Teaching at KIT aims to provide young people a strongscientific, research-oriented education and interdisciplinary skillset. By the end of their studies, students will be able to independently identify current and future environmental issues, work on complex problems, and develop sustainable solutions using scientific methods.

The 4-semester Master's Degree Program in Geoecology qualifies students for research-related professional activity in the areas of environment, sustainable land use and ecosystem management. Prerequisites for entry are a broad knowledge base in the fundamentals of biology, chemistry, mathematics and physics, as well as selected knowledge in more specialized fields of soil science, botany, geology, geomorphology, hydrology, climatology, ecology, environmental chemistry and zoology. Students of the Master's Degree Program in Geoecology apply their broad knowledge base and an interdisciplinary approach to environmental questions and learn state-of-the-art methods and techniques. Students can choose from two out of three methodolgocial and content-related topics in the fields of biogeochemistry and ecology, both of which are closely linked to current research at KIT's Institute of Geography and Geoecology. The diversity of research laboratories and research directions at KIT will ultimately allow students substantial flexibility to customize their graduate-level education and experience to their own academic goals and interests.

The acquired qualifications from the Master's program forms the basis for subsequent doctoral work, should students wish to pursue further graduate-level studies. The interdisciplinary knowledge, the methodological skills and the trained analytical thinking qualify graduates of the Master's program to recognize, evaluate and work on current research questions in environmental science. They are able to develop innovative and implement interdisciplinary solutions for complex environmental problems.  They can also make informed decisions that take into account social, economic and ethical constraints. These skills will enable them to play an important role in research, development and innovation in both scientific and policy arenas. As such, graduates of the Master's program are prepared for management functions and are active in various professional areas such as research, administration and politics, industry and commerce, engineering and planning as well as non-governmental-organizations.

Learning objectives of the M.Sc. Geoecology

Learning objectives are formulated at the program level and in more detail for modules and courses. A distinction is made between subject-specific and general learning objectives (outlined below). Subject-specific  learning objectives include not only knowledge synthesis and conceptual understanding of subject material, but also  the capacity for independent and specialized learning. General competencies include appropriate communication and skills needed for critical thinking, interdisciplinary endeavors, and applied working tasks.

Skills related to the subject

The graduates of the degree program

• have a deep understanding of the concepts and theories of their selected fields of specialization
• have in-depth knowledge of methods of their chosen fields
• have an in-depth understanding of the interdependencies in natural and managed ecosystems
• can assess the impact of environmental change on ecosystems
• have a clear idea regarding their desired occupational field
• track important current developments in the subjects they choose
• are motivated to further deepen their knowledge and learn independently

General skills

The graduates of the degree program

• can apply their knowledge and understanding creatively and innovatively to their job or activity
• question theories, paradigms and concepts of their chosen research areas
• evaluate the methods used in their field
• are able to gain understanding of the international state of research on a problem and identify open questions
• can develop scientific questions and / or testable hypotheses to address a given problem
• can critically assess their own and international scientific work
• can design, organize and successfully complete projects on time
• can appropriately communicate their work to specialists, laypeople and decision-makers in appropriate formats
• can write research papers in accordance with international scientific standards