One of the greatest intellectual challenges facing humanity is to understand the complex, ever-changing planet on which we live: how it supports life, and how human activities affect its ability to do so in the future.

The Department of Earth Sciences at Uppsala University is one of the broadest earth science departments in Europe. This width in expertise is represented by experienced teachers and researchers on everything from igneous rocks, volcanos and earthquakes, to weather and climate, the evolution of life on earth and dinosaurs, glaciers and the storage of carbon dioxide. Our new programme, Global Energy Systems, examines energy resources and their use, and from 2013 we welcome the Centre for Sustainable Development, both part of our strengthening commitment to understanding global change.

This range of expertise offers exceptional advantages to students, offering a uniquely comprehensive educational programme and exciting new opportunities for synergy between different research areas.