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Prospective Students

Are you interested in studying the processes in the Earth? Do you want to make a difference?

At the Istitute of Geology, Mineralogy, and Geophysics at the Ruhr University in Bochum, you will have access to a broad diversity of researchers and instructors working on a range of topics in the earth sciences. Whether you are interested in the sustainable procurement of natural resources, including drinking water and rock and mineral resources, petrology, cristallography, experimental rock physics, earthquake and earth structural seismology, structural and engineering geology, you will have the opportunity to work in career-building projects. Our communal atmosphere is not only enjoyable, but prepares you for a career in the geosciencs, where teamwork and networking are keys to success. 

Interviews with Students

Why did you decide to major in the geosciences?

Meggy: "I was interested in studying earth sciences from an early age. The formation of the earth and living things were naturally part of it, but I also found earthquakes, volcanoes and many other topics in earth sciences very interesting. The great thing about our program is the work in the field and laboratory. In addition to the courses, you learn a lot directly in practice and can apply it directly, while you can still spend the day outside in nature."

Julius: "I decided to study geosciences because it covers a broad range of topics and combines many natural sciences. Thus, there is a lot of variety and you get a broad insight into all topics of geosciences. This also helps you to choose a specialization for your master's degree. In addition, the field exercises sounded interesting at the time, because you are outdoors a lot and can apply your knowledge directly in practice."
 

What should one bring to the program? 

Meggy: "The most important thing you should have is fun working in the field (in all weathers!), fun hammering away and a certain understanding of the various natural sciences."

Julius: "You don't necessarily have to have taken physics and chemistry at school, you learn everything you need to in the first two semesters. What you should bring along is a general interest in the natural sciences."

 

How do field courses work? 

Meggy: "First of all, field exercises are always a lot of fun. You can finally put what you've learned in theory into practice! Most of the time, everyone meets at the university or at the agreed meeting point and then we head off into the field. Most of the time you have to walk a few minutes to the respective outcrop and it doesn't stay with one outcrop. On site, the group first discusses independently which rocks and other information are available. Afterwards, we discuss with the lecturers and students what conclusions can be drawn from the observations, e.g. geological processes."

Julius: "In addition, practical geoscientific measuring and working methods are shown and applied during field exercises. For example, you take groundwater samples from a well, learn about leveling, or how to get a drill core out of the ground. Excursions that do not take place in Bochum (e.g. in the Harz Mountains or in Spain) naturally last several days. There, you spend the night together in accommodations, where you meet again with everyone in the evening to have a nice evening."

 

How are the interactions with instructors? 

Meggy: "The relationship between us students and the lecturers is very good and usually relatively relaxed after a short time. We often have small courses, which means that the lecturers know us personally. The environment is therefore rather familiar and not as anonymous as is often the case at large universities."

Julius: "In addition, the lecturers are very helpful if you have difficulties somewhere and are always open to suggestions for lessons, exams or other things. You already get to know many of them in the bachelor's program and can talk to them in the evenings at a field exercise, even with a beer."

Aileen: "As in the Bachelor's program, the atmosphere between students and teachers is very personal and pleasant; you are not just a number here."

Ricarda: "In general, the interaction with each other is very uncomplicated, friendly and unbureaucratic, because there is no anonymity in the institute and people know each other."

Henning: "The correspondence or meetings with teachers are always respectful, helpful and above all "relaxed" or easy-going."
 

Why should one study the geosciences at the RUB? 

Meggy: "The university covers a wide range of geosciences in one study program. From geophysics to petrology to applied geology, everything is included. So you don't have to decide on a specific area before you get your bachelor's degree, but you can look at different areas during your studies and decide at the end what you want to specialize in."

Julius: "It is often taught in smaller courses here, which allows you to quickly get to know your fellow students and lecturers well and makes studying even more fun. In addition, the Ruhr-Universität is a nice place to study, because everything important is directly at the university and there are beautiful recreational areas around it. In addition, the city center is very fast and easy to reach from here to do something in your free time and enjoy your student life."
 

What has been your best experience in your studies so far? 

Meggy: "For me, the best part of studying is the work in the field and laboratory. On the excursions, you grow together very quickly as a team and spend many nice evenings among like-minded people. The bachelor mapping to Baden-Württemberg stands out so far. The first time I spent the whole day alone in the field and finally a several-day excursion with cozy evenings was the highlight."

Julius: "My best experience was our first excursion to the Eifel. There we went directly far away and then also into a volcanic area, where we could walk the day through the inside of a former volcano. This already felt a little bit magical, because you could see the individual aspects of a volcano on the walls and feel like you were in the middle of such a natural spectacle."

 

What tips would you give to new students? 

Meggy: "Don't forget to have fun during your studies. In addition, all tasks and organizational matters can be better managed as a group. Find people with whom you can tackle everything together."

Julius: "The most important thing to know about studying is that it is not an individual struggle, but can be mastered well in groups. If you have any questions or uncertainties, just ask the lecturers or write an e-mail. They are all very helpful and want you to master your studies with fun and bravado."