Ecotoxicology

The "Master of Science in Ecotoxicology" at the University of Koblenz-Landau (on Landau Campus) is an interdisciplinary programme, combining concepts of environmental chemistry, toxicology and ecology, and also including social sciences and environmental economics.

Ecotoxicology studies the effects of chemicals on the environment, develops concepts for risk management, and predicts ecological consequences. The Master's programme imparts profound subject-specific knowledge and competences in the fields of principles and methods of ecotoxicology and environmental analysis. It teaches regulatory background as well as monitoring, statistics, modelling, assessment and management in ecotoxicology. In addition, the course provides an insight into neighbouring fields of science and thus promotes an interdisciplinary perception and the development of integrative approaches. As environmental problems reach far beyond national borders, an international approach is necessary and the situation in developing countries needs special attention.
In the end, graduates are able to work independently on ecotoxicological problems and become competent in the analysis and interpretation of such problems. Furthermore, the programme enables graduates to present results to international professional audiences, promotes independent scientific work and systematic thinking and prepares graduates for many employment opportunities in an emerging field of science with excellent career perspectives, e.g. in scientific facilities and research institutes, authorities and ministries, and industry and consulting enterprises.

Educational organisation

The Master's programme comprises four semesters of full-time study with a total amount of 120 ECTS.
The programme consists of nine compulsory modules to obtain a deep knowledge in the field of Ecotoxicology (55 ECTS). Furthermore, two optional modules (12 ECTS) out of four fields, i.e.

• Applied Environmental Chemistry and Physics
• Applied Ecology
• Geoecology
• Socioeconomics and Environmental Management

offer an additional insight into the neighbouring fields of science.

An Applied Module at External Organisations (10 ECTS), an eight-week internship at an external research institute or industry partner in Germany or abroad, provides practical work experience in the second semester. The third semester is characterised by its focus on a Research Project Course (12 ECTS), in which students participate in a project under guidance of university staff for ten weeks. In addition, graduates have the opportunity to take part in four one-day excursions during their studies (1 ECTS). Finally, the degree is to be completed in the fourth semester with a six-month Master's thesis (30 ECTS).

Study abroad unit(s)

Not necessary, but optional for internship or Master's thesis

Internships

An internship of eight weeks (Applied Module at External Organisations) is to be completed during the second semester. The programme adviser and lecturers will assist students in finding an appropriate internship.

Forms of assessment

Written and oral exams, project work, lab report, presentations, Master's thesis

Course objectives

The Master's programme enables graduates to conduct independent scientific work and prepares them in particular for independent and leading positions in the numerous emerging fields of ecotoxicology. Graduates are able to assume responsibility in a professional manner in various fields of ecotoxicology:

• Scientific facilities and research institutes
• Environmental protection organisations
• Authorities, public offices and ministries with a regulatory role
• Non-governmental organisations
• Industry and consulting enterprises

The international orientation of the programme qualifies graduates for the global job market. In addition, the degree programme prepares them to undertake PhD studies.

Language requirements

Good active and passive English language skills are required (B2 level), but there is no formal English language requirement.

Academic requirements

Bachelor's degree in Environmental Sciences with the final grade "good" or better (2.5 on a 6.0 scale with 1.0 being the best grade)
or
Bachelor's degree with environmental scientific orientation at a German or foreign university with the final grade "good" or better if the study programme contains the necessary previous knowledge
or
At least six semesters of study with environmental scientific orientation at a German or foreign university with the final grade "good" or better if the study programme is equivalent to a Bachelor's degree or of higher quality and contains the necessary previous knowledge

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Want to improve your English level for admission?
Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• Flexible study schedule
• Experienced teachers
• Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Enrolment fees

About 120 EUR per semester covering contributions to the student body and the student union

Costs of living

We estimate that you need around 600-800 EUR per month for rent, food, books, clothes, phone, health insurance, semester contribution, and recreational activities.

Job opportunities

A limited number of jobs are available at the university (i.e. as study assistants). Students who speak good German can also find part-time jobs outside the university.
Please note: Due to the intensive nature of the programme, students might find it difficult to work while studying.

Funding opportunities within the university

The university has a limited number of scholarships to support excellent international students in our international Master's programmes during their first semester. The scholarship covers 400 EUR per month during the first semester at the University of Koblenz-Landau.
http://www.uni-koblenz-landau.de/en/international-en/incomings/scholarship/weco-scholarship

Arrival support

Prior to their arrival, international students are already in contact with the Welcome Center and the programme advisor. Students will be collected upon arrival at the main railway station in Landau by student assistants or mentors.
During the Welcome Days at the beginning of every semester, first-year students can clarify all questions concerning their studies. Furthermore, an intensive orientation programme for foreign students helps them to deal with administrative issues. This helps the students settle in and feel comfortable at the university. City walking tours, library and university tours, social activities for first-year students, and an introduction to the lecturers and the institutes at the university are provided.

Services and support for international students

The Welcome Center on campus is the main point of contact for students regarding administrative matters. Intensive support is also provided by the advisory service, lecturers, and professors of the Master's programmes.
Buddies (older or graduate students) are paired with incoming students and offer support in everyday situations.
Furthermore, due to the small number of students, direct contact and communication between students of different semesters is easy.

Accommodation

Accommodation is available in student residences or on the private housing market. A certain number of rooms in student residences is reserved for incoming international students.
Students can contact the Welcome Center of the university for further information on the application process or the search for private housing.
E-mail: welcome@uni-koblenz-landau.de