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Geotechnology, B.Sc.

Program overview

The ever-increasing global population requires the economical and ecological use of all georesources. These resources include water, mineral and energy resources, geothermics and the subsoil as reservoir rock. The interdisciplinary bachelor’s program in Geotechnology focuses on those areas lying at the interface between geosciences and engineering. You will learn to produce targeted analyses and models for planning and conducting geotechnical and environmental projects in the geological substratum. In addition to thorough training in natural sciences and mathematics, you will also acquire a thorough understanding of the principles of geosciences. The program further examines key methods of hydrogeology, geophyiscs, engineering geology, geochemistry/mineralogy as well as the processing of geodata and the engineering knowledge required for its implementation.

DegreeBachelor of Science
Standard period of study 6 semesters
Credit points180
Program start Winter semester
Admission Open admission
Language of instruction German

Admission requirements

Like every other bachelor’s degree program at TU Berlin, applicants must possess a university entrance qualification certificate to apply to the Geotechnology program. Generally, the Abitur serves as the university entrance qualification certificate. If you do not have a formal university entrance qualification, you may still be able to study at TU Berlin if you can provide proof of certain professional qualifications.

The Geotechnology bachelor’s program is taught in German. If you are applying with a foreign school-leaving certificate, you must provide proof of German skills at a specific level. This is a prerequisite for admission.

Program structure

The Geotechnology program is divided into compulsory, compulsory elective, and elective components. The compulsory component encompasses a total of 129 credit points including the bachelor's thesis. Compulsory elective modules account for 33 credit points and focus on the principles of engineering, special geotechnologies and supplementary modules for geotechnologies. You must complete a total of 18 credit points in the elective component.

The objectives and structure of the program as well as the examination requirements and details on how the examinations are carried out are set down in the study and examination regulations.

There is a proposed course schedule for the degree program. This is a recommendation for how to complete the degree program within the standard period of study of four semesters. You can find it as an annex to the study and examination regulations. The most current version of the regulations applies to applicants.

Content and modules

The bachelor’s degree program in Geotechnology is modular in design. A module combines curriculum content relating to a specific topic. Modules often include a variety of different study and teaching formats such as lectures, practical tutorials, seminars, and practical projects. Students are required to earn a specific number of credit points and complete certain coursework and assessments in each module. The program includes approximately three compulsory, one-week field trips.

A current overview of all modules is available in TU Berlin’s module transfer system (MTS). The MTS also provides an overview of which modules are mandatory for your degree program and which are elective. Detailed module descriptions provide information about the contents of modules, learning objectives, participation requirements, workload, types of assessment, etc. The module catalogue is based on the study and examination regulations. The most current version of the regulations applies to applicants.

To module database

Internships

An internship is not a compulsory component of the program.

Stays abroad

You can generally complete parts of the program abroad, either in the form of study abroad or internships. General information concerning stays abroad is available from the TU Berlin International Office (study abroad) or the Career Service (internships abroad).

Acquired skills

The objective of the bachelor’s program in Geotechnology is to obtain a first university degree qualifying you to enter professional fields in the area of geotechnology or applied geosciences. With this degree, you are able to apply the methods of the subject and optimize and implement processes. The broad, theoretical, and interdisciplinary basic education enables you to quickly assume various professional tasks. You are able to confidently navigate within the field of geotechnology and proficiently apply subject methods.

After your studies

As a graduate of the bachelor’s program in Geotechnology, you have many opportunities: master’s programs in Germany and abroad for more specialized and in-depth education or direct career entry. You have the opportunity to work in many different fields focusing on technical and/or scientific aspects. Classic and current fields of work as well as those focused on the future are:

  • Analysis and management of groundwater reserves
  • Building sites for all types of structures in urban infrastructure, traffic infrastructure, hydropower plants, caverns, and tunnels,
  • Energy supply, raw energy materials, natural sources such as geothermal energy and wind power,
  • Raw material technology, geomaterials,
  • Environmental protection,
  • Development or further development of geophysical, geochemical, and geological methods of exploration,
  • Waste disposal including temporary and final storage, residues, radioactive and chemical-toxic waste,
  • Landscape planning and use,
  • Development of settlement strategies,
  • Exploration, assessment, and prevention of geo-risks or natural catastrophes.

Other areas you can work in include: private and state institutions in the planning, design, and regulating of living spaces, for example in mid-sized industrial companies in the raw material, water, and energy businesses; international exploration companies; engineering offices; the construction industry; environmental organizations and NGOs; software developers and remote sensing companies; state and federal offices, e.g. for geosciences, raw materials, the environment, or energy; non-university research institutions or universities and universities of applied sciences.

Further information & downloads

Website of the Degree Program

Questions about the degree program: Course Guidance and Student Infotalk (in German)

Recognition of previously acquired credits: Examination Board

Subject-specific Counseling and Services

Office of Academic and Student Affairs of the Faculty

 

General guidance and choosing the right degree program: Academic Advising Service

Application and enrollment: Office of Student Affairs