Applied and Environmental Geoscience

Study Outline

The M.Sc. program "Applied & Environmental Geoscience" (AEG) is an international research-oriented study program focusing on the evaluation and solution of environmental problems. Special emphasis is given to environmental problems in the subsurface such as the pollution of drinking water supplies from groundwater resources, the non-sustainable use of natural resources, the impact of short and long term waste disposal, the impact of climate and land-use change on soil and water quality.

The program aims for a comprehensive understanding of the physical, chemical, and biological process mechanisms in the geo- and hydrosphere. Students from various science backgrounds learn to qualitatively and quantitatively address complex processes in soils, water and air and to evaluate environmental risks based on multi-disciplinary approaches.

The AEG course is a 2-year program, beginning in the winter semester of each year. It consists of a suite of 6 compulsory modules (36 credits), 9 elective modules (54 credits) and a Master thesis (30 credits).
The first semester with the compulsory modules "Hydrogeology", "Aquatic and Environmental Chemistry" and "Environmental Modeling 1" introduces students to the necessary theoretical and quantitative aspects of environmental and applied geosciences. The following semesters allow students an individual focus of studies. By choosing the appropriate elective modules students can specialize in

• Hydrogeology
• Environmental Chemistry and Environmental Microbiology
• Environmental Physics and Environmental Modeling

In the compulsory modules "Scientific Practise 1+2" and "Scientific Presentation" students gain additional practical interdisciplinary skills, and benefit from close interaction with staff and research groups as well as an early start of the master thesis in the 3rd semester.

Entrance requirements

• Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in Geosciences, Geoecology, Geophysics, Mineralogy, Physical Geography, Soil Science, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Computer Sciences, Civil Engineering or a field related to environmental sciences
• Good background in mathematics, chemistry, and physics
• Overall grade (CGPA) equivalent to or better than 2,5 German grading system
• English language proficiency: English test certificate (minimum TOEFL iBT 79 points or IELTS 6.0) or another proof of proficiency equivalent to level B2 of the Common European Framework CEFR.

Job perspectives

Focused on quantitative and multidisciplinary approaches the AEG program offers graduates a wide platform for an academic career as well as excellent job perspectives in the private sector. Main fields of employment are:

• Further academic research career
• Environmental Consultant in areas such as Brown field redevelopment, Characterization of sites (hydrogeology, geophysics, chemical and microbiological analysis), Land Recycling/Land Development, Project development, Environmental risk assessment, Modeling of flow and reactive transport in subsurface systems, Environmental analytics
• Environmental Protection Agencies