Bachelor's degree in Earth Sciences

Earth sciences encompass all the disciplines that aim to study the evolution and dynamics of the Earth from its formation to the present day. The study of the Earth draws on a wide range of disciplines such as physics, chemistry, mathematics and geology in the field and in the laboratory. The Bachelor's degree in Earth Sciences at the University of La Réunion offers general training giving access to all professions in the environment and sustainable development, natural resources and the management of natural risks in tropical or volcanic environments. Graduates of this Bachelor's degree can apply for a job as a technician in laboratories, design offices or local authorities, or choose to continue their studies at a Master's level.

Train students with a foundation in all areas relating to geosciences from both an academic and applied point of view. The holder of the Bachelor's degree in Earth Sciences from the University of La Réunion will receive multidisciplinary training in geosciences, physics, chemistry and the environment allowing him/her to understand the complexity of the different internal terrestrial envelopes (core, mantle , crust) and external (oceans, atmosphere).

In this training, the student acquires skills enabling him/her to participate in technical studies in geology, geophysics, geochemistry, geotechnics, environmental chemistry, climatology, atmospheric physics, oceanography. He/she carries out an activity related to the exploitation, management and protection of natural resources (minerals, water, hydrocarbons), or related to the protection of nature and the environment.

In the field, he/she takes samples and implements measurement methods adapted to the geological context, in the laboratory. He/She analyses, models and interprets the data collected.

Historically, Earth Sciences have focused on the study of the dynamics of the Earth's internal and external envelopes. The formation of mountain ranges, the origin of volcanism, the origin of major extinctions have all been topics covered for decades. In line with environmental concerns, our Bachelor of Earth Sciences has strongly focused on areas such as the study of paleoclimates and the effects of climate change, waste and resource management, geoengineering, and sustainable development.

Located on an active volcanic island frequently swept by major atmospheric phenomena, our Degree is also strongly oriented towards the management of volcanic and climatic risks.

• Use geological tools and be able to choose them according to the problems to be solved
• Master the computer tool and be able to use it to formalize geoscience problems
• Carry out the statistical processing necessary for the interpretation of analysis, measurement or geological observation data
• Create a web page (html, javascript).

Skills and know-how:

• Work in the field as well as in the laboratory.
• Work both independently and as a team and conduct your thinking within the framework of a multidisciplinary approach.
• Carry out a bibliographic search relating to the scientific problem addressed.
• Read, understand and present a scientific article in English, written and orally.

Sheet of the National Directory of Professional Certifications (RNCP n° 39518)

In the Earth Sciences specialization, the Bachelor's 1 and Bachelor's 2 years offer general training which allows students to acquire a broad knowledge of geology: tectonics, geodynamics, sedimentology, geochronology, geophysics, geochemistry, rock and soil mechanics.

The 3rd year of the Bachelor's degree initiates a specialization oriented towards the applied disciplines of Earth sciences, such as geoengineering, geological mapping, geophysical investigation methods, water resource management. The synthesis of Earth science lessons is naturally made during the field internship during which each student observes rocks and geological processes covered in class.

Throughout the Earth Sciences degree, teaching is structured around lectures, tutorials and practical work. In addition to this compulsory teaching, students can also take part in missions carried out by teacher-researchers on the Piton de la Fournaise or the Piton des Neiges. Learning geophysical and/or geodetic measurement in situ is a unique opportunity made possible by the exceptional location of the University of La Réunion on the second most active volcano in the world.

An internship in a professional environment or employment of at least one month is necessary to validate the Earth Sciences Degree.

The Earth Sciences Degree offers many possibilities for individualized courses (double Degree, Degree + DU, DU alone, etc.). The training benefits from many support systems for success and tutoring.

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Master of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Environment (STPE)

Obtaining a Bachelor's degree in Earth Sciences or a Bachelor's degree in Physics from the University of La Réunion gives access to the STPE Master's degree. This Master is divided into four courses, “hydrology, soils and environment”, “geophysics”, “atmospheric physics”, “remote sensing and natural risks”. This Master 2 is in agreement with metropolitan Masters to which obtaining the Master 1 will give full access.
Just like the Earth Sciences major, the STPE Master's degree is based on two internationally renowned Mixed Research Units (UMR): the Réunion Geosciences Laboratory (LGSR), and the Atmosphere and Cyclones Laboratory (LACy). Students who graduate from the STPE Master's degree are therefore competitive to obtain thesis scholarships in France and abroad.

Other possible further studies:

Students who have obtained a Bachelor's degree in Earth Sciences from the University of La Réunion can apply to all Masters or Earth Sciences engineering schools in Europe (selection based on application).

Main sectors of professional integration:

• Agriculture and fishing, natural spaces and green spaces, animal care
• Construction, building and public works
• Industrial

Types of jobs available:

• Technical geologist employed in a laboratory, in a design office, in the administrative services of local, departmental or regional authorities (e.g.: Regional Directorate of Industry, Research and the Environment – ​​DRIRE, Departmental Directorate of Equipment – ​​DDE, etc.), in large companies, etc.
• Technical geologist in environmental observatories (Earth, water, atmosphere) and natural risk prevention.
• Facilitator in natural environment management organizations (national or regional parks) and in museology relating to natural environments.