Environmental Sciences (B.Sc.)

How do climate change and biodiversity loss shape our future? How can we analyse complex environmental systems and develop sustainable solutions? And how do scientific data help us understand and protect our natural resources?

The Bachelor’s degree programme in Environmental Sciences offers an interdisciplinary education with a strong focus on the natural sciences. You gain a solid foundation in biology, chemistry, physics and ecology, enabling you to understand environmental systems and processes from multiple perspectives. At the same time, you develop analytical, statistical and digital skills that are essential for scientific work. 

What will I learn?

From the very beginning, theory and practice are closely linked. Fieldwork, laboratory courses and application-oriented projects allow you to apply experimental and empirical methods to real-world challenges. In the first semesters, you build broad fundamental knowledge, which you later deepen through current topics such as climate science, hydrology and life cycle assessment.

As your studies progress, the focus shifts towards data analysis, modelling and environmental monitoring. You learn to apply research methods, evaluate data systematically, conduct literature research and write scientific reports. You analyse environmental interrelationships, assess human impacts on ecosystems and develop well-founded arguments for resource and nature conservation.

The programme combines an international orientation in English with compulsory German modules (or another language for native German speakers), fostering intercultural competence and preparing you for a global career in environmental research and practice

The study programme is a full-time programme requiring approximately 40 hours of workload per week, including preparation and follow-up.The programme is organized in modules (courses). Each module comprises four semester hours per week and is completed with a final examination as given in the module description. The final grade of the study programme is calculated from the achieved module grades.

In the first four semesters, students build up their knowledge base in a total of 20 mandatory modules (core modules). Having completed the core modules, the students are well equipped with a solid scientific education and ready to deepen their knowledge in specific research areas.

By individually choosing their 8 optional modules (profile modules) from a diverse range of study areas, students shape their individual competence profile. Two profile modules can be replaced by a work placement in order to gain initial professional experience.

In the final semester the students work on their Bachelor's thesis, demonstrating their ability to independently address a well-defined task within a given timeframe using established scientific methods.

Structure of the Bachelor’s Degree Course

The Bachelor’s degree course consists of 27 modules (180 credits):

Core Modules (Mandatory Courses, 6 CP each)

• Introduction to Biochemistry
• Biology
• Mathematics and Statistics
• The Anthropocene
• Language Acquisition I*
• Language Acquisition II*
• Soil Sciences
• Ecology and Biodiversity
• Environmental Physics
• Agriculture and Environment
• Microbiology
• Land Use Systems
• Climate Science
• Geographical Information System (GIS)
• Intercultural Communication
• Hydrology
• Life Cycle Assessment
• Environmental Monitoring
• Climate und Environmental Modelling
• Thesis Lab: Scientific Writing and Communication

*In the two Language Acquisition modules, students expand and deepen their knowledge of the German language. In addition, further German modules can be incorporated into the programme as profile modules. Gradually improving their German language skills in this way enables students to reach CEFR level C1 by the end of their studies, thereby fulfilling the language requirements for German-language Master's programmes.

These two language modules are also mandatory for native German speakers. Instead of German, you may choose another language from the full range of languages offered at JLU. This will enable you to develop your intercultural skills and prepare for an international career.

Profile Modules (6 CP each)

Broad allround knowledge or specialisation - both are possible. Our students have it in their hands, they put together their studies according to their individual inclinations from the range of profile modules. Students can select profile modules from subject areas such as:

• Sustainable Land Use
• Soil Reources and Soil Protection
• Landscape Ecology
• Hydrology
• Environmental Accounting
• Sustainability Assessment
• Agricultural Production
• Global Food Systems
• Policy and Economics

Work Placement (optional) (12 CP)

The programme offers a voluntary work placement that enables our students to gain an initial insight into the various areas of professional activity in which they hope to pursue in the future. The work placement also enables them to collect hands-on professional experience and establish contacts with potential employers. The variety of contacts that our faculty possesses allows us to provide expert support to students seeking a work placement.

The work placement module replaces two profile modules (12 CP).

More information about the work placement

After successful completion of the Bachelor's degree, the following consecutive Master's degree programmes can be studied at JLU:

• Umweltwissenschaften (M.Sc.) - (taught in German) 
• Sustainable Transition (M.Sc.) - (taught in English, digital)
• Transition Management (M.Sc.) - (taught in English)

Additionally, Faculty 09 at JLU offers further Master's degrees.

Graduates of the B.Sc. Environmental Sciences have a solid background in natural sciences with a focus on quantitative analysis and environmental modelling. Their knowledge of ecology, biology, soil science, environmental chemistry and climate sciences qualifies them for positions in 

• the environmental and agricultural sector,
• government agencies and administrations, 
• corporate environmental and sustainability management, 
• quality assurance,
• and international environmental organisations. 

The programme’s practical and analytical orientation enables direct entry into science-related professional fields or provides an excellent basis for further Master’s studies.

Examination and study regulations

General Regulations for Bachelor's and Master's programmes

Please note that only the German version of the regulation is official and legally binding. The English version is for informative purposes only.

Courses offered in the course catalogue

Links

Are you still not entirely sure whether the course of study is the right one for you? We support you with a wide range of information, events and advisory services around your study orientation and choice. For example, experience real university atmosphere at our Hoch­schul­informations­tagen (HIT) and the Open Campus Day!

To help you get off to a good start with your studies, we warmly invite you to attend our orientation events. Here you will learn everything you need to know about starting your studies:

• creating a course schedule,
• examination regulations and registration deadlines,
• campus areas and leisure activities,
• and much more.

At the same time, you will have the opportunity to get to know your future fellow students.