Global Geophysics and Analytical Methods in Earth Science, is common to all specialisations. The following semesterscourses develop theoretical and practical skills in subjects such as analytical techniques and presentation and publication.

In semesters two and three core courses in the different specialisations are offered. The European palaeobiology specialisation is joint with the University of Lille 1, UFR des Sciences de la Terre, France. The first semester in this specialisation is given at Université Lille, UFR des Sciences de la Terre according to their programme syllabus. Semesters two and three are given at Uppsala Universitet together with the specialisation in palaeobiology. The final semester can be read at either Uppsala universitet or Université Lille.

The specialisation Sustainable and Innovative Natural Resource Management is a joint programme given by the University of Ghent, Belgium, Uppsala University and the University of Technology in Freiberg, Germany. The first semester is hosted by the University of Ghent, the second semester at Uppsala University and the summer semester at the University of Technology in Frieberg. Semesters three and four can be chosen from the University of Ghent, Uppsala University or the University of Technology in Freiberg.

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, the Masters programme in Sustainable Development and the specialisations in Geophysics and Meteorology of the Masters programme in Physics. There are specific admission requirements to each course but the syllabus offers a large freedom to chose a personal profile of the education. The final thesis is at least one semester (30 credits) and can be hosted by the department, a business, governmental or non-governmental organisation.

4.3.5 The courses of the programme

The courses in the programme can be seen from the outline. The extent of the courses is given in higher education credits (hp). Courses, up to 30 credits, also can be chosen from other main fields.

Degree

3.1 Regulations according to Higher Education Ordinance

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 the main field of study. In addition, the student must hold a Degree of Bachelor, a Degree of Bachelor of Arts in…, a professional degree worth at least 180 higher education credits or an equivalent foreign qualification.

Exceptions may be made to the requirement of a previous qualification for a student who has been admitted to the educational programme without having had basic eligibility in the form of a qualification. However, this does not apply if in the admissions process an exception has been made under Chapter 7, Section 28, second paragraph on the grounds that there has been insufficient time to issue a qualification certificate.

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 the main field of study. In addition, the student must hold a Degree of Bachelor, a Degree of Bachelor of Arts in…, a professional degree worth at least 180 higher education credits or an equivalent foreign qualification.

Exceptions may be made to the requirement of a previous qualification for a student who has been admitted to the educational programme without having had basic eligibility in the form of a qualification. However, this does not apply if in the admissions process an exception has been made under Chapter 7, Section 28, second paragraph on the grounds that there has been insufficient time to issue a qualification certificate.

Independent project (degree project)

For a Degree of Master (One Year) students must have completed an independent project (degree project) worth at least 15 higher education credits in their main field of study, within the framework of the course requirements.

For a Degree of Master (Two Years) students must have completed an independent project (degree project) worth at least 30 higher education credits in their main field of study, within the framework of the course requirements. The independent project may comprise less than 30 higher education credits, but not less than 15 higher education credits, if the student has already completed an independent project at the second level worth at least 15 higher education credits in their main field of study, or an equivalent project in a foreign educational programme.

3.2 Local regulations

Main fields for a Degree of Master (One Year) and a Degree of Master (Two Years) at the Faculty of Science and Technology are Biology, Computer Science, Physics, Earth Science, Sustainable Development, Chemistry, Mathematics, Computational Science and Applied Biotechnology.

A Degree of Master (one year ) may, except for courses on advanced level, contain one or several courses on basic level comprising not more than 15 higher education credits. 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. The course or the courses are meant to provide such additional competence as is needed for in-depth studies in the main field of study and cannot be included in the student's basic degree.

For a Degree of Master (Two Years) students must have completed an independent project (degree project) worth at least 30 higher education credits.

Other directives

Students who, outside the programme, have acquired equivalent qualifications corresponding to at least 15 credits 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.

Outline

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