Earth Systems, Climate and Technologies
Study programme title in Est.
Maa süsteemid, kliima ja tehnoloogiad
Study programme title in Engl.
Earth Systems, Climate and Technologies
TalTech study programme code
LARB17
MER study programme code
167438
Study programme version code
LARB17/25
Faculty / college
L - School of Science
Head of study programme/study programme manager
Leeli Amon
Language of instruction
Estonian
Study level
Bachelor study
ECTS credits
180
Self-paid study programme
no
Nominal study period
6 semesters
Study programme group
Engineering, Manufacturing and Technology
Broad area of study
Engineering, Manufacturing and Construction
Study field
Manufacturing and processing
Curriculum group
Mining and enrichment
Granting the right to conduct studies in the study programme group
õppe läbiviimise õigus
Validity date of the right to conduct studies in the study programme group
tähtajatu
No. of the decision granting the right to teach in the study programme group
112
Access conditions
Secondary education or corresponding qualification in accordance with admission requirements of TalTech.
Study programme aims and objectives
The focus of the study programme is on the critical issues of the future society: rapid changes in Earth's climate and environment,
and the limited resources needed for development. The study programme gives students a solid base in the fundamentals of Earth systems science and related engineering fields. Combining studies in engineering and physical sciences, the programme provides broad-based systematic knowledge and practical skills in Earth sciences and technologies. It supports further studies at the master's level or starting a professional career in the diverse fields of geosciences and engineering. After graduation and practical work experience, it is possible to apply for a mining engineer's qualification certification. Show more...
and the limited resources needed for development. The study programme gives students a solid base in the fundamentals of Earth systems science and related engineering fields. Combining studies in engineering and physical sciences, the programme provides broad-based systematic knowledge and practical skills in Earth sciences and technologies. It supports further studies at the master's level or starting a professional career in the diverse fields of geosciences and engineering. After graduation and practical work experience, it is possible to apply for a mining engineer's qualification certification. Show more...
Learning outcomes of the study programme
Student who has finished the study programme:
- has acquired knowledge about the main features of Earth systems and the natural and anthropogenic processes that shape them;
- knows and applies innovative research methods and analytical tools based on novel technologies for measuring, monitoring, evaluating and modelling the phenomena of different Earth systems;
- knows the basic concepts of mining engineering and various mining methods, is able to apply these concepts in context of mine design assessment and selection of suitable technologies;
- is able to assess and manage environmental risks related to the usage or technogenic impacts on Earth systems;
- has good understanding of different research fields and applications related to Earth systems and their interrelationships. Show more...
- has acquired knowledge about the main features of Earth systems and the natural and anthropogenic processes that shape them;
- knows and applies innovative research methods and analytical tools based on novel technologies for measuring, monitoring, evaluating and modelling the phenomena of different Earth systems;
- knows the basic concepts of mining engineering and various mining methods, is able to apply these concepts in context of mine design assessment and selection of suitable technologies;
- is able to assess and manage environmental risks related to the usage or technogenic impacts on Earth systems;
- has good understanding of different research fields and applications related to Earth systems and their interrelationships. Show more...
Graduation requirements
Completion of the curriculum in the required amount, and the successful defence of the graduation paper in conformity with the requirements set by the TalTech Senate.
In order to obtain Cum Laude diploma the graduation paper must be defended for the grade "5" and the weighted average grade must be at least 4,60, where all grades from diploma supplement are taken into account. Show more...
In order to obtain Cum Laude diploma the graduation paper must be defended for the grade "5" and the weighted average grade must be at least 4,60, where all grades from diploma supplement are taken into account. Show more...
Degrees conferred
Bachelor of Science in Engineering
Study programme version structure :
Module type
total ECTS credits
General studies
30.0
Core studies
87.0
Special studies
48.0
Free choice courses
6.0
Graduation thesis
9.0
Total
180.0
- +MAIN SPECIALITY 2: Earth Systems, Climate and Technologies
- +MODULE: Natural Sciences 21.0 ECTS credits (General studies)AimsThe aim of this module is to:
- develop systematic science-based world view, skills and attitudes for a sustainable lifestyle;
- build up core knowledge in physical sciences;
- develop an ability to apply relevant physical and chemical terms and concepts in the context of Earth system science and engineering tasks. Show more...Learning outcomesBy the end of the module the student:
- understands the basic concepts and laws of the natural world,
life sciences and physical sciences, scientific models, their usage and limitations;
- is familiar with the core terminology and laws of physics and chemistry, understands relations between relevant subdisciplines;
- knows the principles of conducting science experiments and how to analyze the results and determine measurement uncertainty;
- implements appropriate physical quantities and units, concepts of thermodynamics, mechanics and electromagnetics for understanding or solving problems and tasks;
- is familiar with chemical reactions and chemical properties of matter and implements these core concepts for understanding problems or solving tasks in the field of Earth sciences and engineering. Show more...Compulsory courses:Course titleCourse codeECTS creditsHours per weekLecturesPracticesExercisesE/P-F.Ass./ Gr.Ass.Teaching semesterTotal: 21.0 ECTS credits - +MODULE: Social sciences 9.0 ECTS credits (General studies)AimsTo provide basic knowledge in social sciences, including economy,
law and philosophy, thus enabling the student to understand the processes of contemporary society. Show more...Learning outcomesBy completing the module the student:
- is familiar with the fundamentals of entrepreneurship;
- has broad-based knowledge of socio-economic principles and interactions in society;
- has knowledge-based analytical skills and has understanding attitude towards diverse values and mentalities. Show more...Compulsory courses:Course titleCourse codeECTS creditsHours per weekLecturesPracticesExercisesE/P-F.Ass./ Gr.Ass.Teaching semesterTotal: 9.0 ECTS credits - +MODULE: Digital Planet 21.0 ECTS credits (Core studies)AimsThe objective is to develop the skills related to environmental and related engineering data processing and analysis (incl. big data analysis,
spatial data analysis, artificial intelligence and machine learning applications) to fulfil the need for data analysts in the sectors influenced by digitalization and green deal. Show more...Learning outcomesBy completing the module the student:
- has extensive knowledge on the databases that contain environmental and climate data records,
is familiar with the data structures and knows how to use the data;
- is familiar with different data processing methods and is able to apply statistical and spatial analysis methods on environmental and engineering data;
- is able to use different software packages (MatLab, Python, QGIS, ArcGIS, AutoCAD) to solve creatively real-life-problems such as operational monitoring services, climate services, ecosystem services, geological models and mining site design;
- has obtained basic knowledge on machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) methods most useful in Earth sciences and engineering. Show more...Compulsory courses:Course titleCourse codeECTS creditsHours per weekLecturesPracticesExercisesE/P-F.Ass./ Gr.Ass.Teaching semesterTotal: 15.0 ECTS creditsElective courses:Course titleCourse codeECTS creditsHours per weekLecturesPracticesExercisesE/P-F.Ass./ Gr.Ass.Teaching semesterTotal: at least 6.0 ECTS credits - +MODULE: Basics of Earth Systems and Mineral Technologies 30.0 ECTS credits (Core studies)AimsThe aim of this module is to:
- develop a fundamental understanding of Earth systems: the geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere and biosphere;
- create a comprehensive understanding of the natural and anthropogenic factors that shape the planet's climate and the role of natural resource usage in the context of climate change;
- develop conceptual knowledge in essential areas of geotechnology related to the exploitation of mineral resources;
- support the development of the student's professional English language skills, sufficient for reading of the study literature and professional communication. Show more...Learning outcomesBy completing the module the student:
- has a basic knowledge of geology,
meteorology, and oceanography, describes the general connections between the Earth's systems and understands them in the context of the planet's climate and anthropogenic factors;
- knows the geological and physicochemical properties of the most common geomaterials and resources;
- knows the fundamentals of mining, mining technologies, extraction methods, and basic principles of mineral economics;
- is proficient in professional terminology in Estonian and English and can use the corresponding textbooks and other data sources for information retrieval and professional communication. Show more...Compulsory courses:Course titleCourse codeECTS creditsHours per weekLecturesPracticesExercisesE/P-F.Ass./ Gr.Ass.Teaching semesterTotal: 30.0 ECTS credits - +MODULE: Math and IT 36.0 ECTS credits (Core studies)AimsThe aim of this module is to:
- develop core competence in
mathematics for engineering and Earth science curriculum and to enhance appropriate mathematical and statistical skills in relevant topics;
- help become accustomed to exploiting model-based approaches for solving problems in the field of Earth sciences and engineering;
- provide students with critical skills to survive in information society and be efficient by using information technology devices;
- enhance the knowledge in using various software applications, programming tools and databases. Show more...Learning outcomesBy completing the module the student:
- understands principles of differential and integral calculations,
infinite series, matrix and vector algebra, can solve related tasks and apply them in practice;
- knows the main concepts of theory of probability and the mathematical statistics;
- has skills for effective usage of mathematical and statistical software;
- knows the basic concepts of computer operations, hardware and software systems, computer networks;
- is familiar with the principles of creating IT applications and has acquired basic programming skills;
- understands the principles of data protection and netiquette;
- has acquired spatial visualization skills and experience using computer-aided design for solving engineering tasks. Show more...Compulsory courses:Course titleCourse codeECTS creditsHours per weekLecturesPracticesExercisesE/P-F.Ass./ Gr.Ass.Teaching semesterTotal: 36.0 ECTS credits - +MODULE: Special Studies 36.0 ECTS credits (Special studies)AimsThe aim of this module is to develop deeper knowledge and skills in a specific field of Earth science and engineering,
which support starting a professional career or continuing studies at master’s level. Show more...Learning outcomesBy completing the module the student:
- has more rooted knowledge and skills in specific fields of geology,
oceanography, meteorology, mining engineering or related interdisciplinary subjects;
- knows objectives and study methods of specific subdiscipline(s) and their interdisciplinary relations in detail. Show more...Elective courses:Course titleCourse codeECTS creditsHours per weekLecturesPracticesExercisesE/P-F.Ass./ Gr.Ass.Teaching semesterTotal: at least 36.0 ECTS credits - +MODULE: Field Experience and Internship 12.0 ECTS credits (Special studies)AimsTo provide knowledge and experience on planning and conducting Earth system related studies and to enhance relevant skills in the field.
To develop essential skills in teamwork and leadership. To obtain actual work-based experience in the selected field. Show more...Learning outcomesBy completing the module the student:
- is able to conduct basic operations of geological and oceanographical fieldwork and mining engineering tasks,
analyze gathered data and compose and defend study reports;
- has practical experience in teamwork and leadership;
- is capable of applying theoretical knowledge in context of practical tasks;
- has practical work experience in a company or institution in the field of geology, oceanography, meteorology or mining engineering. Show more...Compulsory courses:Course titleCourse codeECTS creditsHours per weekLecturesPracticesExercisesE/P-F.Ass./ Gr.Ass.Teaching semesterTotal: 6.0 ECTS creditsElective courses:Course titleCourse codeECTS creditsHours per weekLecturesPracticesExercisesE/P-F.Ass./ Gr.Ass.Teaching semesterTotal: at least 6.0 ECTS credits - +MODULE: Free choice courses 6.0 ECTS credits (Free choice courses)AimsThe aim of this module is to acquire knowledge in elective subjects
not belonging to the curriculum to be able to broaden one's knowledge and to deepen knowledge in relation to chosen graduation work or/and personal interests. Show more...Learning outcomesBy the end of the module the student:
- has knowledge and skills in elective subjects not belonging to the curriculum;
- has deeper knowledge in relation to the graduation thesis or/and personal interests. Show more... - +MODULE: Bachelor's thesis 9.0 ECTS credits (Graduation thesis)AimsThe aim of Bachelor Thesis is to help obtain knowledge and skills for performing practical work in the chosen field of specialization,
and develop skills of presenting and defending the results of individual research. Show more...Learning outcomesBy the end of the module the student:
- has knowledge and skills to perform practical work in the chosen field of specialization,
to present the results in a coherent written form and to defend the thesis;
- skillfully uses professional literature and databases in order to achieve the aims of their research. Show more... - +STANDARD STUDY PLAN: Autumn daytime study