Location:

Gottingen, Germany

Program Type:

Full Degree

Degree Level:

Bachelor

Specialty:

Biology

Program Overview

Program Description:

Courses:

• Winter semester 1: Molecular Plant and Stress Physiology, Chemical Ecology, Ecological Genetics, Biotic and abiotic interactions, Laboratory techniques.
• Summer semester 1: Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Ecological Modeling, Computer Science and Mathematics, Plant Ecology and Diversity, The Science-Policy Interface: Society and Research Structures.
• Winter semester 2: Terrestrial Biogeochemistry, Environmentally friendly production of wood, Methods in Systems Biology, Biodiversity of pro- and eukaryotic soil microbial communities, Scientific methods and project design.
• Summer semester 2 (Elective modules): Special Topics in Plant Methods and Ecological Applications, Semiochemical diversity, Protection of renewable resources, Conservation of biodeversity, Intraspecific diversity of plants.
• Winter semester 3: Conservation and Ecosystem Management, Atmosphere-Ecosystem-Interactions, Resource assessment in ecosystems, Isotopes in Ecosystem Science, Scientific writing.
• Summer semester 3: Global Change, Molecular Soil Ecology, B. Sc. Project, B. Sc. Thesis.

The goals of this new B.Sc. course are ambitious: Young students will learn modern methods, both in ecology and in molecular (bio-)sciences. They will be exposed to the most recent developments in both fields in a very early phase of their studies, and they will become involved in research activities of leading research teams in their respective fields. Lectures provide necessary background knowledge, but we expect an understanding of natural sciences, in particular biology, from school or the willingness to independently refresh this knowledge. Most teaching modules comprise practical work, field and laboratory courses or seminars – students will receive practical training and they will frequently interact with lecturers and other students. The three years B.Sc. programme comprises 18 technical modules, each with 6 ETCS credits and 4 hours of weekly training. Most modules explain the use of molecular tools to address ecological issues in different disciplines, but some are clearly focused on molecular biosciences whereas others mainly focus on ecosystem research and its applications. The technical modules are complemented by a key competence module on cross-cutting issues in each semester. A full semester is reserved for elective modules and students are encouraged to spend this semester at partner universities abroad to further strengthen their international profile. The programme ends with a Bachelor project and the B.Sc. thesis. The programme is fully in English, and we aim for a very international group of students including students from Germany, other European countries and abroad. We plan to attract the most qualified and motivated students and we offer a very international atmosphere.

Graduates of this research-based study programme will have gained a solid basis to work in the fields of environmental ecology and conservation. The pace of global change leaves little doubt that their knowledge will be urgently needed. Graduates will be used to working in international teams to find innovative solutions to complex problems. These abilities are in high demand by many employers, not only in environmental-oriented businesses. However, our vision is to stimulate young students to develop independent thinking and to immerse themselves in ecological research. Thus, many students might continue their studies as postgraduates, and eventually become life-long members of the growing community of scientists working in molecular ecology.

Cost:

500€ per Semester