Joint minor: Geo-resources for the future
Geo-resources are used everywhere in our daily life. Society is facing challenges: increasing CO2 emissions are causing climate change and call for an energy transition towards renewable energy sources. Which alternatives exist for oil, gas and coal, and how does it work? What role does which energy source play on the world stage? Moreover, many of these renewable energy sources require minerals and earth materials that are only found in specific locations. The supply of minerals is limited and their availability and prices strongly depend on global politics. In order to tackle this complex societal challenge, various viewpoints have to be considered.
In this Minor, you will learn about the various disciplines that are involved in the responsible exploitation and trading of geo-resources, in terms of energy and in terms of critical raw materials. You will learn how the technical, societal, environmental and economical side are intertwined when it comes to responsible exploitation and trading of geo-resources are connected and practice their integration. You will work on economic, environmental and social aspects that are needed to achieve a ‘licence to operate’. How is it done today and what do we need to change tomorrow?
Everything is taught in English, and no specific prior knowledge is requested. This minor is all about active participation in group work and interactive work forms such as debates, games and workshops. You will learn to work in teams of diverse background and discipline, and there is a strong focus on soft skills, i.e. writing and presenting.
Reasons to choose a Leiden-Delft-Erasmus minor:
1. Joint education by three top-class universities.
2. Important societal challenges and new solutions.
3. Educators and students from different academic fields.
4. Cases by companies, governments and NGOs.
5. Expand your network in Leiden, Den Haag, Delft and Rotterdam.
More Leiden-Delft-Erasmus minors
What are the key features of the multidisciplinary Leiden-Delft-Erasmus minors?
- Admission requirements: Most Leiden-Delft-Erasmus minors are open to all students of Leiden University, TU Delft and Erasmus University Rotterdam. A small number also require prior knowledge or involve a selection process.
- Number of places: Although it varies according to the minor, between 40 and 90 students can participate (see the link below for numbers for each minor). Students from each of the universities are equally likely to be placed.
- Language: All Leiden-Delft-Erasmus minors are taught in English.
- Credits: All minors have a coherent program of 30 EC. It is possible to only follow the first block of 15 EC.
- Location: The lectures and seminars are held in one or more of the following cities: Leiden, Delft, The Hague, Rotterdam.
- Applications: You apply for a Leiden-Delft-Erasmus minor via eduXchange.
- Selection: Some Leiden-Delft-Erasmus minors are selection minors, which means you will need to write a motivation letter. Make sure you check the application date.
Student and lecturers about this minor
Basil Hammer – Bachelor in International Studies at Leiden University: 'I think it is important to know more about the supply chain of resources, especially in relation to politics. Having a good understanding of the extraction of geo-resources puts you in a much better position for making future policy decisions.
'The content of the course itself was not very technical; I found it very manageable. Usually, I’m surrounded by humanities students, so it was refreshing to be surrounded by engineers for once – so much of our modern world is built by people with a background in technology and engineering.'
Read more about student experiences
Velislava Vasileva – Bachelor in International Studies at Leiden University: 'The topics in this programme, such as the value chain of resources, but also the political economy, are therefore very relevant to me. What also appealed to me was the fact that the minor is a collaboration between three different universities. This looks nice on my CV of course as all of these universities have a great reputation.'
'Our field trip was really cool. We went on a boat trip in the port of Rotterdam. It was impressive to see all those big ships in real life. One of the modules of the programme was about the political economy of geo-resources. That’s why it was valuable to see their transportation and storage in action. '
Read more about student experiences
Dr. Anne Pluymakers, associate professor in Rock Mechanics, TU Delft: 'Large-scale infrastructural developments and large projects requires team members who have feeling for the technical and non-technical aspects, and who can bridge the communication gap between disciplines. And there are still too few of them. This minor fills this gap and – very importantly – brings students of diverse background and specialty knowledge into contact with each other.'
