Earth Sciences
Earth Science and Economics
In order to keep our economies healthy, we need to apply our scientific knowledge about the earth. Across large parts of Europe, global warming is resulting in warmer winters and drier summers. Extensive regions, mainly crowded areas such as the Rhine, Po and Ganges deltas, are becoming increasingly vulnerable to flooding. Meanwhile, desert areas are expanding: the Mediterranean region, for example, is suffering from reduced citrus fruit harvests and drinking water shortfalls. Large-scale economic development, such as that in China, and the long-term rise in oil prices, are creating demand for new sources of energy. In addition to long-term processes resulting from the drilling of new oil and gas reserves, the challenge of developing alternative sources of earth-, wind- and water-related energy demands that we combine our knowledge of earth science and economics.
Your profile
You are fascinated by problems such as those related to climate change, water management, and increasing energy needs. You are interested in Spatial Economics and Earth Sciences, and you have achieved at least first-year Bachelor’s level in both disciplines (including the relevant methods and techniques). In addition, you have some experience with the integration of Earth Sciences and Economics.
Students holding a Bachelor’s degree in Earth and Economics, regardless of their minor, will be admitted to the Master’s programme. Our Examination Board will check whether you have the required skills level, and may advise you to follow a pre-Master’s programme consisting of Bachelor’s subjects. The Master’s coordinator, Mark Bokhorst, can give further advice on how the admissions procedure works.
Website: www.adaptation.nl |
Structure of the programme
Earth Science and Economics is a two-year programme that is offered on a full-time basis. In addition to lectures, the student council, GeoVUsie, organizes weekly seminars and colloquia, and an annual companies day. See www.geovusie.nl.
Components within the specialization- Scanning the earth (9 ECTS)
- Foundations of behavior (15 ECTS)
- Decision making processes (6 ECTS)
- Thematic modules elect from: ‘Climate and Geo-ecosystems’, ‘Water and ecology’, ‘Energy’ (30 ECTS)
- Selection of electives. A short research is one of the possibilities. (30 ECTS)
- Master Research Project (30 ECTS)
General economic framework: Foundations of behaviour
‘Foundations of behaviour’ aims to equip you with the economic toolbox and empirical research methods needed to structure and analyse the economic dimensions of policy questions. Relevant fields include spatial planning, environmental economics, and infrastructure projects.
- Microeconomics for policy analysis
- Research Methods
Elective 2 out of 4
- Regional and Urban Economics
- Environmental Economics
- Transport Economics
- Global Environmental Problems
Module: Energy
This module focuses on research and development, and the environmental and policy challenges posed by the transition from reliance on fossil fuels to more sustainable sources of energy. The main focus will be on challenges for geo-energy in the shift to clean fossil fuels and sustainable geothermal energy.
- Geothermal energy
- Petroleum Systems and Regional Geology
Module core programme (elective 2 out of 3 + one economic)
- Reflection Seismics
- Energy Technology Assessment
- Energy System Transitions
Elective options
- Petroleum Resources Module
- 3D Seismic Interpretation and Production Geology
- Petroleum Geology of the North Sea
- Environmental and Energy Policy Tools
- Practical Subsurface Evaluation Workshop
- Sedimentary Basins
- Capita Selecta Structural Geology and Tectonics
- Diagenesis of Sedimentary Rocks
- Field Training Geosciences of Basins and Lithosphere
- From Source to Sink: Chemical and Physical Cycles
- Groundwater Flow Modelling
- Hydrochemistry
- Introduction Field Excursion
- Low Temperature Deformations of Rocks and Regions
- Mantle Properties in Lithosphere Development
- Orogenesis
- Portfolio Geosciences of Basins and Lithosphere
Anticipated job market
Our close connections with potential future employers, including the organization of short industry placements and guest lectures, provide students with excellent opportunities in the (international) job market.
The programme produces highly-skilled professionals in key economic areas, including the petroleum and geothermal industries, natural resources, water exploration, and natural hazard mitigation.
Module: Climate and geo-ecosystems
The main aim of this module is to equip students with a basic knowledge of climate and environmental systems, providing them with a background in the field of climate and environmental problems. It is critical that policy- and decision-makers are able to distinguish between natural climatic and environmental evolution and changes that are due to human activity. Knowledge of such processes must come prior to any attempt to adapt to or mitigate the effects of climate change.
Anticipated job market
Governmental policy-making, water management, and spatial planning projects need experts with knowledge of climate change and its longer-term environmental implications. We work closely with governmental organizations and companies that are developing spatial concepts, and companies that are strongly influenced by climate change.
Module: Water and ecology
Water is essential for public health, but can also pose a major threat to public health and safety. The incidence of too much water in one region or season might offer a solution to a water shortage in another region or season. How can changes in land use affect water distribution in a region? What effects can they have on a region’s ecology? How can new natural water resources be utilized while maintaining an acceptable impact on a region’s ecology or land-use possibilities? Water can be used to transport not only energy and nutrients, but also pollution. In this module, you will learn how to apply knowledge of natural water behaviour to economic decision-making.
Subjects (some will be optional)
- Environmental Management in River basins and Coastal Lowlands
- Soil and the Environment
- Ecohydrology
- Regional Hydrogeology and Groundwater Management
- Basics in Geographical Information Systems
- Applied Geographical Information Systems
- Environmental Remote Sensing
- Hydrology in practice
Governmental organizations, such as the Dutch Directorate General of Public Works and Water Management (Rijkswaterstaat), water boards (waterschappen), the World Bank, the UN Development Programme, and a wide range of international research institutes are among those organizations that we expect will be extremely interested in graduates who understand the behaviour of water, economic issues, and governmental organization and decision-making.
Course descriptions
Study guide with course descriptionsContact
More information?
Dr. Mark Bokhorst, coordinator, Earth Science and Economics specialization
Telephone: +31 (0)20 598 7153
E-mail: mark.bokhorst@falw.vu.nl
