Curriculum
The four-semester master's degree program is characterized by an interdisciplinary approach to individual geosystems. In the first semester, a local environment is examined from various perspectives in several modules in order to understand processes within and interactions between the different spheres of the geosystem. In the second semester, the insights gained from the examination of an enviroment from a local perspective are applied to a new environment from a different natural region, and new scale levels are explored by comparing the two spaces. In the third semester, individual areas of focus are set through independent studies, a professional internship, and a colloquium. The master's degree program concludes with a master's thesis in the fourth semester.
Spezielle Studienordnung Geosysteme im Wandel (in German)
Local Perspective: Geomorphological Spatial Analysis
In the module “Local Perspective: Geomorphological Spatial Analysis,” students learn to describe and analyze a mesoscale area (e.g., a river basin) in terms of geology, tectonics, geomorphology, shallow subsurface, and soil, as well as to understand physiogeographical system relationships. The study area is identical to that of the other "Local Perspective" modules.
Local Perspective: Climatological Spatial Analysis
In the module “Local Perspective: Climatological Spatial Analysis,” students learn to distinguish anthropogenic influences on the climate system from natural, local fluctuations in climate and environmental parameters, and to assess the ecological and socio-economic consequences that observed and predicted climate change has and will have in the study area. The study area is identical to that of the other "Local Perspective" modules.
Local Perspective: GIS-based Spatial Analysis
In the module “Local Perspective: GIS-based Spatial Analysis,” students learn to identify and select methods for geographic data collection specific to a given question and to apply basic methods of spatial analysis in a geographic information system (GIS). The study area is identical to that of the other "Local Perspective" modules.
Scientific Research and Project Design
In the module “Scientific Research and Project Design,” students learn to identify and formulate hypotheses and to research questions in the field of physical geography. With this knowledge, they design a research project that answers the hypothesis/research question.
Elective Modules
In addition to the geography modules, students take three modules of their own choosing from other disciplines offered as minors by departments 04 (archaeology), 07 (mathematics, computer science, physics), 08 (biology and chemistry), and 09 (environmental management).
Regional Perspective: Excursion
In the module “Regional Perspective: Excursion,” students apply the knowledge they have acquired in the "Local Perspective" modules to a new study area with different natural and climatic characteristics, initially in theory in the preparatory seminar and then testing this knowledge using field methods during a field trip lasting at least one week.
Global Perspective: Applied Geosystem Analysis
In the module “Global Perspective: Applied Geosystem Analysis,” students learn to understand and critically evaluate research methodology from current fields of research and apply methods of data collection and interpretation to their own case studies.
Science Communication
In the “Science Communication” module, students learn about various communication formats and media within science. They also examine communication strategies aimed at the general public and create their own science communication products.
Internship
As part of the master's degree program, students complete a 6-week professional internship. This allows them to get to know an institution employing professional geographers and apply the theoretical and methodological knowledge they have acquired during their studies in a practical setting.
Colloquium Geosystems
In the “Colloquium Geosystems,” conceptual skills for conducting independent studies are deepened, and students are guided in the preparation of their independent study and master's thesis. Students learn to connect a research question with theoretical concepts as well as to evaluate methodological approaches and their application to specific questions.
Independent Studies
In the “Independent Studies” module students develop the ability to work independently in a scientific manner and to collect and analyze empirical data. Students learn to independently apply the fundamentals of scientific work to a geoscientific question and to process it using empirical data. Within this framework, they develop an approach for addressing questions, obtain all the necessary sources and resources and analyze them in order to answer the research question.
General Skills: Learning by Teaching
In the module "General Skills: Learning by Teaching", students gain experience in supervising, teaching, and supporting bachelor's students on their learning journey. They apply didactic methods and become familiar with evaluation methods and procedures and their critical assessment.
Thesis
The master's thesis serves as proof of the ability to independently address a scientific question within a specified period of time using sophisticated scientific methods and practices. The main results of the thesis are presented and discussed in the thesis colloquium.