Global Food Systems (B.Sc.)

How can we ensure food security for a growing world population? How do climate change, global trade and political decisions shape what we eat? And how can sustainable food systems be designed at local and global levels?

The internationally oriented Bachelor’s programme in Global Food Systems examines food systems at the macro, meso and micro levels – from global supply chains and climate impacts to governance structures and local production systems. The programme combines natural, social and economic sciences at the interface of nutrition, agriculture, the environment and international development cooperation.

What will I learn?

In the first semesters, you acquire fundamental knowledge in biology, chemistry, environmental and agricultural systems, as well as human nutrition in ecological and social contexts. Building on this foundation, you explore sustainable production systems, global food security, animal husbandry and food economics.

The programme links scientific theory with practical experience. You collect and analyse agricultural and nutritional data, apply basic statistical methods and deepen your understanding of intercultural communication. In the final phase of your studies the Bachelor’s Thesis provides the opportunity to carry out independent research and apply scientific methods to real-world challenges.

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 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)

(subject to approval by the responsible committees)

• Introduction to Biochemistry
• Biology
• Mathematics and Statistics
• Introduction to Global Food Systems 
• Language Acquisition I*
• Language Acquisition II*
• Ecology and Biodiversity 
• Agriculture and Environment 
• Policy and Food Systems 
• Foundation of Nutritional Physiology
• Land Use Systems 
• Climate Science 
• Food Production: Animals 
• International Food and Nutrition Security 
• Intercultural Communication 
• Life Cycle Assessment 
• Food Production: Plants 
• Sustainability of Food 
• Food Economic 
• 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:

• International Cooperation 
• Regional Analysis and Planning
• Sustainability Assessment 
• Policy and Economics
• Agricultural Production
• Natural Resources
• Lanscape ecology and Ecosystem Function
• Modelling and Monitoring

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:

• Ökotrophologie (M.Sc.) (taught in German)
• Nachhaltige Ernährungswirtschaft (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 agricultural and food industry, 
• sustainability and quality management, 
• project and consulting, as well as in international organizations,
• NGOs, 
• and development policy contexts. 

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

Special regulations (in German)
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.

Course offered in the course catalogue

Electronical course catalogue (in German)

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.