Dr. Olivier Bachmann

Professor

Build a Statement of Purpose

Generate a tailored SOP for Dr. Olivier Bachmann. Improve your application with a focused, well-structured draft.

Biography

Olivier Bachmann is a Professor of Volcanology and Magmatic Petrology at ETH Zurich's Institute of Geochemistry and Petrology, focused on understanding eruptive dynamics of volcanoes and the generation of magmas, closely tied to the evolution of the continental crust. His research investigates the causes and consequences of large, explosive volcanic eruptions, magmatic differentiation, magma reservoir dynamics, and the controls on eruptive styles. Combining field observations, geochemical analyses of natural and experimental samples, and geophysical analyses with numerical modeling, his group provides an integrated perspective on the processes involved in magma generation and the subsequent eruption at the Earth's surface. He has received several accolades for his work, including being named an AGU Fellow and receiving the Joanne Simpson Medal from the American Geophysical Union. Since obtaining his academic qualifications, including a BSc in Earth Sciences from the University of Geneva in 1995, an MSc in 1997, and a PhD in Volcanology-Petrology-Geochronology in 2000, he has held various positions, including post-doctoral researcher at the University of Washington and lecturer at the University of Geneva before joining ETH Zurich in 2012.

Research Interests

Awards

#

AGU Fellow

2018-01-01
#

Joanne Simpson Medal

2018-01-01
#

Distinguished Lecturer

2015-01-01
#

Paul Niggli Medal

2004-01-01
#

Schläfli Award

2001-01-01

Courses

Seminar Geochemistry Petrology Earth Science Excursions Volcanology Volcanology Field Course Integrated Earth Systems

Requirements for ETH Zurich

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.4
IELTS
Overall
Required:7
TOEFL
Total
Required:100
GRE General
Verbal
Required:159
Verbal Percentile
Required:80
Quantitative
Required:168
Quantitative Percentile
Required:81
Analytical Writing
Required:4.5
Writing Percentile
Required:85
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in a related field (Engineering, Natural Sciences, or Mathematics) Minimum 180 ECTS credits Subject-specific knowledge equivalent to ETH Bachelor's programs
Application Checklist
  • Bachelor's degree diploma or transcript
  • Official academic transcripts
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Letter of Motivation (1 page)
  • Two academic recommendation letters
  • English language proficiency certificate
  • GRE General Test (for non-EU/EFTA applicants)
Specialization Notes

The GRE is mandatory for students who did not obtain their Bachelor's degree in an EU/EFTA state. Some departments (e.g., Computer Science) have specific ECTS credit requirements in core subjects.