Earth Sciences in a Changing World is an undergraduate interdisciplinary programme that offers a rigorous international and comparative perspective on the contemporary global system. Its mission is to foster creative thinking about complex global problems and to equip students with the analytical tools and cross-cultural understanding to guide them in that process. The main goal of the programme is to provide basic knowledge in geography, geology and anthropogenic transformations in the environment and their impact on the lives of local communities and global change. Students gain the ability to observe and interpret phenomena and conduct basic analytical work both individually and teamwork. They also develop adaptability to changing socio-economic environment, civic responsibility and independence.
Research conducted by the scientists from the Faculty of Geography and Geology uses the potential of geographic and geological sciences by addressing the current problems, dilemmas of our civilisation, and the needs of the modern human. The areas of interest of research projects are, i.e. the human impact on the environment, artificial intelligence, sustainable development, or the study of Mars.
In the programme curriculum, you may find information about the subjects you will attend while studying this programme. The programme indicates which subjects are scheduled for each semester of the studies, which are mandatory, which belong to the group of elective subjects (so-called optional subjects), which of them end with an exam, and which do not. Each subject in such a programme curriculum has its syllabus, which is a description of what students learn within the scope of that subject.
Time spent at the university is not all about education and class participation; it is also an excellent opportunity to develop hobbies and interests. Many research societies and student organizations operate at the Jagiellonian University, including faculty- and university-wide ones. These societies allow students to spend their free time actively, gain knowledge, develop their talents, participate in engaging, unconventional projects, go on research and team-building trips, participate in conferences, and meet fellow students outside the lecture halls.
Students interested in the international dimension of studying can participate in a wide variety of exchange programmes, such as Erasmus+, CEEPUS, Utrecht Network, bilateral exchange programmes, European university Una Europa, or the domestic mobility programme called MOST.
Admission to study programmes at the Jagiellonian University is conducted electronically in the Online Application System:irk.uj.edu.pl.If you have any questions related to admission, please contact the Admissions Office directly or visit the websites:welcome.uj.edu.pl and irk.uj.edu.pl.
Detailed information about admission to this study programme, including information on the method of calculating the result,qualification criteria, fees, deadlines, and a list of required documents are available on the Online Application System (IRK):irk.uj.edu.pl
Transfer from another university, including a foreign one, or change of study programme within the University is possible with the dean's consent after completing the first year of studies and fulfilling additional requirements established by the Faculty Council. For inquiries regarding transfer, please contact the unit responsible for the specific study programme directly.
The graduate of Earth Sciences in a Changing World programme has good preparation in the field of geography and geology and the ability to identify and describe the anthropogenic changes that occur in the environment. A graduate can assess the natural, social and economic impacts of natural and anthropogenic changes in the environment. Additionally, has mastered the basic methods of the environmental management and principles of the sustainable development. The graduate can independently observe, interpret and predict phenomena, suggest a positive solution and prepare expertise.
The Jagiellonian Library offers tours of both the old and new parts of the building.The tour programme includes presentations on the history of the Library and the building itself, as well as a visit to the Department of Depositories.The offer of the Collegium Maius includes lessons on "The Trail of Science" and "The Trail of History and Art," as well as interactive online classes.We also invite you to explore the educational offer of the Botanical Garden,the Nature Education Centre,the Confucius Institute,and the Museum of Anatomy.
The world is undergoing unprecedented social transformations and environmental changes in both local and global contexts. Members of the Department of Geography and Environmental Sciences (GES) are committed to understanding and tackling these profound challenges. Our classes span the environmental, social and geospatial sciences to critically appraise our changing world while providing skills for solving urgent problems. Our award-winning faculty conduct cutting-edge research around the world to promote equitable, healthy and sustainable conditions.
The PhD program in Geography, Planning and Design encompasses the social, environmental, and spatial sciences and reflects our commitment to collaboration and integration across traditional academic disciplines.
To address pressing issues like climate change, habitat loss, water scarcity, air pollution, and species extinction, the next generation of environmental leaders will need a deep understanding of the science behind the problems, the technologies that may help solve them, and the nuances of policymaking.
What is your role in the programs you lead?
As the program director for ESP and GIS, I oversee over 40 adjunct instructors and 450 students. I am lucky to have a talented team to help me, including Geri Miller, Associate Program Director in GIS, and Program Coordinators Rachel Isaacs and Lama Elhatow.
I also teach in the ESP and GIS programs. For the ESP program, I teach one of our core courses, Oceanic and Atmospheric Processes, and an elective, Air Quality and Policy. And I teach a handful of field courses. For the GIS program, I teach Cartography and Data Visualization every fall and Emergency Management every summer.
As an instructor, I draw on that experience and share it with my students, and as program director, it has helped me ensure that we are offering the best field experiences and courses that reflect our changing world.
What is the goal of the ESP program overall and in terms of preparing students for work in this field?
The goal is to ensure students understand environmental science and policy, with current, cutting-edge information and exposure to technology and data collection, and policymaking procedures. We also want to ensure students understand the connection between science and policy. Science drives policy, so understanding how data is collected and understanding the needs of the scientists goes hand-in-hand for our future policymakers.
Who are the students who pursue the ESP program?
Many of our students are actively holding internships or full-time positions in various government sectors. For example, they are working in the White House, EPA, Department of Defense, or Department of Interior. They may be looking to move on to supervisor or manager positions, and they want a more well-rounded exposure so that as they go into these leadership roles, they understand all the different pieces of environmental science and how that fits into policy.
And who are the instructors that make up the ESP faculty?
Our instructors are amazing. First, they are all highly accomplished professionals working in environmental science or making policy decisions. They are out there collecting the data and encouraging policy and community engagement. They are talking to their students one-on-one about what they are doing and getting students involved with projects that they are working on. They are having conversations with students about current events and policy changes in our government.
How do you use field courses to support learning?
We have a residency requirement for our program, and our field courses satisfy that requirement, although students also have other options, like an onsite or weekend course. But our field courses are unique. We take students all around the world, and it is an opportunity for students to meet the cohorts they have been participating with online, to meet the professionals in the field, and to see real-world problems firsthand.
Students can take a field course whenever they would like, but often we find that they take it later in their degree so that the courses they have been taking and the knowledge they have gained come together. It is a nice culmination of the degree itself.
Finally, a topic that is at the forefront and will continue to be is water. Not everyone has drinking water readily available, and climate change will continue to impact water as a resource. So, understanding the challenge, the laws related to water, and the possible solutions will continue to be extremely important in the years to come.
The Environmental Studies (ENST) minor is available to students university-wide (College of Arts & Sciences, School of Foreign Service, McDonough School of Business, School of Nursing, School of Health). Course options are listed below. The ENST requirements are three core courses, three elective courses (including cross-listed classes), and an approved capstone project.
To pursue the Environmental Studies minor, please complete the ENST internal online form , and then we will schedule an appointment with you. (Following program approval, you can formally declare the minor by completing this form in the College, or emailing your Dean in the other schools.)
The three courses below comprise the foundational requirements for the ENST Program [note that we may consider substitutes for 2220 and 2240 on an exceptions-only basis, in cases where exigencies (e.g., course capacities, scheduling conflicts) are involved].
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