Institute of Geological Sciences

Titleimage: Institute of Geological Sciences

The major societal challenges of the next 50 years, such as climate change, water, energy and raw material supply, and dealing with natural disasters, require knowledge of earth sciences ("geology"). The necessary understanding of the formation processes of minerals, rocks, mountains and their complex interactions with the hydrosphere and climate is based on the multidisciplinary study of the Earth.

Our Institute of Geology performs fundamental research in the origin and evolution of the Earth, and applied research in natural hazards, natural resource/energy supply, and waste disposal. To understand geological processes, we use state-of-the-art analytical equipment to study rocks and their components.

We offer an attractive bachelor's and master's degree program with a combination of lectures, seminars, field trips and field work in a collegial atmosphere with individual supervision.

Planet Earth is our lab – Join in!

Interview

Diamonds show formation of a supercontinent

The Earth's land masses repeatedly form giant supercontinents as a result of plate tectonics. Geologist Suzette Timmerman uses diamonds to investigate the history of the mantle beneath supercontinent Gondwana.

Media release

First freshly fallen meteorite found in Oman thanks to camera system

Recordings from a newly installed camera network in Oman provided the basis for the first discovery of a freshly fallen meteorite in Oman by an Omani-Swiss team in February this year. The meteorite has now been added to the international meteorite database under the name «Al-Khadhaf».

Medienmitteilung

Bronze Age arrowhead from Switzerland was made from Meteorite

In an interdisciplinary study led by the Natural History Museum Bern, researchers were able to prove that a Bronze Age arrowhead from the Bern History Museum, found in Mörigen on Lake Biel, Switzerland, was made of meteoritic iron.

Press release

Why the Aletsch Glacier is bending

On its way towards the valley, the Aletsch glacier abruptly changes its flow direction several times. Researchers have been able to show that these changes of direction are due to fault zones. The research results also show that the Alpine valleys are strongly influenced by both climate change and tectonic conditions.

Events

Studies

Bachelor's Degree in Earth Sciences / Geology

If you enjoy observing natural phenomena, analyzing them and developing solutions to problems, geology is the right choice for you. Geology offers an exciting combination of natural science subjects and combines practical work both in the laboratory and in nature.

Bern-Fribourg Master's in Earth Sciences

In the Master's program in cooperation with the University of Fribourg, you can specialize in many different earth science disciplines according to your interests and preferences. Our graduates have a wide range of career prospects as geologists.

Insights geology studies (german)

You are interested in natural sciences and in our earth? Nicolas and Yohualli will take you on a tour of the Institute of Geology in Bern and give you an insight into the everyday life of a student.