Did you know that many volcanoes would not be able to spit fire if it weren¡¯t for water? Did you know there is a lake on an Australian island where the water is completely pink? And did you know some fossils hold a wide range of secrets that give us a glimpse of the past? Our planet is just full of wonders! The study of geology looks closely at the structure and development of the earth. The analysis of rocks, the observation of processes and the creation of physical and chemical models enable us to develop geological laws.

If you take ¡®Geology¡¯ as a minor subject, you will acquire the basic knowledge needed to make connections between geoscientific and socio-political issues. These issues are playing an increasingly prominent role in society, especially when it comes to supplying drinking water and energy resources, dealing with mining damage and assessing geohazards such as earthquakes or tsunamis. Your expertise as a geologist will therefore also be required in several areas of the humanities and social sciences.

Areas of employment for graduates

• scientific journalism / publishing
• science and natural history museums
• government agencies or environmental protection institutions?

Please note: Your career opportunities will largely depend on your major subject. By studying an unusual combination of subjects, you will qualify for special niche positions. However, purely geoscientific occupations will generally be out of bounds with a degree in the minor subject.

• good knowledge of mathematics, physics and chemistry
• an interest in the issues studied in the related disciplines of geography, prehistory, early history and archaeology
• an interest in science and research
• enjoyment of fieldwork and laboratory activities