The subject geophysics

Our society is currently facing major geoscientific challenges: climate change, natural disasters, the supply of industry with important raw materials for the energy transition, and the final disposal of radioactive waste are just a few examples. In all these areas, the subject of geophysics plays a central role as a fundamental science.

Geophysics explores the earth and its immediate environment using the methods of physics. The goal is a comprehensive understanding of the physical properties of the Earth and the dynamic processes that shape the Earth system. In addition to the Earth's crust and interior, modern geophysics also deals with the oceans and atmosphere and applies its findings to other planets. The subject has a strongly interdisciplinary character: methodologically, it clearly belongs to physics, while it shares the object of study with the earth sciences. In terms of content, it ranges from very theoretical sub-disciplines (geophysical fluid dynamics, inversion theory, plasma physics, ...) to areas where large amounts of data are collected and analyzed in international research associations (seismology, geomagnetism, ...) to very applied research with direct practical relevance (raw material exploration with drones, engineering geophysics, exploration of archaeological sites...).

Study Geophysics in Münster

In Münster, geophysics courses are offered by the Department of Physics. The concept differs from most other locations in Germany in that Münster offers a full course of study (Bachelor and postgraduate Master) in pure geophysics. The institute is set up in such a way that research and teaching cover a wide range of theoretical, experimental and applied aspects. Students thus have the opportunity to find out during their studies which areas particularly appeal to them in terms of content and methodology and do not commit themselves in advance to a particular direction by choosing the place of study. At the same time, the location of the program in the Department of Physics guarantees a solid mathematical/scientific education that does not shy away from international comparisons. The import of courses from the Department of Earth Sciences ensures that the necessary geoscientific basics are taught.

In short, the goal of the bachelor's program at Münster is to provide a solid and broad education in geophysics, including experimental and theoretical aspects as well as applied issues. Special emphasis is placed on a good basic mathematical/physical education, which opens up a wide field of activities for graduates in industry and science. Regardless of whether you want to enter the profession directly after graduation or would like to gain further scientific qualifications: a completed bachelor's degree in geophysics opens up a wide range of opportunities. To get an impression of what career paths are possible, it is worth taking a look at the section  What graduates say ... . ... .

After completing the bachelor's program, you can also enter the international master's program in Geophysics directly in Münster. Here, the focus is even more on research - half of the master's program you work on your own project and are fully integrated into the daily research routine!

Start of studies

The Bachelor's program begins in the winter semester. It is not possible to start in the summer semester. Since the previous knowledge of first-year students in the fields of mathematics and physics is often very different,  preliminary courses  are offered at the University of Münster to ease the transition from school to university, and we strongly recommend attending them. These preliminary courses usually take place in September, shortly before the start of regular lectures.

Daily study routine

The daily study routine is characterized by small cohorts and intensive supervision. You spend a lot of time at the Institute of Geophysics and are in close contact with the scientists who work there. You will not find anonymity and overcrowded lecture halls here! For self-study, workstations are available in the library and the CIP pools of the institute, which enable you to master the challenges of your studies together with others. Unlike many other natural science majors, the ratio of women to men among students in geophysics is nearly balanced.

In the first three semesters of your studies, you will get an overview of the subject of geophysics, its methods, and the geoscientific issues that geophysics deals with. The focus in this phase is clearly on acquiring the necessary basic knowledge in mathematics and physics. You will attend the corresponding courses together with students of physics, so that a change between the subjects physics and geophysics within the first three semesters is possible without any problems. From the 4th semester onwards, geophysics will be the focus of your studies. In in-depth lectures you will deal with topics such as applied geophysics, seismology (earthquake research) and the dynamics of the Earth system. You will train in practical field work and working in international teams as part of an international field course, which we organize together with the Universities of Paris South and Edinburgh. In addition, you will expand your geoscientific knowledge and have the opportunity to get a taste of other disciplines in freely selectable minor subjects. Whether language courses, philosophical seminars or economic knowledge - much is possible within the scope of the freely selectable area. For your Bachelor's thesis at the end of your studies, you will be integrated into one of the Institute's working groups and thus experience how science works in practice.

A summary of the content of the courses in the bachelor's program can be found here.

Interested?

Are you considering studying geophysics and have further questions? Then contact us! By phone, in a Zoom conference, or in a personal meeting, we will be happy to assist you (to make an appointment, send an email to studienberatung.geophysik@uni-muenster.de). This way you can get an impression of the study situation in Münster in advance. Or you can contact our students, who are organized in the  student council geophysics and who can offer you information about the study program and student life directly from their daily study routine. You can also get an impression of how students experience everyday study, what challenges they have to deal with and what they particularly like about studying geophysics on the page What students say ... .