M.Sc. in Earth Sciences: Global Environmental Change and Policy

Curriculum

1st year

Which specialisation do you choose?

The first year you choose your specialisation. This year consists mainly of compulsory courses, practicals and an excursion in the first or second year and is finished with an individual Research Project.

Geology and Geochemistry

Summary

Your focus is on understanding the Earth from the perspectives of geology and geochemistry, covering geodynamics, tectonics, sedimentary and structural geology, stratigraphy, petrology, isotope geochemistry, planetary evolution, and basin analysis. You apply geological and geochemical techniques to, for example:

understand the relations between subduction, volcanism and metamorphism;

• ascertain the age and rates of continental collision and uplift, subsidence and denudation;
• study the origin, filling and deformation of basins, providing understanding of the structures in reservoirs, e.g. for geothermal energy;
• deal with relationships between deeper processes caused by intraplate stresses, surface processes and sedimentary sequences;
• compare the evolution of Earth with other rocky bodies in our solar system.

Compulsory courses include a field excursion and you will also do two individual research projects, that can be combined with a set of optional courses to further specialise in five streams (see details below). There is a large choice of research and thesis projects ranging from ‘Magma genesis in the Lesser Antilles Arc’ to ‘Towards improved Synthetic Seismograms.’

Streams

Stream G&G 1: Geochemistry and Petrology

You learn a broad range of geochemical and petrological techniques and apply those to explore the processes responsible for the formation and development of the Earth’s crust, mantle and core.

Stream G&G 2: Geodynamics and Tectonics

You study the deformation and flow in the Earth from the upper crustal scale to the whole mantle scale, and learn to investigate the driving forces and resistive forces involved in such deformation and flow.

Stream G&G 3: Subsurface resourcing

In this stream you learn about exploration of earth resources and subsurface activities in its broadest sense. This stream deals with the current transition from fossil fuels to more sustainable energy, including sequestration of CO2 and use of geothermal energy.

Stream G&G 4: Planetary Science

You study the processes that lead to the formation and evolution of rocky planets and moons to provide a better understanding of Earth’s evolution.

Stream G&G and E&C 5: Sedimentology and Stratigraphy

You study sedimentary processes and depositional environments in a range of settings in field and/or lab oriented studies on carbonate and/or siliciclastic sediments and rocks from the Quaternary back to the Precambrian.

Earth and Climate

Summary

You’ll focus on the Earth's surface and also study climate records, applying field work with laboratory research to, for example:

• understand and reconstruct land-surface processes, ocean and climate dynamics, biogeochemical cycles, (paleo-)ecology, and the role of humanity;
• assess the relationship between Earth’s spheres on time-scales between tens and millions of years;
• quantify the magnitudes and rates of climate change;
• deal with environmental management and policy topics.

Electives enable you to explore your own areas of interest, and you can choose from a range of research and thesis projects; you can also follow courses from the other tracks.

Streams

Stream E&C 1: Climate Dynamics and Earth System Modelling

Understand today’s climate system and how its components interact, and become an expert in numeric climate modelling and data analysis, helpful in predicting future climate.

Compulsory courses:

• Climate Systems
• Advanced Spatial Analysis
• Climate Modelling
• Physics of the Climate System

Stream E&C 2: Paleoceanography and Biogeochemical Cycles

Study the history of the ocean. Learn about past and modern climate change and how to quantify magnitudes and rates of changes. You may even get to join a sea-going expedition.

Compulsory courses:

• Climate Systems
• Marine Paleoclimatology
• Advanced Spatial Analysis
• Practical Paleoclimate
• Global biogeochemical cycles

Stream E&C 3: Earth Surface Dynamics

Understand why landscapes look the way they do. You’ll study the past and present roles of changing climates, vegetation and human society, and learn techniques used in industry and academia.

Compulsory courses:

• Climate Systems
• Terrestrial Paleoclimatology
• Practical Environmental Reconstructions
• Tectonic Geomorphology
• Advanced Spatial Analysis

Stream E&C 4: Remote Sensing and Spatial Analysis

Learn methodological skills such as remote sensing imagery and learn to work with large datasets. You can choose electives in your own fields of interest.

Compulsory courses:

• Climate Systems
• Advanced Spatial Analysis
• Environmental Remote Sensing
• Imaging Landscapes

Stream G&G and E&C 5: Sedimentology and Stratigraphy

You study sedimentary processes and depositional environments in a range of settings. You could specialise for example in microbial mineral formation or stable isotope geochemistry.

Compulsory courses:

• Sedimentary Basins
• Tectonic Geomorphology
• Field Excursion
• Advanced Spatial Analysis

Global Environmental Change and Policy

Summary

If you want to help create sustainable solutions to challenges caused by major changes in the Earth’s geological and environmental systems through sound interdisciplinary research, this track is for you. Humanity has entered the Anthropocene, a new period in Earth history characterised by the unprecedented impacts of human activities on the Earth’s systems; this specialisation addresses those impacts. As well as understanding the Earth System, you will analyse the broader social, political and economic aspects of global environmental change.

In the first year you will study Earth Sciences, Environmental Economics and Environmental Policy and Governance, exploring integrated approaches to solving global sustainability challenges. You will also learn methods of interdisciplinary research, including fieldwork.

Compulsory courses include:

• Tenerife fieldwork
• Land-use Change and Ecosystems
• Climate Impacts and Policy
• Advanced Spatial Analysis
• Methods for Environment and Resource Management
• Designing Interdisciplinary Research

Depending on the stream you choose, you can select different electives in energy, ecosystems and biodiversity, and water. In the first year you will go on a field trip to Tenerife where you will study causes and solutions to the variety of sustainability problems on this island. More information on the research course on Tenerife can be found here.

For Whom?

The specialisation is for students who want to go beyond understanding the earth system, but instead aim to contribute to sustainable solutions by analysing the broader social, political and economic aspects of global environmental change. Our students are highly motivated, interested in interdisciplinarity, focused on solutions rather than limitations, and equipped with a critical and analytical mind.

What?

This is a rigorous, two-year Masters programme aimed at developing student’s skills in scientific research. Students can expect to learn a range of skills to achieve this: from knowledge of earth systems and climate change, to technical skills in programming and GIS, to developing research proposals, two opportunities to conduct research in fields of their interests, and understanding of how this research can be applied within wider contexts of economics and policy making. The opportunity to specialize in their second year deepens applied knowledge within one of three streams, providing opportunity to be a generalist with specialist knowledge on water, energy or biodiversity and ecosystems.

Science teacher degree

In conjunction with this programme, an elective science teaching degree is also offered to students. This option would provide you with a teaching certification for secondary education. You become a specialist in your field and at the same time get to share your passion and inspire the scientists of tomorrow. Furthermore, a teaching degree will give you job flexibility, freedom, autonomy and a great sense of contribution.

2nd year

Continue with the choosen specialisation

The second year offers a variety of electives focused on advanced and more specialised topics and themes, like Planetary Science, Man and Climate and Geothermal Energy. The year is finished with the Master Thesis, which can include an internship.

Geology and Geochemistry

Summary

You have acquired a broad background by following a set of compulsory courses in the first year. In the second year you will focus on a set of optional courses, finishing the Research Project started in the first year and the Master Thesis.

Earth and Climate

Science Communication

Summary

Bridge the gap between science and society

Many of the societal challenges that require research and innovation cannot be addressed by scientists alone. And at a time when ‘the facts’ are being questioned, scientists need to engage with the public more openly. Take, for instance, public health issues like the coronavirus pandemic. Scientists conduct numerous studies on the best preventive measures, but those measures need to be understood and adopted by the public in order to be effective. And when it comes to climate change, many members of the public are still resistant to believing the scientific data, which makes them reluctant to change their behaviour in ways that protect the environment. On these and other issues, how can scientists engage with members of the public in thoughtful and productive ways?

This specialisation provides you with the relevant knowledge, skills and practical experience to help shape meaningful conversations about science in public. You will not only learn how to inform and educate the public about science, but you will also learn how to engage the public in addressing societal issues together with scientists and innovators. After completing this specialisation, you will have an in-demand skills set. You can work, for instance, as a science journalist at a newspaper, a communications advisor at a biomedical company, a content manager at a science museum, or as a public relations manager at an environmental organisation. The specialisation is open to students of both VU Amsterdam and the University of Amsterdam (UvA).

The Science Communication specialisation immerses you in the world of science communication through five courses and an internship. During the first semester, you will to follow two compulsory courses: Research Methods for Analyzing Complex Problems (6 EC) and Science and Communication (6 EC). You will also choose (at least) two out of three elective courses in science communication (18 EC total): Science Journalism (6 EC), Science in Dialogue (6 EC) and Science Museology (6 EC). The third course is an elective. This could be an elective course from your Master’s programme. Visit Studiegids for an overview of elective courses of your Master's programme.

During the second semester, you will conduct an internship in which you apply the knowledge and skills you have acquired in the courses (30 EC). You can choose between a reflective practice internship (only if you follow this specialisation in the second year of your master’s programme) or a research internship. With a reflective practice internship, you will work at a science communication company and apply the knowledge you have acquired to professional practice (21 EC). You will also write a reflection on professional practice (9 EC). If you choose a research internship, you will conduct research in the field of science communication.

Science in Society

Summary

Bridge the gap between science and society

There is an urgent need for professionals with an academic background in the natural and life sciences, who have knowledge of policy, management and entrepreneurship. The Science in Society specialisation prepares you for working, for instance, as a consultant, policymaker, researcher or entrepreneur at the interface of science, technology and society. It provides you with tools and strategies for understanding and addressing complex societal problems related to scientific, technological or medical developments.

During the specialisation, you will learn to analyse and create policy advisory reports and to improve on aspects of management such as leadership styles and motivation techniques. The specialisation is open to students of both VU Amsterdam and the University of Amsterdam (UvA).

The Science in Society specialisation teaches you how to identify, analyse and manage complex societal problems.

During the first semester, you will follow three compulsory courses:

• Research Methods for Analyzing Complex Problems (6 EC)
• Analyzing Governmental Policy (6 EC)
• Communication, Organization and Management (6 EC).

You will also choose two or three elective courses (12 EC total). You can find an overview of all elective courses you can choose from here.

During the second semester, you will conduct an internship in which you apply the knowledge and skills you have acquired in the courses to professional practice (30 EC)
.
Secondary Education Teacher Training for STEM Disciplines

Summary

Motivate & inspire students as a teacher in the STEM disciplines - This specialisation is taught in Dutch.

During the specialisation Secondary Education Teacher Training for STEM Disciplines, you will learn how to transfer your knowledge and motivate and inspire students in your field of study, whether it is Geography, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry or Biology. For computer science, there is another route: the one-year teacher training programme. The courses for this teacher training specialisation are taught in Dutch and your teaching qualification will be valid in the Netherlands.

As a teacher, you make an important contribution to the future of young people, society and education in the Netherlands. In our knowledge economy, specialists in the area of knowledge transfer are indispensable. With an abundance of jobs in secondary education, obtaining a teaching qualification guarantees job security and—flexibility—because in addition to being a teacher, you are also a scientist in your field.

The teacher training programmes at VU Amsterdam are unique because of their modular structure that is built around 20 themes (core practices). You will apply these teaching practices directly in the classroom, as you will be working in a school for more than 50% of your study programme. At VU Amsterdam, personal attention and individual guidance are top priority. You will have a mentor from VU Amsterdam and a workplace supervisor who is an experienced first-degree subject teacher.

With this specialisation, you will obtain a specialist Master's degree in a STEM discipline and a first-degree teaching qualification (eerstegraads lesbevoegdheid). This means that in two years, you will be qualified to teach both lower and upper secondary vocational education (HAVO/VWO) and pre-university education (VMBO) in the Netherlands. All teachers in the STEM disciplines are also qualified to teach the STEM elective NLT (Nature, Life and Technology).

The teacher training specialisation in the STEM disciplines starts every academic year in September and February, unless you are following a Master's programme in Ecology, Earth Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, or Biomedical Technology and Physics. Within these Master's programmes, you can only start the specialisation in September.

Second year

What makes you unique as a STEM teacher? We explore your strengths as a teacher while focussing on personal attention, customisation and guidance. You will follow an integrated programme, which includes a practical component (internship) in secondary education and didactic theory at VU Amsterdam. You will be taught general didactics related to core practices as well as specific subject-related didactics for your school subject. The theory is always applied and tested in practice at the school where you conduct your internship. You will start immediately with the practical component. Internships are arranged by VU Amsterdam.