Global Change Ecology

The programme is devoted to understanding and analysing the most important and consequential environmental concern of the 21st century - global change. Problems of an entirely new and interdisciplinary nature require the establishment of innovative approaches in research and education. A special focus of the programme is the linking of natural science perspectives on global change with approaches in social science disciplines.
The University of Bayreuth provides an excellent profile and background in ecology and environmental science as well as African studies, as determined by the expert commission Science in Bavaria 2020. The academic departments provide special opportunities for the elite degree programme, along with ongoing research projects that examine questions of global change.
For further information, see:
http://www.global-change-ecology.de/
(> Study > Programme Structure)

Educational organisation

Teaching is organised in groups of modules. The focus within and between these groups can be set individually.

Module group O "Global Change Ecology Overview"

Module group A "Environmental Change"
A1 Climate Change
A2 Landscape Climatology
A3 Extreme Events and Natural Hazards
A4 Changes in Aquatic Ecosystems
A5 Changes in Terrestrial Ecosystems
A6 Biogeochemical Fluxes
A7 Soil Erosion and Conservation

Module group B "Ecological Change"
B1 Biogeography and Macroecology
B2 Biodiversity and Ecosystem Functioning
B3 Disturbance Ecology
B4 Spatial Ecology
B5 Global Change Impacts on Species Distributions
B6 Soil Carbon and Global Change
B7 Remote Sensing in Biodiversity Research

Module group C "Societal Change"
C1 Drivers and Consequences of Land Use and Land Cover Change
C2 Ecosystem Services and Biodiversity
C3 Global Economy
C4 Global Policy and Governance
C5 Socio-Economic Responses to Global Change
C6 Inter- and Transdisciplinary Concepts of Change
C7 Patterns of Land Use and Ecosystem Dynamics

Module group F "Free Choice"

Module group M "Methods"
M1 Introduction to R
M2 Statistical Modelling with R
M3 Monitoring and Experiments
M4 Foundations of Biogeographical Modelling
M5 Remote Sensing
M6 Time Series Analysis
M7 Environmental Forensics
M8 Ecosystem Services Assessment of Landscapes
M9 Life Cycle Assessment of Products
M10 Scientific Writing
M11 Project Management
M12 Introduction to GIS
M13 Advanced Geostatistical Methods
M14 International Environmental Law
M15 Advanced Methods in Nature Conservation
M16 Academic working methods and skills
M17 Impact Assessment of Markets and Policies on Land Use and Ecosystem Services

Module group S "International Science Schools"

Module group I "Internships"

Master's thesis (students can also use their Master's thesis as a first step towards their PhD)

Teaching methods: lectures, seminars, participation in research projects in lab and field, e-seminars, interactive internet courses, small teaching units, one-to-one interview

For further information see:
http://www.global-change-ecology.de/
(> Study > Teaching modules), (> Study > Teaching courses) and (> Regulations > Handbook of modules)

Study abroad unit(s)

Students have the opportunity to do internships abroad. Furthermore, the International Science Schools are often offered in foreign countries.

Internships

At least one internship with a duration of six weeks is mandatory, while a second one is also possible. Internships can be completed both within Germany or abroad. They can be based in an economic setting, in science, in administration or in an international organisation. Several Global Change Ecology partners facilitate internships for students:

• internship in an economic setting (e.g. Münchener Rück, Nature)
• internship in science (e.g. Centre for Environmental Research UFZ Leipzig, German Aerospace Center DLR Oberpfaffenhofen, Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research PIK Potsdam, Forschungszentrum Jülich)
• internship in administration (Bavarian State Ministry of the Environment, Federal Environment Agency of Germany, Federal Foreign Office of Germany, European Union)
• internship in an international organisation (FAO, UNFCCC, UNCCD, WWF, WRI, IHDP, IGBP, WCRP, UNEP, World Bank)

Forms of assessment

Written and oral examinations, presentations, essays, posters in accordance with the guidelines
Master's thesis

Course objectives

The elite study programme combines the expertise of the Universities of Bayreuth, Augsburg and Würzburg with that of Bavarian research institutions and economic, administrative and international organisations. The programme is unique in Germany from the standpoint of content and at the forefront with respect to international efforts. The goal is the training of highly qualified leaders for tasks and problem-solving in science, environmental protection, and with respect to political or economic decision-making.
For further information see: http://www.global-change-ecology.de/
(> Study > Programme Structure)

Language requirements

Applicants must speak English fluently. The individual language skills will be evaluated in the aptitude assessment procedure (through the letter of motivation, individual interview).

Academic requirements

• Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in biology, hydrology, meteorology, environmental physics, environmental informatics, geoecology, landscape ecology, geography, forestry science, agricultural science or other topics related to global change ecology
• successful passing of an aptitude assessment procedure

For further information, see:
http://www.global-change-ecology.de
(> application)

Enrolment fees

Social fee: approx. 65 EUR per semester

Costs of living

Approx. 750 EUR per month to cover personal expenses

Job opportunities

Due to the intensive nature of the programme, students will have only limited time for part-time jobs.

Funding opportunities within the university

Students coming to Bayreuth from a partner university may have the opportunity to receive some financial support from the University of Bayreuth.
http://www.international-office.uni-bayreuth.de/en/05_Grants/index.html

Arrival support

The International Office with its Service for International Students (SIS) assists students before and upon arrival (mailing of information, pick-up service from the station). It offers assistance in all administrative matters including registration and enrolment.

Services and support for international students

The International Office with its Service for International Students (SIS) offers administrative, academic, and social support before and during the semester.

Accommodation

The International Office offers assistance in finding accommodation in a student residence (rent approx. 120 EUR to 200 EUR per month) or private accommodation (250 EUR to 400 EUR).
However, a search on the private market as a backup is advisable. You can find links to the private market on our website.