International Ecology

The Master of Ecology at the University of Bremen is a programme for European and non-European students with a strong background in biology, ecology or a related subject. During the programme, you will become familiar with many techniques and approaches including field and laboratory based experiments, analysis of animal behaviour, mathematical modelling, sustainability research, advanced statistics, and modern genetic tools and methods.
The programme is interdisciplinary and research-oriented. It contains many innovative elements such as a one-to-one mentoring programme, integrated skills courses, supporting online material, scientific research projects, and individual research training. The Master of Ecology programme conveys a broad spectrum of current ecological essentials and, building on these, provides access to areas of specialisation in various ecological subdisciplines such as plant and fungal ecology, evolutionary ecology, soil ecology, population ecology, molecular ecology, environmental risk assessment, and more.
The basics of the research-oriented education programme comprise a profound training in the planning and statistical analysis of ecological investigations and also in general scientific skills, which exceeds conventional standards. This is complemented by various methodical approaches to experiments and observations both under field conditions and in the laboratory. Also, this course of studies systematically conveys the use and implementation of ecological knowledge. The complexity of this field of study will be accommodated by a strong interconnectedness between the various subdisciplines, thus facilitating individual tracks with different emphases.

Educational organisation

The programme consists of four semesters (two years) including the MSc thesis. The first semester starts with ecological basics: the main ecological concepts are covered, and also Experimental Design and Data Analysis, Earth and Soil Sciences, Molecular Ecology and an Introduction to Current Topics in Cutting Edge Ecology. Population Ecology is a compulsory course in the second semester. Specialisation is offered with individual choice of courses during the second and third semester, e.g. in Behavioural Ecology, Soil and Ecosystem Ecology, Vegetation Ecology and Conservation Biology, Ecophysiology or Sustainability Research. Excursions are also part of the curriculum as is a research project and the writing of grant proposals. Particularly during the third semester, students have the possibility to study at one of our partner universities abroad. The Master's thesis is completed during the fourth semester, either at the University of Bremen or at one of our partner universities, depending on the student's interests.
A course catalogue providing detailed module descriptions can be downloaded from our website: http://www.ecology.uni-bremen.de.

Our courses consist of theoretical and practical parts, but also include assisted self-tutoring. The following methods of instruction will be used:
Lectures serve as a way to systematically convey academic knowledge as well as methodical and instrumental skills. The usage of literature, both before and after the lectures, as well as practice, is essential for comprehension.
Tutorials consist of independent work through study material, the communication of knowledge and skills and education concerning field methods.
In contrast to the other types of courses, seminars emphasise a more self-reliant kind of scientific work. Complex questions will be developed; presentations of a problem will be considered with scientific methods alternating between lecture and discussion. The goal is to improve the students' skills in using literature as well as communicating complex contexts, both orally and in writing.
Practical training is an essential part of the education, and serves to impart practical skills and abilities to solve empirical and experimental assignments both in the laboratory and under field conditions.
Field excursions give insights into the occurrences of plants and animals in the ecosystematic context, enhance students' knowledge of species and their habitats, and also introduce possible fields of professional occupation.
Colloquia include lectures held by both external readers and, less often, tutors of the Master's Programme Ecology. This provides the opportunity to get to know researchers and research projects of other universities and non-university institutes.
Assisted self-tutoring comprises independent work by students on recommended materials. They are supported individually by the instructors, for example with intensive advice regarding the focus of the presentation of a problem, with assistance in finding a solution, with the evaluation of first approaches towards a solution and with the mutual establishing of the necessary amount of learning for each student.

Study abroad unit(s)

Students enrolled at the University of Bremen are free to also take courses at the University of Oldenburg. In addition, the Biology department holds ERASMUS exchange agreements with universities in Umeå, Lund, Gothenburg, Roskilde, Trondheim, Oulu, Amsterdam amongst others. Scientific cooperation which might allow students to conduct projects or the Master's thesis abroad exists for example with universities in Canada, France, Sweden, and The Netherlands.
Every research group in the Master's Programme Ecology has international contacts, which of course will benefit the students and postgraduates as well. Within the scope of the Master's programme in Ecology, a visit abroad (preferably in the third semester) is strongly recommended. For example, the student exchange via the ERASMUS programme may be used for this.

Internships

Internships take place within the university or in partner institutions.

Forms of assessment

Exams are taken during the course and are as follows, depending on the module: oral or written tests, oral or poster presentations, scientific essays, reports.
During the fourth semester students must complete a written Master's thesis, together with thesis presentation and defence.

Course objectives

The main goal of the Master's Programme Ecology is to provide you with a broad ecological knowledge base and to train you to become a critically-thinking scientist. Not only will you gain extensive research experience qualifying you for PhD studies and an academic career; furthermore, the acquired scientific, technical and communication skills also open up a wide array of additional opportunities.
Occupational fields besides an academic career are governmental and non-governmental organisations involved in nature conservation or environmental toxicity or biological control and integrated pest management.

Language requirements

Fluency in English is required according to level C1 of the European reference scheme for language skills and must be verified by a TOEFL test (iBT 90), IELTS (6.5) or equivalent documents.
If the last academic degree was obtained at a school or university where the primary language of instruction was English, language skills are accepted as sufficient.

Academic requirements

To apply for the programme, you must have a Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in biology, ecology, environmental science or a related field, or you have 135 CP and expect to finish your Bachelor's degree before starting the Master's programme. At least 3 CP must have been gained in previous studies in ecology. Applications should include a CV, your Bachelor's degree (if you do not have a Bachelor's degree yet, include a transcript of records), a letter of motivation and a proof of proficiency in English (European C1-level or iBT-TOEFL of at least 90 points). If the last academic degree was obtained at a school where the primary language of instruction was English, language skills are accepted as sufficient.
Most importantly, students should be enthusiastic about ecology. A good knowledge of basic ecological concepts is important, and not being afraid of learning modern statistics certainly helps.

Enrolment fees

Approx. 300 EUR per semester
Fee includes a semester ticket covering public transport in Bremen and parts of Lower-Saxony.

Costs of living

600 EUR to 700 EUR per month to cover personal expenses

Job opportunities

Option to participate in research projects or teaching as student co-worker

Funding opportunities within the university

Limited access to the Deutschlandstipendium (depends on performance and social involvement, cannot be awarded at start of studies)
http://www.uni-bremen.de/en/deutschlandstipendiat.html

Arrival support

Arriving students are in contact with the "Ecology" coordinator prior to their arrival in Bremen and receive directions to the coordination office.
A tutoring programme ("kompass") offered by the International Office (http://www.uni-bremen.de/en/international.html) provides additional support.

Services and support for international students

For international students, professional, linguistic and social assistance is offered by the International Office (http://www.uni-bremen.de/en/international.html).

Accommodation

Dormitories are available for a limited number of students. More information on how to find accommodation is available at: http://www.ecology.uni-bremen.de