Global Change Ecology

Overview

Earth’s ecosystems are exposed to various rapid environmental changes, such as the global changes of climate, element cycles, land use, and biodiversity. Such changes can threaten ecological services such as the protection against natural hazards, filtration of drinking water, food supply, and other resources. These situations in turn lead to economic, social, and political instability.

Using an interdisciplinary approach, the Global Chanege Ecology programme of University of Bayreuth aims to combine natural science perspectives on global change with approaches taken from social science disciplines. The elite study programme combines the expertise of the Universities of Bayreuth, Augsburg, and Würzburg with that of Bavarian and international research institutions, as well as economic, administrative, and international organizations. The material covered in the programme is unique in Germany and is at the forefront with respect to the international perspectives incorporated in the programme. The goal is to train highly qualified problem-solvers in science, environmental protection, as well as decision-makers in politics and economics.

Future Career Opportunities

The programme in Global Change Ecology relies not only on course modules, but also offers the opportunity to gain practical experience via internships. Internships can be carried out in four main areas including research, administration, economy and international organizations. In this way, students can already start building up a scientific and professional network during their studies. Based on additional research activity, a doctoral degree can be pursued.

Science schools aim to integrate students into current developments in the rapidly changing scientific field of global change research. Intensive external and internal courses allow for students to make direct contact with lecturers and practitioners and peers from other degree programmes and universities.