Master’s programme

Earth Structure and Dynamics

I F TH IS PROGRAMME FOR YOU?

In the Master’s programme in Earth Structure and Dynamicsprogramme, you will explore the composition, structure, and evolutionof the Earth’s crust, mantle, and core. During this two-year programme,you will learn to link geological, geophysical, geochemical, andgeodetic observations made at the Earth’s surface to physical processesoperating within the planet.

SPEC IAL ISE IN ANY ASPECT OF SOL ID EARTH SC IENCE

The programme combines physics, chemistry, mathematics, geology,and field studies to address how the solid Earth works. It allows you tospecialise in virtually any aspect of solid Earth science, ranging fromtheoretical geophysics to pure geology or geochemistry. Many studentschoose a combined geology-geophysics focus.

You can choose one of four tracks based on your specific interests:• Earth Materials• Physics of the Deep Earth and Planets• Basins, Orogens & the Crust-Lithosphere System

PROGRAMME OBJECT IVE

The Earth Structure and Dynamics programme focusses on all aspects ofthe solid Earth as a key component of system Earth – and therefore ofEarth system science. This encompasses the structure, dynamics, andevolution of the solid Earth over the full range of spatial and temporalscales as well as the role of solid Earth structure and processes insocietally relevant issues such as energy, geo-resources, and geohazards.Examples include understanding the physics of tectonically – or human– induced earthquakes, volcanic hazards or petroleum, mineral,sustainable or unconventional resources. Knowledge of these aspects hasdirect relevance for professional profiles and future job opportunities.n Specialise in solid Earth Science

n Study the Earth's crust, mantle and core

n Combine physics, chemistry, mathematicswith geology and field studies

n Choose one of three tracks to suit yourinterests and ambitions

PROGRAMME OUTL INE

• Duration: 2 years (120 ECTS)

• Number of first year students: 35

• Start of studies: September and February

• September deadlines: April 1 (international students)

June 1 (Dutch students)

• February deadlines: September 1 (international students)

December 1 (Dutch students)

• Degree: Master of Science

• Regristration name: Earth Sciences

• Regristration code: 66986

Faculty of Geosciences

Bright minds,better future

Oct

ob

er 2

014

Pub

lish

ed, c

om

pile

d a

nd

pro

du

ced

by:

C&

M, F

acu

lty

of

Geo

scie

nce

s. C

ove

rph

oto

: Jar

no

Ver

ho

ef. A

lth

ou

gh

th

is f

lyer

has

bee

n c

om

pile

d w

ith

th

e g

reat

est

care

, no

rig

hts

may

be

der

ived

fro

m a

ny

of

its

con

ten

ts.

UN

U56

087-

7819

8-en

-US-

1014

-1

CAREER PROSPECTS

Many of our graduates go on to find employment inresearch. Depending on your personal interests andambitions, you will be equipped to work in bothfundamental and applied research. You can pursue acareer in applied research in government institutes,consulting firms, or various industries. Knowledge oflarge-scale and long-term processes provides you witha good basis for managing major environmental issues.The numerous global-change issues currently facing usmean you can pursue a variety of employmentopportunities in divers sectors.Typical professional profiles of our graduates include:• Solid Earth specialist• Geologist• Geophysicist

ADMISS ION

The programme Earth Structure and Dynamics is opento students with a Bachelor's degree in a relevantsubject (e.g. earth sciences, natural sciences, physics,physical geography, civil engineering, appliedmathematics). The decision of the admissionscommittee will be based largely on prior education,motivation and talent and grade point average (GPA).You may still be eligible for admission if you have adegree other than those listed above. In some situationsa pre-Master’s programme will be proposed tocompensate for deficiencies in your previouseducation. For more details on the entrancerequirements, please check www.uu.nl/masters/esd.

Alumna Anne Pluymakers

“For me, the Earth Materials track was the perfect combination of

structural geology and chemistry. In my first year, I did fieldwork in

southern Spain. Close to the actual rock, surrounded by nice views

and in a nice climate, is one of the best places to be as a geologist. In

my second year, I did research in the Experimental Rock Deformation

Laboratory. I determined the effect of CO2 on the frictional behaviour

of pre-existing faults in anhydrite, an important caprock for

hydrocarbon reservoirs and thus for possible CO2 storage sites. CO2

capture is a hot topic at the moment, and it is satisfying to know that

the results of my research are useful to society as well as interesting

from a scientific point of view. I continued my research in a PhD

programme in experimental rock deformation at Utrecht University.”

Outline of degree structure

Year 1

Period 1 Compulsory course (7.5 ECTS) Compulsory course (7.5 ECTS)

Period 2 Compulsory course (7.5 ECTS) Compulsory course (7.5 ECTS)

Period 3 Compulsory course (7.5 ECTS) Compulsory course (7.5 ECTS)

Period 4 2 Elective cources (15 ECTS) or Elective cource + field module (15 ECTS)

Year 2

Period 1

Independent research (30 - 45 ECTS)Traineeship (15 - 30 ECTS) and/orGuided research (7.5 - 15 ECTS)

Period 2

Period 3

Period 4

www.uu.nl/masters

More informationFor special questions relating to the contact of this Master’s

programme, contact the Faculty of Geosciences on +31 (0)30 235 7890

or via mscinfo.geo@uu.nl. For information of application procedures at

Utrecht University, contact Student Services on +31 (0)30 253 7000 or

via studentservices@uu.nl.

www.uu.nl/masters/esd