A new binational double-degree master’s programme at the Ruhr University Bochum and the Universidad Nacional San Juan in Argentina

This programme is supported by:

At the beginning of the winter semester 2019/20 at the Ruhr University Bochum, the first students are enrolled in the German – Argentinian double master's degree “Applied Geothermics” in the subject of geosciences. The aim of the course is to impart the geoscientific foundations for the development, planning and monitoring of geothermal resources and to train German and Argentinian students together.

The different types of geothermal resources in Germany and Argentina complement each other perfectly with regard to geoscientific training:

In Germany, geothermal energy is an indispensable part of the sustainable energy transition. The demand for geothermal systems close to the surface in new buildings for heating and cooling and for energy storage is increasing dramaticly. Electricity generation using geothermal energy is also becoming increasingly attractive as an environmentally friendly alternative. Even though Germany does not have any active geothermal zones (e.g. volcanism) due to its geological conditions, great efforts are currently being made to tap geothermal energy across the board. In connection with this, new, effective processes and technologies are being developed, some of which in the field of geothermal energy.

Due to the location of Argentina and South America in general, along an active continental margin where the Nazca plate is subducted under the South American plate, there are, in contrast to Germany, optimal conditions for geothermal basic research. The seismicity caused by tectonics and subduction as well as the partly still active volcanism in large parts of South America provide good points of contact for geothermal investigations and possible uses. This includes not only near-surface and deep geothermal energy, for example for energy generation, heating or cooling, but also investigations of geothermal sources emerging at the surface in order to find out their origin and to deepen the understanding of the processes taking place and leading to these sources. As a result of the political change in recent years, a change in the use of renewable energies has taken place in Argentina, which also includes the generation of geothermal energy.

The courses offered are fully credited to both the participants of the Argentine university and those of the German university, and after completion of the course a double degree, i.e. a certificate of completion from both universities, is awarded to the successful graduates. The lecture language of the classes is English, but in addition to technical knowledge, intercultural competence should also be promoted. This contributes to the internationalization of the universities involved and the other institutions involved due to the international cooperation.