This minor focuses on the study of natural processes shaping the Earth’s surface. Several aspects will be treated in detail, such as the influence of climate, tectonics and vegetation on the evolution and dynamics of the landscape. In addition, the interaction of the different components of System Earth will be considered, including the oceans, atmosphere, hydrosphere, geosphere, and biosphere. The role of humans is also an important topic in this minor.
The tracks Earth Surface - Earth Sciences and Earth Surface - Earth Sciences, Economics and Sustainability are almost identical. Both tracks are in-depth and preparatory to an Earth Science Master at the VU, track Earth and Climate. The only difference is that in the minor track Earth Sciences a course is planned that students of Earth, Economics and Sustainability already receive in their second-year curriculum. The students of Earth, Economics and Sustainability can choose a number of courses that the Earth science students have already taken in their second year.