MSc Programme

Applied Earth Sciences

Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences

Everything we build and use on the surface of our planet comes from the earth. Engineers in the applied earth sciences know where these resources can be found and how they can be extracted and processed. The aim of the MSc Programme in Applied Earth Sciences is to provide a new generation of engineers with the skills and knowledge they need in order to locate, extract and process the earths resources in a sustainable and responsible manner. The programme integrates fundamental knowledge with applied technology.

In the programme, you will learn how to approach issues related to the challenges of energy production, raw materials technology and geo-engineering in an imaginative and resourceful manner. In gaining practical experience to complement your academic studies, you will have the opportunity to work intensively with TU Delfts partners in industry. For example, TU Delft is a participant in ISAPP (Integrated System Approach Petroleum Production), a large collaborative project involving TU Delft, Shell and TNO. This project was established for the purpose of boosting oil production by improving the flow of oil and water in oil reservoirs. TU Delft is also a participant in CATO, a consortium that conducts research on the collection, transport and storage of CO 2.

Managing the earths resources for today and tomorrow

Programme tracks
The track in

Petroleum Engineering and Geosciences covers the technologies involved in extracting

petroleum from the earth, as well as the tools needed to assess hydrocarbon reservoirs in order to gain an understanding of their potential. This track is divided into two specialisations: Petroleum Engineering covers all upstream aspects, from reservoir description and drilling techniques to field management and project economics. Reservoir Geology covers the use of modern measurement and computational methods to obtain a quantitative understanding of hydrocarbon reservoirs.

Resource Engineering covers the extraction of natural resources from the earth, ranging from raw materials to energy. It is part of a joint programme operated by TU Delft and five other universities in Europe. Three specialisations are offered: Mining Engineering , relating to the location, quantification and extraction of mineral resources; Mining Geotechnical Engineering , relating to the geotechnical and environmental aspects of the exploitation of mines; and Mineral Engineering , relating to the processing of both primary ores and secondary raw materials. Geo-Engineering can be taken as part of either the MSc programme in Civil Engineering or the MSc programme in Applied Earth Sciences. The Engineering Geology specialisation is offered for Applied Earth Sciences. In this specialisation, students learn how to assess the interaction between geology, environment and geo-engineering structures (e.g. tunnels, dams, bridges and slopes). They also learn how to predict geohazards and develop countermeasures. Students are taught to understand the complexity of the subsurface and its dynamic processes, not only by studying idealised cases and case histories, but also by participating in an intensive fieldwork programme in the western regions of the Netherlands, Belgium and Spain.

Applied Geophysics:

This joint degree track that is offered in collaboration between TU Delft, ETH Zrich and RWTH Aachen University. It trains students in the geophysical aspects of environmental and engineering studies, as well as in the exploration, exploitation and management of hydrocarbon and geothermal energy. Disciplines covered in this track include acoustic and electromagnetic wave theory, seismic data acquisition, imaging and interpretation, borehole logging, geophysical fieldwork and data processing, and petroleum geology.

Curriculum Applied Earth Sciences

Petroleum Engineering and Geosciences Applied Geophysics* Resource Engineering Geo-Engineering Geoscience and Remote Sensing

First Year
Common block (32 EC) Specialisation (28 EC) - Reservoir Geology - Petroleum Engineering 30 EC at TU Delft: Hydrocarbon exploration geophysics 30 EC at ETH Zrich: Environmental & engineering geophysics Specialisation (60 EC) -M  ining geotechnical engineering -M  ineral eng., processing & recycling - Mining engineering Common block (32 EC) Track-specific courses, compulsory (28 EC) Track-specific courses, electives and free electives (32 EC)

Geo-Engineering Electives (28 EC)

Second Year
Field Development Project (9 EC) Electives (5 EC) Company Visits (1 EC) Thesis (45 EC) 120 EC TOTAL Thesis (30 EC) 120 EC TOTAL Thesis (45 EC) 120 EC TOTAL Thesis (40 EC) 120 EC TOTAL Thesis (40 EC) 120 EC TOTAL 30 EC at RWTH Aachen: Petrophysics & geothermal geophysics Electives (15 EC) Electives (20 EC) Electives (20 EC)

1 EC = 28 hours of study, according to the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) One academic year = 60 EC Total number of credits in the MSc programme in Applied Earth Scieces = 120 EC

For more information on all courses: www.studyguide.tudelft.nl.

Geoscience and Remote Sensing focuses on technology for the observation, modelling and understanding of our planet. Students learn how satellite, airborne and groundbased methods of observation can be applied in order to monitor processes in and on the earth. Specialisations include geodesy and geophysics, as well as atmospheric and climate studies. Practical fieldwork plays an important role in this track.

However, if the Masters degree programme is not a direct extension of your undergraduate programme, you will be required to take additional courses in a bridging programme. This may be a standard programme, or it may be tailored to your specific situation. To see which Masters programmes are open to you on completion of your Bachelors degree Dutch university, go to www.doorstroommatrix.nl. Application goes through Studielink: tudelft.studielink.nl.

Career prospects
There is currently a great need for well-trained, innovative engineers and scientists in the energy and natural resource industry. TU Delft has an excellent reputation in these industries, and its graduates are eagerly sought for positions as engineers, geophysicists, geologists, consultants or business analysts. The interdisciplinary nature of the programme in Applied Earth Sciences provides TU Delft graduates with an added advantage.

Degree from a Dutch university of applied sciences (Dutch HBO)

An HBO Bachelors degree from a university of applied sciences does not qualify you for direct admission to a Masters degree programme at TU Delft. To start a Masters degree programme, you must first complete a supplementary programme in order to bring your knowledge to the required level. You can do this by completing a bridging programme after receiving your degree in applied sciences. Entrance requirements for mathematics and English (with some exceptions) apply for both the bridging minor and the bridging programme. See www.hbodoorstroom.tudelft.nl for detailed information. Application goes through Studielink: tudelft.studielink.nl.

Admission requirements and application procedures

BSc degree from a Dutch university
In most cases, if you hold a BSc degree and the Masters degree programme is closely related to your Bachelors degree programme, you will be admitted directly into the programme.

International applicants
To be considered for admission to any MSc Programme, you must meet the general admission requirements of TU Delft. 1.  A BSc degree (or proof that you have nearly completed a BSc programme) in a field closely related to the MSc programme 2.  A BSc Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of at least 75%of the scale maximum 3.  Proof of English language proficiency  A score of at least 90 on the TOEFL (internetbased test)  or an overall Band score of at least 6.5 on the IELTS (academic version) For international students, the application period starts in September and closes at April 1. To start a MSc application, complete the online applicationand pay the non-refundable application fee of 50. Then send hard copies of the application documents to the TU Delft International Office. Please note that you should apply early if you wish to apply for a scholarship as well. For more information about the application procedure, go to www.admissions.tudelft.nl.

For further information

For all details, complete requirements, deadlines and contact information, please visit the webpage: www.aes.msc.tudelft.nl Pascal de Smidt T +31 (0)15 27 81068 E P.deSmidt@tudelft.nl CEG Faculty Stevinweg 1 2628 CN Delft www.facebook.com/TUDelft @DelftUniversity

Examples of graduation projects

Study of the Lower Cretaceous sands in the Van den Bosch Geothermal energy concession (Geology Reservoir) Characterisation of the geological and geo-chemical footprint of the Koolhoven gold deposit, Suriname (Geo-Engineering) The reconstruction of missing marine seismic data (Applied Geophysics)