Fachbereich Geowissenschaften

Study Contents MSc Geowissenschaften / Geosciences

The Master's program in "Geowissenschaften / Geosciences" is designed for a standard study period of two years. For a successful degree, students acquire 120 credit points from a program of compulsory modules (30 CP), elective modules (60 CP) and a Master's thesis (30 CP).
Students can focus on one of three specializations (Geodynamics and Geophysics or Mineralogy or Paleontology) or complete the program without specialization.

Detailed information on the study contents can be found in the Module Handbook.

Compulsory Modules for all Geosciences Students

The compulsory program for all students of the M.Sc. Geosciences includes two method-oriented "container" modules, a field course for advanced students, and two general modules covering scientific practice and presentation.

Advanced Field Methods in Geoscience

This advanced field course ensures that practical field training, which represents a key, unique selling point for geoscience graduates on the job market, is anchored in the compulsory teaching.
One mapping course entails:

  • Geological mapping of an area
  • Drawing of a geological map, as well a graphical representation of the stratigraphy and/or lithological relationships in the form of stratigraphical columns, cross sections, etc.
  • Writing of a report that summarizes the observations and interpretation of the geology and geological history of the mapping area

Taught by: Paul Bons

Data Analysis and Modeling Methods in Geoscience and Environmental Science

World-wide technical advances in monitoring the surface and sub-surface result in a new data environment for modern Geo- and Environmental sciences. Problem solving increasingly requires rigorous models and also integration of observations varying in space and time. Extracting the relevant information is achieved with computational methods that also require an understanding of the underlying mathematical principles.
The module allows students to freely combine two methodological units from an extended list. This enables the students to acquire methodological competence in the field of data analysis and modeling, which are needed for their individual study focus, e.g. as part of their Master's thesis.

An overview of the selectable units is given here. 

Experimental and Analytical Methods in Geoscience and Environmental Science

This module is designed to advanced students to gain access to and knowledge of selected and frequently used analytical methods in geosciences, lectured by analytical experts/groups of the institute in theory and "hands on the machines".
The module allows students to freely combine three methodological units from an extended list. This enables the students to acquire methodological competence in experimental/analytical fields, which are needed for their individual study focus, e.g. as part of their Master's thesis.

An overview of the selectable units is given here. 

Scientific Practice and Scientific Presentation

Scientific practice is a research-oriented internship within a work group of the Department of Geosciences. The key objective is to gain insight in ongoing research projects and to plan and design a research agenda for a potential Master's thesis.
All work groups contribute to the supervision within scientific practice.

Scientific Presentation serves to acquire communication and presentation skills. The module includes participations on the Master’s Day and attendances at department seminars. Integral part is the presentation of the results of the Master's thesis in the respective research group and a poster presentation on the Master’s Day.

Compulsory Modules in each Specialization

The elective area offers students the opportunity to specialize in one of the three areas Mineralogy or Paleontology or Geodynamics and Geophysics or to complete their studies without specialization. Depending on the personal study orientation, three modules each are stipulated within these specific specializations, which contain basic study contents necessary for the offered subjects.

Studying without a specialization requires, in addition to the compulsory modules, the successful participation in three from a list of ten specified modules in order to ensure a sufficiently broad geoscientific qualification.

The remaining modules can be chosen as desired and allow for considerable specialization as well as the opportunity to study the entire field of geoscientific research. If course capacities allow, available modules from the M.Sc. Applied and Environmental Geoscience can also be selected. Upon request, additional modules related to the content and qualification objectives of the course can be admitted as elective modules by the chairperson of the examination board.

Specialization "Geodynamics and Geophysics"

Geodynamics deals with the quantification of the interactions between climate, tectonics and processes on the earth's surface. This research is very interdisciplinary and focuses on the integration of depth, surface and atmospheric processes.

Compulsory Modules in "Geodynamics and Geophysics"

Advanced Geophysics

This module teaches advanced methods in geophysics including data acquisition, processing and modelling.
In each semester we will typically explore one or two methods in-depth (e.g., refraction seismics, electrical resistivity tomography, ground-penetrating radar, magnetics) and develop a full processing chain from first principals, e.g., including survey planning, data acquisition, forward modeling and data integration using computational inverse techniques.

Taught by: Reinhard Drews

Physical Properties of Earth Materials

This course essentially addresses the question of how do rocks deform? and how do we know?
For this we need to know the properties of rocks, such as their strength, but we also need to know their behaviour, which is a property by itself. Considering that continents and mountain belts are made of atoms, this course will address the above questions from the atomic scale up to that of a whole ice sheet or mountain belt. The course also emphasises that the microstructure of a rock is an important property.

Taught by: Paul Bons

Physics of the Earth's Surface

This module gives an introduction into the physics of Earth’s surface, with emphasis on processes shaping the Earth’s surface on human and geological timescales. Most importantly an overview of the relevant cycles (energy, water, relevant elements/gases) acting on Earth’s surface will be given. Specific topics addressed in the lecture include: Earth’s surface energy balance, carbon and hydrological cycle and mass balance, how and why tectonics, topography, and climate interact over short and long (million year) timescales, physical and mathematical approaches for understanding erosion and sedimentation by rivers, hillslopes, glacial, and biotic processes. The course combines lectures and computer exercises.

Taught by: Christoph Glotzbach

Specialization "Mineralogy"

Specialization in Mineralogy concentrates on mineralogical, geochemical and petrological processes that take place in and on Earth, including the formation of ore deposits. The analysis, modelling and simulation of these processes is an essential part of the study. Since minerals are the basic building blocks of all rocks and therefore of the earth, modern mineralogical and petrological research and knowledge are the basis for understanding these processes and thus the formation and change of the earth and the planets over time.

Compulsory Modules in "Mineralogy"

Economic Geology

Theoretical and practical introduction into exploration and mining practices used by geologists in the mineral and metal mining sector. The focus is set on drilling (methods, planning, supervising, logging; including drill core logging in the GUZ), data handling (databases, QAQC – Quality Assurance Quality Control, modelling) and data reporting (JORC code).

Taught by: Sebastian Staude

Igneous Processes

This module is concerned with the formation of geologic melts by partial melting of variable source rocks and their evolution during seggregation, ascent, emplacement and final cooling. The connection between magmatism and plate tectonics is discussed, as well as the role of various magmatic and hydrothermal processes producing the diverse plutonic and volcanic rock record. Petrographic observations are combined with geochemical data to develop petrogenetic models for different types of magmatism on our planet.

Taught by: Michael Marks

Isotope Geochemistry

The first part of this module will introduce the participants into the systematics of long- and short-lived radiogenic isotope systems, including the use of U-Th isotope disequilibria and anthropogenic tracers (e.g. Cs-137 and Am-241). Specific applications of these isotope systems - such as dating of old and young geological entities (rocks, minerals, water masses etc.), isotope fingerprinting of mantle reservoirs, characterization of sediment provenances and supercontinent cycles - will be shown and discussed.
The second part of the module concentrates on the fairly recent use of transition metal stable isotope systems (Cr-Fe-Zn-Mo-Se) to high- and low-temperature geological applications.

Taught by: Ronny Schönberg

Specialization "Paleontology"

The focus of this specialization is on both marine and continental biological processes from the past and present. The emphasis is on the understanding of fossil organism groups (from plants to vertebrates) as proxies for changing ecosystems, evolutionary processes, climate dynamics, and facies analysis. In addition, practical knowledge in paleontological laboratory and excavation techniques and other field-based methods are imparted.

Compulsory Modules in "Paleontology"

Evolution of Organisms

The lecture provides an overview about the comparative anatomy of all major vertebrate groups (fishes, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals). We focus on 10 prominent features of vertebrate anatomy (skeleton, eyes, skin, etc.), discuss major transitions in evolution, and study variation in form and function. The practical contains the observation of a variety of animal organ preparations and microscopy to learn about fundamental aspects of vertebrate morphology. The zoological, paleontological, and embryonic collections of Tübingen University will be consulted to gain first-hand observations.

Taught by: Ingmar Werneburg

Palaeoecology of Marine Ecosystems

This module explores marine animals and plants in order to interpret their functional morphology, to explore the relationship between species including predation, as well as to interpret and reconstruct ancient ecosystems. The course consist of introductory lectures, hands-on analysis of recent and fossil material and finally an attempt to reconstruct specific past environments based on their fossil content.

Taught by: James Nebelsick

Palaeoecology of Terrestrial Ecosystems

This module addresses important characteristics of terrestrial ecosystems nowadays and in the past, it describes the main approaches (autoecology, synecology, geochemical tracers), discusses the impact of taphonomy, diagenesis on the reconstruction of palaeoecology of terrestrial ecosystems. It presents the historical development of these ecosystems, i.e. the initial adaptations and the early terrestrial record, the evolution of terrestrial ecosystems through time, the role of biotic and abiotic factors in the evolution of terrestrial ecosystems, the impact of mass extinctions on terrestrial ecosystems, and finally the changes in terrestrial ecosystems and human evolution.

Taught by: Hervé Bocherens

Studies without Specialization

When studying the program without specialization, three modules from the following list must be successfully completed:

Advanced Geophysics

This module teaches advanced methods in geophysics including data acquisition, processing and modelling.
In each semester we will typically explore one or two methods in-depth (e.g., refraction seismics, electrical resistivity tomography, ground-penetrating radar, magnetics) and develop a full processing chain from first principals, e.g., including survey planning, data acquisition, forward modeling and data integration using computational inverse techniques.

Taught by: Reinhard Drews

Advanced Sedimentology

This module introduces the range of sedimentary environments with a focus on modern (and Quaternary) sediments, by:

  • Reviewing the various environmental and climatic settings for the production, transport and deposition of different sediment types
  • Gaining familiarity with the range of analytical techniques used to characterise and quantify modern sedimentary environments
  • Placing sedimentary environments in the context of land-water-atmosphere interactions
  • Investigating changes in sedimentary environments through time, including Anthropocene and potential future changes

Exercises will include the identification of different sediment types, exposure to a range of analytical techniques used for investigating and quantifying modern and Quaternary sedimentary processes, and journal club discussions relating to the above. The skills learnt in this course will prepare students for dealing with a range of geological problems in active sedimentary environments, including addressing Anthropocene and future change.

Taught by: NN

Economic Geology

Theoretical and practical introduction into exploration and mining practices used by geologists in the mineral and metal mining sector. The focus is set on drilling (methods, planning, supervising, logging; including drill core logging in the GUZ), data handling (databases, QAQC – Quality Assurance Quality Control, modelling) and data reporting (JORC code).

Taught by: Sebastian Staude

Evolution of Organisms

The lecture provides an overview about the comparative anatomy of all major vertebrate groups (fishes, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals). We focus on 10 prominent features of vertebrate anatomy (skeleton, eyes, skin, etc.), discuss major transitions in evolution, and study variation in form and function. The practical contains the observation of a variety of animal organ preparations and microscopy to learn about fundamental aspects of vertebrate morphology. The zoological, paleontological, and embryonic collections of Tübingen University will be consulted to gain first-hand observations.

Taught by: Ingmar Werneburg

Igneous Processes

This module is concerned with the formation of geologic melts by partial melting of variable source rocks and their evolution during seggregation, ascent, emplacement and final cooling. The connection between magmatism and plate tectonics is discussed, as well as the role of various magmatic and hydrothermal processes producing the diverse plutonic and volcanic rock record. Petrographic observations are combined with geochemical data to develop petrogenetic models for different types of magmatism on our planet.

Taught by: Michael Marks

Isotope Geochemistry

The first part of this module will introduce the participants into the systematics of long- and short-lived radiogenic isotope systems, including the use of U-Th isotope disequilibria and anthropogenic tracers (e.g. Cs-137 and Am-241). Specific applications of these isotope systems - such as dating of old and young geological entities (rocks, minerals, water masses etc.), isotope fingerprinting of mantle reservoirs, characterization of sediment provenances and supercontinent cycles - will be shown and discussed.
The second part of the module concentrates on the fairly recent use of transition metal stable isotope systems (Cr-Fe-Zn-Mo-Se) to high- and low-temperature geological applications.

Taught by: Ronny Schönberg

Palaeoecology of Marine Ecosystems

This module explores marine animals and plants in order to interpret their functional morphology, to explore the relationship between species including predation, as well as to interpret and reconstruct ancient ecosystems. The course consist of introductory lectures, hands-on analysis of recent and fossil material and finally an attempt to reconstruct specific past environments based on their fossil content.

Taught by: James Nebelsick

Palaeoecology of Terrestrial Ecosystems

This module addresses important characteristics of terrestrial ecosystems nowadays and in the past, it describes the main approaches (autoecology, synecology, geochemical tracers), discusses the impact of taphonomy, diagenesis on the reconstruction of palaeoecology of terrestrial ecosystems. It presents the historical development of these ecosystems, i.e. the initial adaptations and the early terrestrial record, the evolution of terrestrial ecosystems through time, the role of biotic and abiotic factors in the evolution of terrestrial ecosystems, the impact of mass extinctions on terrestrial ecosystems, and finally the changes in terrestrial ecosystems and human evolution.

Taught by: Hervé Bocherens

Physical Properties of Earth Materials

This course essentially addresses the question of how do rocks deform? and how do we know?
For this we need to know the properties of rocks, such as their strength, but we also need to know their behaviour, which is a property by itself. Considering that continents and mountain belts are made of atoms, this course will address the above questions from the atomic scale up to that of a whole ice sheet or mountain belt. The course also emphasises that the microstructure of a rock is an important property.

Taught by: Paul Bons

Physics of the Earth's Surface

This module gives an introduction into the physics of Earth’s surface, with emphasis on processes shaping the Earth’s surface on human and geological timescales. Most importantly an overview of the relevant cycles (energy, water, relevant elements/gases) acting on Earth’s surface will be given. Specific topics addressed in the lecture include: Earth’s surface energy balance, carbon and hydrological cycle and mass balance, how and why tectonics, topography, and climate interact over short and long (million year) timescales, physical and mathematical approaches for understanding erosion and sedimentation by rivers, hillslopes, glacial, and biotic processes. The course combines lectures and computer exercises.

Taught by: Christoph Glotzbach