Biological Resources

We live in a world of resources. Thousands of years ago, early humans began utilising resources from their environment to build the foundations of civilisation. They domesticated animals, learned to cultivate crops and began forging robust tools from raw metal ore. The resources we have at our disposal in the 21st century are almost unimaginably complex and diverse in comparison: we produce powerful pharmaceuticals, food additives and even cosmetics from fungi and microorganisms, for example, and we draw vast amounts of energy from wind and sun to power our computers and electronics. Yet even with our advanced knowledge and technology, there are still countless resources out there with untapped potential awaiting discovery.
Many farmers, for example, grow grain, corn and potatoes to sell for consumption. In recent years, scientists discovered corn's potential for generating energy in biogas facilities. Even more recently, chemical manufacturers discovered an enormous potential of potato starch for a variety of applications. In light of this new discovery, what's the best way to get farmers to increase their potato production so that society can take full advantage of this newly discovered potential? Apart from this, what future uses for grain are just waiting to be discovered, and how can we prepare for them now?
In our Biological Resources study course, you'll learn to recognise and utilise resources in all their forms. You'll tackle the complex issue of resource usage - for both repurposed and newly discovered resources - by closely examining the critical natural scientific considerations and future-oriented issues of sustainability and ecology that define the field.

Educational organisation

Different forms of interactive learning such as lectures, seminars, lab courses, exercises, and project works are chosen to provide:
1) classical educational content (e.g. soil science, botany, business administration, livestock husbandry) as well as
2) state-of-the-art agricultural subjects (e.g. precision farming, energy production, quality management, value chain analysis)

Curriculum:
Summer semester

• Micro-Simulations
• Animal Ecology and Ecosystem Services
• Soil Biological Resources
• Closing Cycles: Use and Reduction of By-Products
• Research Project 1
• Elective Module 1
  • Biological Resource Value Chains and Sustainability Management
  • Marine Bioresources
  • Use of Diversity in a Changing World
  • Entrepreneurship and Business Management
  • Innovation Management

Winter semester

• Environmental Valuation and Economic Impact Assessment
• Forest Management and Governance
• Underutilized Plant Resources
• Processing Biological Resources
• Research Project 2
• Elective Module 2
  • Animals in Bioeconomy
  • Macro-Simulations
  • Rhizosphere biology
  • Business Planning
  • Lecture Series on Biological Resources

Study abroad unit(s)

None

Internships

None

Forms of assessment

ECTS credits are earned through exams, term papers, presentations, and practical assignments. Students are assessed by means of final examinations, term papers, and group projects and are expected to demonstrate active participation and contribution to the lectures, seminars, practicals in laboratories and projects. A Bachelor's thesis and an oral exam complete the programme.

Course objectives

In addition to teaching technical and scientific content and the establishment as well as development of methodological skills, the social competences of each individual are strengthened. Key issues of Biological Resources are:

• finding local answers to global issues such as climate change, land degradation, loss of biodiversity, food security, market volatility, providing long-term revenue for farmers and gardeners in a globalised world
• understanding and optimising complex global value chains
• integrating theory and practice as well as large-scale high-tech and small-scale subsistence farming approaches
• developing innovative soft skills and learning to think outside of the box - establishing methodological skills for management and research
• practising participatory teamwork in an international, interdisciplinary, and intercultural environment
• enjoying learning in terms of a sustainable personal development

Language requirements

Please note that for Master's degree programmes, English language skills at level B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference are required. Please be aware that all applicants' test report form numbers will be checked. The following certificates are accepted:
IELTS: 6.0 - 6.5
TOEFL (internet-based test): minimum 80
TOEFL (paper-based test): minimum 550
TOEFL (computer-based test): minimum 213
The TOEFL code of our university is: 6962.
The only exceptions to these language requirements are a secondary school certificate or a Bachelor's degree achieved in the following countries: USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, or New Zealand. Please understand that no further exceptions can be made, even if you have achieved a Bachelor's degree taught in English in any other country.

Academic requirements

Please see: http://www.hochschule-rhein-waal.de/en/faculties/life-sciences/degree-programmes/biological-resources-msc

Enrolment fees

Approx. 270 EUR per semester. This covers nominal administration fees and includes a semester ticket that allows free travel on most bus and train routes throughout the state of North Rhine-Westphalia as well as to and from Nijmegen in the Netherlands.

Costs of living

The "Deutsches Studentenwerk" puts the average cost of living for students in Germany at around 700 to 800 EUR per month. This includes rent, utilities, personal expenses, and other nominal costs. For a sample breakdown of living expenses and information about financing your studies in Germany, please see our website: http://www.hochschule-rhein-waal.de/en/academics/students/costs-scholarships-and-grants.

Job opportunities

International students from non-EU countries are legally permitted to work 120 full days or 240 half days per year on a student visa. No additional authorisation from German authorities is required.
Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences often posts job advertisements for students both inside and outside the university on campus noticeboards. Some jobs at the university only require English, but most jobs in Kleve, Kamp-Lintfort, and surrounding areas will require at least conversational fluency in German. Fortunately, our Language Centre offers German courses that students can attend at no charge.
However, due to the intense workload at Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences, first-year students are strongly advised to dedicate their full attention to their studies. In later semesters, you will have a more open schedule and a better idea of how to balance work and studies. This is also a realistic time frame for acquiring speaking proficiency in German while studying full-time.

Funding opportunities within the university

A limited number of scholarships are available for currently enrolled students at Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences. The most prominent scholarship is the Germany Scholarship ("Deutschlandstipendium"). German and international students are both eligible to apply. The Germany Scholarship is a stipend of 300 EUR per month awarded each year to a limited number of students who have demonstrated excellent academic performance or exemplary social commitment to the community. Other scholarships, grants, and fellowships are available through regional and national organisations in Germany. Please see our website for details.
Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences informs all students of important scholarship deadlines in advance so that they don't miss any potential application opportunities.
http://www.hochschule-rhein-waal.de/en/academics/students/costs-scholarships-and-grants/scholarships-and-grants

Arrival support

Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences is accessible from the international airports Amsterdam (AMS), Düsseldorf (DUS), Cologne/Bonn (CGN), and Weeze (NRN). The university does not offer any pick-up services, but both Kleve and Kamp-Lintfort can be reached by public transportation from any of these airports.
If you anticipate any travel problems, delays, or unexpected changes to your plans, please contact our Welcome Centre so that we can support you with helpful advice.

Services and support for international students

Our Welcome Centre supports international students during their first few weeks in Germany. The Welcome Centre provides helpful advice and guidance on contracts, opening a bank account, registering your place of residence, applying for a student visa, setting up health insurance, and more.
The student mentors at the Welcome Centre know first-hand what it's like adjusting to life as a student in Germany. They are also an important first contact point for students with personal and social issues, as they can direct students to the right place for their specific needs. The Welcome Centre also promotes student culture at the university by organising trips and excursions to destinations all around the region as well as a range of social events for students such as the annual "Freshtival", the university's week-long orientation festival for new students in the winter semester.

Accommodation

Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences strongly urges you to make accommodation arrangements before your arrival. The university does not have its own residence halls, but the "Studierendenwerk Düsseldorf" runs dormitories near campus in Kleve and Kamp-Lintfort with options for single rooms or two- and three-room flats. Prices start at around 220 EUR per month. Room availability in these dormitories is limited and subject to a waiting list, so it's important to register online for a room as soon as possible. Please note that a security deposit of three months' rent is also required.
Most students choose to share a private flat off campus with fellow students. There are a number of popular online portals for finding a flat in Germany, for example: http://www.wg-gesucht.de. Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences also maintains its own list of available flats and rooms for students on its website. Thanks to the flexibility of the Semester Ticket, students can live in Kleve, Kamp-Lintfort, or one of the many cities and towns nearby and reach campus by public transport. For more information and helpful tips on finding a flat, please see our website: http://www.hochschule-rhein-waal.de/en/academics/prospective-students/housing.