Ecosystem Sciences (B.Sc.)
Features
B.Sc. Ecosystem Sciences is an interdisciplinary research-based program. This degree serves to provide its graduates with diverse knowledge and practical skills in ecosystem and environmental sciences.
The complex nature of ecosystems is a main challenge for researchers worldwide. This complexity promotes thinking in broad contexts, research networks and interdisciplinary subject areas. The programme is taught completely in English, and we aim to have a very international group of highly motivated and qualified students, including students from Germany, other European countries and abroad. You will have the opportunity to study subjects that cross traditional disciplines (from molecules to landscape-level and laboratory methods). Learning generally starts from understanding the basis of complex biological and ecological processes. Later on, you will learn about different advanced scientific methods for analyzing complex ecosystems. At the end of the studies, you will be able to design and carry out your own research projects.
The degree programme will qualify for research or analytical occupations concerning environmental issues or for a continuing Master's degree programme.
- Programme:
- Ecosystem Sciences
- Degree:
- Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)
- Language of the programme:
- English
- Standard period of study:
- 6 semesters
- Start:
- Every winter semester
- Admission:
- restricted admission (application to the University)
- Orientation events:
- Orientation events are offered
Get to know us
Our Campus
Online tour
Studying at the University
Karen Small
Student life
Living, finances and culture
Details
The Bachelor programme mediates the necessary basics for research and understanding complex ecosystems. It is research-oriented and focuses on practical training in scientific methods, field and laboratory work, and data analysis and modelling.
You will get a solid grounding in practical skills like experimental design and scientific presentation. Also, the program supports students in developing critical thinking, systematic problem-solving, and other transferable skills.
The program is taught by lecturers from the Faculty of Forest Sciences and Forest Ecology, who have extensive experience and expertise in innovative research as well as modern methods in environmental sciences.
In the first year you will learn the fundamentals in ecology, biology and natural sciences.
In the second year you will deepen your knowledge in ecology and ecological processes. You will learn different scientific methods in practical courses (laboratory techniques, field methods, modelling tools).
In the third year, you have the opportunity to customize your studies in an elective semester. You can do a research internship anywhere in the world or participate as an intern in the research activities of the faculty. It is also possible to take elective courses at partner universities or in Göttingen.
In the last semester, students prepare their Bachelor thesis.
The knowledge of ecosystem scientists is in demand within the area of nature conservation, with consultancy and planning offices (e.g. GIS- and IT-services), at universities, in research institutes and public environmental offices as well as in international organizations.
Related and consecutive/graduate programmes
Related programmes
Consecutive/graduate programmes
Structure
Semester 1
- Forest botany and tree physiology
- Biochemistry
- Ecological genetics
- Chemistry /Physics
- Data analysis and statistics
Semester 2
- Microbiology and molecular biology
- Plant diversity
- Plant and animal ecology
- Terrestrial biogeochemistry
- Computer science and mathematics
Semester 3
- Forest pathology
- Current topics in ecosystem sciences
- Ecosystem management and conservation
- Ecological climatology
- Ecological modelling
Semester 4
- Chemical and microbiological methods 6 C
- Physiological and genetic methods 6 C
- Soil science and bioclimatology methods 6 C
- Field methods in forest ecology, silviculture and vegetation science
- Scientific writing
Semester 5
Semester 6
Regulations and module directory
Application
Language requirements
If English is not your first language, you must provide proof of proficiency in English at a level of at least B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
Following proofs are accepted:
- „International English Language Testing System" (IELTS Academic): min. volume 6.0
- „Test of English as a Foreign Language, internet-based test” (TOEFL iBT): min. 81 points
- Cambridge English Scale: min. 160 points
- Global Scale of English (Pearson Academic): min. 59 points
- UNIcert®: min. Zertifikat UNIcert® II;
- NULTE-certificate: min. level B2;
We do not accept certificates older than 2 years.
It is also acceptable as a proof:
- At least one-year-stay in a country where English is official language for study or work purposes
- Average grade of at least 12 grade points in high school subject “English” within the 2 last years before university entrance qualification
The proof can be submitted after application deadline but before enrolment. It is a prerequisite for enrolment.
German language skills do not have to be proven.
- Start:
- Winter semester only
- 1st subject semester:
- restricted admission (application to the University)
- 2nd subject semester:
- restricted admission (application to the University)
Contact
Programme Coordinator
Henrik Ziegenhagen-Härter
Büsgenweg 5
Room: 1.133
37077 Göttingen
Phone: +49 (0) 551 / 39-23576
E-Mail: studium@forst.uni-goettingen.de