Introductory event for the first semester students
The introductory event for the new students of the Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs of the GeoZentrum Nordbayern will take place in October each year. This also applies for the Palaeobiology Master. There will be a separate introductory event for the Master Geothermics/Geoenergy.
Introductory event for all bachelor’s degree programs (1st semester)
The next session will take place on Tuesday, October 6, 2026,
from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM in the following room: Mineralogie Übungsraum.
Introductory event for master’s degree programs (1st semester)
The next session will take place on Tuesday, October 6, 2026,
from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM in the following room: Mineralogie Übungsraum.
Link to the current module handbooks and examination regulations:
https://www.gzn.nat.fau.eu/study/downloads/#sprungmarke2
Welcome | New Bachelor’s and Master’s Students 2026
Dear Students,
a very warm welcome to the GeoZentrum Nordbayern at FAU!
Following the successful launch of our new Bachelor’s degree programme in GeoSustainability last year, we are delighted to be starting the winter semester with another new programme: the Elite Master’s degree programme in Earth System Dynamics and Evolution. In addition, we offer a broad range of degree programmes: the Bachelor’s degree programme in Geosciences, the Master’s degree programme in Geosciences, and the Master’s degree programme in Geothermal Energy.
Geosciences are becoming increasingly important. Addressing urgent challenges for society – from critical raw materials and water supply to climate change or CO₂-neutral building materials – requires experts who understand the Earth system and can help develop and shape sustainable solutions. We are therefore delighted that you have chosen to explore our degree programmes.
The semester begins on 12 October 2026, and the lecture period ends on 5 February 2027. As usual, our GeoColloquium will take place on most Mondays at 5:00 p.m., featuring invited scientists who present their latest research findings. You are very welcome to join us – it is an ideal opportunity to learn about the latest developments in the field and to engage in discussion with researchers and fellow students. Dates and topics will be announced on our website and on the notice board at the GeoZentrum.
Our induction events on 6 October 2026 will provide you with a concise overview of everything you need to know to get started with your studies:
- Bachelor’s students: 4:00 p.m.
- Master’s students: 5:00 p.m.
We look forward to meeting you and to exchanging ideas with you!
We wish you a wonderful summer and a successful start to the new semester.
Best wishes,
Anette Regelous and Gabriele Chiogna
Further information to help you get started with your studies
Welcome to FAU – First-year students’ welcome event
FAU welcomes its new students every year with a new students’ welcome event. You can look forward to an official welcome from our President and the entire Executive Board and a cool DJ set. That apart, everyone you need to know to help you get off to a good start studying at FAU is on hand to answer any questions you may have. More information here: https://www.fau.eu/outreach/events/first-year-students-welcome-event/
Further introductory events for first-year students at FAU can be found here: https://www.fau.de/studium/studienorganisation/studienstart/vorkurse-und-einfuehrungsveranstaltungen/#willkommen-an-bord
The Central Office for International Affairs (RIA) offers a welcome week for all new international students at the beginning of each semester to help you with legal formalities as well as the general onboarding at FAU. The program is open to all new international students.
Bridging Course for Chemistry as a Minor Subject
The Department of Chemistry offers a bridging course for undergraduates who take chemistry as a minor subject. The aim is to refresh the fundamentals of chemistry. The course will be held in German.
Registration is not required.
Mathematics for Freshers – Online-Preparation Course
A fundamentals of mathematics refresher course is offered online freshers of a MINT degree programme. This course is recommended. http://www.omb-physik.de/
Campo contains all the module lists and information on when and where course takes place, as well as the name and contact information of the lecturers responsible. It also contains room plans and contact information for FAU employees.
Timetable
Show timetable: Campo > My studies > Timetable
Book lectures: Campo > Courses of study > Course timetable show > Programmes of the Faculty of Natural Sciences > Earth Sciences > Bachelor/Master of Science Major PO 20202 > Bachelor’s examination/Master’s examination > Total account/additional credit > any Select any course > Parallel groups/appointments > Book appointment. The booked appointment will then appear on the timetable.
Save timetable as PDF
1. book lectures (see above)
2. view timetable: Campo > My studies > Timetable
3. when all desired lectures have been added, you can select different time periods in the calendar (top centre), e.g. semester view or lecture period view
4. then click on “Create PDF document” (via time periods, top right), or right), or have it entered into the iCalender.
The Geoscience Student Association organises the following events for first-year students and thus ensures that everyone arrives well in Erlangen and in their studies.
Freshers’ Rally
The Freshers’ Rallye takes place during the first two weeks of the winter semester. Small groups have to solve puzzles in Erlangen and apply their first geological knowledge.
First Semester Ries Excursion
In October/November, the student council organises a freshman excursion to the Nördlinger Ries. During one or, if necessary, two weekends, everyone can get to know each other better and learn something about the regional geology there.
Barbara Ceremony
The Barbara Ceremony is usually traditionally held on the first Monday after St. Barbara’s Day (4th of December). Important: This year the ceremony takes place on December 10th (Thursday)! One thing to know in advance: Here the freshmen are challenged!
Geological Baptism
Top secret! The geologist baptism is held in the summer semester and is a must for all first and second semester students.