Green forests, rough coastlines, wide fields and imposing mountains: Germany’s nature is unique. But it is a fragile ecosystem that is being unbalanced by global environmental problems and economic interests:
Are the consequences of global warming already being felt in Germany?
What impact will the EU agricultural reform have on future land use?
Landscape ecologists answer questions like these. You deal with inanimate nature , including earth, water or air, and with animate nature , i.e. plants, animals or mushrooms.
In doing so, they not only take a close look at the individual sub-areas, but also deal in particular with the relationships between them. On this basis, they develop usage concepts as well as care and protection measures for our nature.
What is landscape ecology about?
So far, few universities in Germany have offered degree programs in the field of landscape ecology. The individual universities set different priorities in terms of content , for example on land use planning, forest use or water. Nature and environmental protection play a decisive role in all courses.
At best, prospective students are enthusiastic about nature and nature conservation. An interest in natural science subjects is required for the course . Knowledge of English is also essential in order to understand the specialist literature, some of which are in English.
How is the Bachelor structured?
In the bachelor’s degree, the curriculum initially includes natural science subjects, which form the basis for further studies. These include biology , chemistry or mathematics . In subjects such as zoology and botany, students get to know the individual animal and plant species better.
In the landscape ecology subjects, students practice laboratory work and undertake field trips . You will get to know the various methods of data acquisition and analysis and carry out your own initial studies. Further subjects are animal and vegetation ecology, soil science, hydrology or climatology.
What specializations does the master’s offer?
According to ITYPEMBA, the master’s courses offer bachelor’s graduates the opportunity to specialize. A master’s degree is the prerequisite for a doctorate and subsequent academic career and for management positions in business.
The individual universities offer different focuses in the master’s programs . You can choose between engineering ecology or environmental planning .
Where do landscape ecology graduates work?
The landscape ecology course does not provide training for a specific professional field . Basically, graduates are needed wherever landscapes have to be analyzed. The landscape design is one possible application.
Many graduates work in research after graduation, for example at a university or a private or state research institute.
Another popular field of work is nature conservation. Landscape ecologists work, for example, in nature conservation authorities and associations , foundations or in protected area administrations.
Commercial companies employ landscape ecologists as environmental officers . In the field of environmental education, graduates work, for example, as editors, PR specialists or lecturers in adult education . Other jobs are offered by landscape planning offices, consulting firms or insurance companies.
Study nature conservation internationally
Especially when it comes to nature conservation, one cannot think within rigid national borders. Many problems can only be solved on an international level . Studying abroad offers students many opportunities: They get to know other landscapes and consider environmental problems on a global level. They also train their foreign language skills and intercultural skills, which are important in later professional life.
