Skip to main content

Geoecology

Study concept

The Master's degree program in Geoecology teaches scientifically sound and solution-oriented skills for tackling current and future environmental problems. To this end, the Master's program deepens knowledge of the behaviour of geoecosystems and the abiotic processes and ecological functions interacting within them. Competences in scientific-quantitative methods for the interdisciplinary analysis and evaluation of human-environment systems on different scales are expanded. This includes, in particular, instruments for data collection in the field and laboratory, data analysis and spatial linking with remote sensing and system analysis with modelling in order to ultimately obtain reliable forecasting tools.

The Master's degree program is designed for 4 semesters and consists of a lean compulsory area and a large compulsory elective catalogue, which is structured according to specialisations. The compulsory modules provide in-depth specialist knowledge in the core disciplines of geoecology. These are data analysis, statistics and remote sensing as well as abiotic and biotic interaction processes from the atmospheric boundary layer to groundwater. The compulsory elective catalogue comprises nine specialisations: Environmental Engineering Geology, Ecosystem and Landscape Management, Environmental and Geobiotechnology, Biogeochemical Analysis, Climate and Atmospheric Sciences, Water and Landscape, Soil Hydrology, Hydrogeology and Scientific Diving. There are also further general elective modules. Students can freely combine several of these specialisations and elective modules and thus specialise individually and according to their interests. The focus is on an in-depth repertoire of methods and interdisciplinary project work in relevant research projects. Alumni of the MSc in Geoecology are ideally prepared to develop solutions for the current and future challenges of the climate crisis, the adaptation of land and resource use and the conservation of biodiversity.

 

Faculty
Faculty of Geosciences, Geoengineering and Mining (Faculty 3)
Degree
Master of Science (M. Sc.)
Standard period of study
4 Semester
Part-time possible
Yes
Start of studies
Winter semester
Summer semester
Admission requirement

BSc Environmental Systems Science - Geoecology or other undergraduate Bachelor's degree programme in Environmental Science

Course language
German
English
Professional advice
Jun. Prof. Conrad Jackisch
Agricolastrasse 22, Room 221A
Conrad.Jackisch [at] tbt.tu-freiberg.de
Central Student Advisory Service
Central Student Counselling Service
Prüferstr. 2, 3rd floor, room 3.405
studienberatung [at] tu-freiberg.de
Job opportunities

Geoecologists work primarily in research-oriented areas of specialised authorities, research facilities, universities and consulting institutions. At the same time, their practical analytical, methodological, planning and numerical skills open up a range of specialised fields of activity for graduates, e.g. in planning and engineering offices, environmental associations or environmental education providers. Depending on their specialisation, they deal with issues of water, soil, landscape and nature conservation, biodiversity, natural hazard management, climate protection and adaptation to climate change.

 

Why study geoecology at TUBAF?

The natural science degree program in geoecology specialises in imparting interdisciplinary analytical skills and an interdisciplinary understanding of the functioning and effects of the atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, pedosphere and lithosphere at various scales. A particular focus in Freiberg is on the areas of biogeochemical analysis and cross-scale hydrogeophysical methods. Beyond the subject area, students at the TU Bergakademie Freiberg can deepen their own interdisciplinary links, e.g. to geoengineering and geoenergy systems, materials science, microbiology and industrial history, and thus become experts on the Anthropocene.

Interests and skills you should bring

For scientific studies, an interest in analyses in the laboratory and in the field is just as important as not being afraid of mathematics, data and computers. If you want to understand the complexity of environmental systems and contribute to crisis solutions with analytical expertise, Environmental Systems Science - Geoecology is the right course for you.

Information on further degree programmes at TUBAF

The Master's degree program in Geoecology builds directly on the Bachelor's degree program and, after the rather broad introduction to environmental systems science, offers opportunities for subject specialisation and methodological in-depth study. The focus here is on advanced field, laboratory and data analysis skills and their application in models for analysing complex environmental systems in transition.

The Geoecology Division

Fachgruppe Geoökologie an der TUBAF
fachgruppegoek [at] outlook.de