Ecology

The Master of Ecology at the University of Bremen is a programme for international 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, conservation biology, advanced statistics, and modern genetic tools and methods. The programme is interdisciplinary and research-oriented. It contains many innovative elements such as a one-on-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. 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. 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, Scientific Writing, Molecular Ecology, and an Introduction to Current Topics in 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 Marine Ecology. 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. 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. 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. 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