MSc in Computational Science - Geoscience

Computations are becoming more and more important in research and industry. To make predictions, analysis or replace experiments, we make use of numerical simulations and machine learning on large computers. We generate and store large amounts of data and use data science to search for patterns, connections, and trends.

The Master Programme in Computational Science with a specialisation in Geoscience will give you detailed knowledge about the underlying methods with respect to geoscience. You will learn how to study complex processes in natural sciences, and how Computational Science can contribute to knowledge evolution in society. A few of many examples are studies in, and research on, environment and climate change, global environmental issues and global cycles. The programme will prepare you for a professional career in academia as well as in business and industry.

Overview

This interdisciplinary education will give you leading-edge knowledge in the field of computational science. The specialisation has students with a background in mathematics/physics and an interest in geoscience and programming as a target group. In addition to knowledge in theory for computational science, there will be an emphasis on obtaining knowledge about the practical tools that are used by professionals in the field and you will amongst several things train your skills in programming. You will get generic knowledge and skills of importance for computationally intensive working tasks, such as problem formulation, information search, data processing, scientific writing, and presentation techniques.

The programme has three separate specialisations: Geoscience, Physics and Scientific Computing. You will study several courses together with students from another specialisation than your own and there will be opportunities to do common projects and thesis work. During your studies, an interdisciplinary perspective is emphasized and you will also study together with students from biology, geology, environmental sciences, physical geography and chemistry.

Education has a strong connection to research. You will meet and be taught by active and internationally well-recognised researchers and you will be in contact with several research groups. You will at the same time be prepared for a career in business and industry.

Within computational science with geoscience specialisation analytical, numerical and statistical methods are used to analyse and draw conclusions from numerical models, as well as huge datasets from geoscientific experiments. The programme contains a mix of courses in geoscience, mathematics and computational science that will give you broad knowledge of numerical methods within data science, Monte-Carlo simulations and solutions to differential equations. You will also get insight into the interplay between computational methods and the underlying physical phenomena and models that are studied.

After graduation, there are several different career paths depending on which subject profile you have chosen. The Master's programme gives you a solid ground for postgraduate education in natural sciences. You can also choose a career path outside academia and then find attractive jobs in areas where there is a need to solve computational problems both in industry and in public administration and other organisations.