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.

The following designations are used:

G2F - First cycle, has at least 60 credits in first-cycle courses as entry requirements

A1N - Second cycle, has only first-cycle courses as entry requirements, at least 120 credits

A1F - Second cycle, has second-cycle courses as entry requirements

A1E - Second cycle, contains degree project for Master of Arts/Master of Science (60 credits)

A2E - Second cycle, degree project for Master of Arts/Master of Science (120 credits)

Semester 1

The first semester is based at the University of Ghent, where the following courses are offered:

Introduction to the circular economy, economics and management of natural resources 4 hp,

• Clean technology 5 hp,
• Rational use of materials 5 hp,
• Environmental inventory techniques 3 hp,
• Resource recovery technology 5 hp.
• Problems and innovations in the process chain of rare resources 4 hp, is given by the University of Technology in Freiberg.

A course in resource chemistry 9 credits is given as a distance course throughout the year, 4 credits are given during the autumn semester at the University of Ghent, 5 credits are given during the spring semester at Uppsala University and the course is completed with a summer school at the University of Technology in Freiberg.

Semester 2

Period 3

• Georesource Exploration and Characterisation, 5 credits (1MP017) Main field(s) of study and in-depth level: Earth Science A1N, Sustainable Development A1N
• Environmental Assessment, 5 credits (1HY042) Main field(s) of study and in-depth level: Earth Science A1N, Sustainable Development A1N

alternatively

• Physical and Chemical Properties of Rocks, Minerals and Materials, 5 credits (1MP018) Main field(s) of study and in-depth level: Earth Science A1N
• African Mineral Resources: The Science and Politics of Sustainable Extraction of Mineral Resources, 5 credits (1MP023) Main field(s) of study and in-depth level: Earth Science A1N, Sustainable Development A1N

Period 4

• Raw Materials Network Seminar, 5 credits (1TE755) Main field(s) of study and in-depth level: Industrial Engineering and Management A1F, Sustainable Development A1F
• Innovation Management and Entrepreneurship, 10 credits (1TE769) Main field(s) of study and in-depth level: Applied Biotechnology A1F, Sustainable Development A1F, Technology A1F

Resource chemistry, 5 hp

( Resource chemistry 9 credits is given as a distance modules during the first and second semester and on site as a summer course).

Semester 3

The joint specialisation will split into three groups for the second year to study different themes. The University of Ghent will offer resource recovery and sustainable materials, Uppsala University will give courses in georesource exploration and the University of Technology in Freiberg will focus on sustainable processes

Period 1

• Exploration and Environmental Geophysics, 15 credits (1GV054) Main field(s) of study and in-depth level: Earth Science A1N

Period 2

• Critical Metals and Minerals, 5 credits (1MP022) Main field(s) of study and in-depth level: Earth Science A1N
• Challenges in Deep and High Stress Mining, 5 credits (1MP024) Main field(s) of study and in-depth level: Earth Science A1N

Literature Study and Business Plan, 5 credits (The course is given as a distance course from the University of Technology in Freiberg and taken by all the students in the joint programme. 

• Degree Project E in Earth Science, 15 of 45 credits (1GV085) Main field(s) of study and in-depth level: Earth Science A2E

Semester 4

• Degree Project E1 in Earth Science, 30 credits (1GV025) Main field(s) of study and in-depth level: Earth Science A2E
• Degree Project E2 in Earth Science, 30 credits (1GV027) Main field(s) of study and in-depth level: Earth Science A2E
• Degree Project E in Earth Science, 45 credits (1GV085) Main field(s) of study and in-depth level: Earth Science A2E

Other courses (given in different periods)

• Exploration and Environmental Geophysics, 15 credits (1GV054) Main field(s) of study and in-depth level: Earth Science A1N
• Environmental and Administration Law, 15 credits (1BG211) Main field(s) of study and in-depth level: Biology G2F
• Hydromechanics, 5 credits (1HY125) Main field(s) of study and in-depth level: Earth Science A1N
• Specialised Course in Earth Science I, 5 credits (1GV163) Main field(s) of study and in-depth level: Earth Science A1F
• Specialised Course in Earth Science II, 10 credits (1GV174) Main field(s) of study and in-depth level: Earth Science A1F
• Independent Project in Earth Sciences, 5 credits (1GV048) Main field(s) of study and in-depth level: Earth Science A1F
• Independent Project in Earth Sciences, 10 credits (1GV049) Main field(s) of study and in-depth level: Earth Science A1F
• Independent Project in Earth Sciences, 15 credits (1GV051) Main field(s) of study and in-depth level: Earth Science A1F
• Professional Training in Earth Sciences, 5 credits (1GV131) Main field(s) of study and in-depth level: Earth Science A1F
• Professional Training in Earth Sciences, 10 credits (1GV132) Main field(s) of study and in-depth level: Earth Science A1F
• Professional Training in Earth Sciences, 15 credits (1GV133) Main field(s) of study and in-depth level: Earth Science A1F