Georesources Management B.Sc.

 

The term georesources encompasses –with the exception of solar power- all resources that serve as the basis of life for modern human society and is connected to their extensive use with the intervention of humans in the Earth system.  Particularly included are the following raw materials (water, earth, mineral raw materials, raw sources of energy, geothermics), spaces of use (living, agriculture, industry, transportation, waste management), and, in a broader sense, climate and atmosphere.

In the interest of humanity, the sensible and renewable use of georesources requires management based on rules and experience.  This management encompasses the consideration and parameters of possible effects of unavoidable natural disasters (earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, floods, tsunamis) on heavily inhabited areas and the intervention of humans in the Earth system (environmental and climate change).

Both the procuration of raw materials and the preservation of ground water, and the protection of human habitats and restoration of balance are career fields for geoscientists that increasingly take on more meaning and can be deciding contributions for the future of humanity.

The complexity of the related issues requires interconnected solution approaches and a combination of geoscience knowledge and other scientific-technical fields.  For this reason, the course of study is designed to be interdisciplinary.  It is based on the close cooperation of classical geological sciences and (economic ) geography, and raw material and disposal engineering. Important components of economics, law, and mechanical engineering are also included.

Characteristics of the Aachen Course of Study
Through this course of study, students will achieve a unique geoscience education with a strong interdisciplinary emphasis.  The science content of the course of study is supported by social science and business administrative material, so that for the first time ever, geoscientists are educated, who can use their knowledge to fill in the gaps between lawyers, politicians, economists, etc.

 

Differentiation from Neighboring Courses of Study

The course of study for georesources management is grounded in geology and mineralogy, which deal with the processes and materials of the Earth’s interior, while physical geography predominantly deals with the structures and processes of the Earth’s surface.  In addition to these fields of application, the education for this course of study is distinguished from the “Applied Geography” course of study through material characterized by science ((math, (geo-) physics, (geo-) chemistry)).  In contrast, the geoscience and science material in the “Applied Geosciences” course of study are even more distinct.  Furthermore, “Georesources Management” possesses a unique characteristic with its interdisciplinary education in economy and law.

 

Degree Content

The Bachelor course of study offers candidates a fundamental education in science, the social sciences, and law, as well as the basic subjects of geoscience, geography, and raw material and environmental management. The course of study leads up to the first career qualifying degree (Bachelor of Science, B.Sc.) and provides the necessary solid basic knowledge of georesources management for the career world.

The course of study is centered on imparting decision making skills for business administration, the raw materials industry, and environmental politics.  Students learn the techniques and methods for surveying and the interpretation of basic data for regional, residential, and industrial development. Following this is the evaluation for the potential of georesources in a certain area, taking into account georisks and competing demands of use. The complete analysis leads to the determination of priorities that considers macroeconomic environment as well as ecological, social, technological, and geological factors of environmental protection.

Structure of Studies
1st Year	Basics of Geology and Mineralogy, Commercial and Climate Geography, Mathematics, Chemistry and Physics, Business Administration
2nd Year	Geological Methods and On-Site Training, Basics of Raw Materials and Environmental Management, Geoengineering, Microeconomics, Geochemistry
3rd Year	Legal Basics (Public Law and Environmental Law) Internships	Advancement Modules Water Geothermics and Geophysics Introduction to Pedology Mineral Deposits Georisks Crude Oil and Environmental Chemistry

Stays Abroad
We highly recommend either studying or completing an internship abroad, both of which are support by our instructional staff.  It is possible to spend a semester abroad during the Bachelor course of study at one of our numerous European partner universities through the ERASMUS exchange program.

You can find more information about the course of study layout, schedule, and the module handbook on the division’s website.

 

Prerequisites

Personal Prerequisite
Interest in science and geoscience issues.  Readiness for interdisciplinary thinking, teamwork, good oral and written skills, IT and language skills, interest in economic and legal relationships as well as statistical methods.  Readiness for work on site, including construction sites, sometimes under extreme conditions and in structurally weak areas.

Enrollment Prerequisite
RWTH "Georesources and Materials Technology" Self Assessment

 

*** Mediathek ***

 

Career Prospects

Georesources Managers hold positions of responsibility in the following fields and sectors at both the operational and strategic levels, both abroad and domestically:

• Rad materials production and manufacturing industries
• Transportation and manufacturing of raw materials
• Environmental management
• Assessment of georisks and damage in the environment
• Insurance industry
• Software industry
• State offices and ministries, federal state authorities, and municipal institutions
• Advisory firms

 

Master's Degree Prospects

It is possible to switch (partially under certain conditions) to the following RWTH Aachen Master programs after completing this Bachelor course of study:
Georesources Management
Applied Geosciences
Applied Geophysics
Mineral Resources Engineering
Environmental Engineering
Applied Geography
Economic Geography

 

Examination Regulations

Exam Regulations regulate academic goals, the course of study layout, and exam procedures.  The appendix to the regulations contains the description of the modules, from which the course of study is composed.

 

Faculty

The Bachelor course of study in Georesources Management is offered by the Division of Earth Sciences and Geography in the Faculty of Georesources and Materials Engineering.