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Biological Diversity and Ecology (B.Sc.)

Features

Ecology – occupation or calling?

If you are interested in the evolutionary origin of plants and animals and are familiar with the issues of conservational biology and ecology, then at Göttingen, you can learn about methods and skills to understand and make use of modern research into biodiversity. Research in the field, molecular techniques and computer-aided ecosystem research can all be found in this degree programme. The Bachelor's degree qualifies students to take part in our English-language Master's degree programmes with a biological or ecological focus.

Name:
Biological Diversity and Ecology
Degree:
Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)
Teaching language:
German
Standard period of study:
6 semesters
Start of studies:
Winter semester
Admission:
restricted admission (application to the University)
Pre-course:
A pre-course is offered
Orientation events:
Orientation events are offered

Details

How did life and thus species diversity, biodiversity, come into being on Earth? How much and how fast has biodiversity changed in the history of our planet and what are the driving forces of this evolution of life? What role does biodiversity play in ecosystems and biomes? Are all animal and plant species equally important in ecosystems or are their functions of different importance for the existence of ecosystems?

Biodiversity research attempts to scientifically record species diversity and to understand its diverse functions. The focus is on the different spatial distribution of species on earth, from the tropics to the poles, as well as their evolutionary history, and on research into the functions of biodiversity in habitats, i.e. the question: "how do ecosystems function"? These scientific findings form the basis for the development of strategies and practical measures to preserve biodiversity in the landscape.

The German-language, modularly structured study programme offers basic training in biology with a focus on evolution, ecology and biodiversity and in general natural science subjects in the first study stage (first to fourth semester).

In the second study section (fifth and sixth semesters), individual profile formation takes place through in-depth studies in ecology and biodiversity research as well as systematics and phylogeny, including modern methods of biological-systematic and biological-ecological research.

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Most modules therefore include many practical exercises, which take place in the laboratory, in the course room or in the field, depending on the subject focus.

Besides an interest in biology, especially ecology and evolution, including the acquisition of species knowledge, general scientific basics, especially in chemistry, as well as mathematics and statistics are required. Especially in ecology, a high level of statistics is indispensable.

In addition, a good knowledge of English is advantageous at the beginning of the study programme, because an intermediate level II knowledge of English is required for the compulsory module Scientific English I. If these are not yet (completely) available, the missing knowledge can also be made up for during the degree programme.

Possible career fields can be, for example, in nature conservation authorities, national parks or state offices, or in nature conservation and environmental organisations, but also in the media education sector such as publishing houses, science journalism or in environmental education as well as in environmental consulting & environmental technology and much more.

Even though the three-year "Bachelor" is formally the first academic degree qualifying for a profession, a subsequent two-year Master's degree is often indispensable in the life sciences. Furthermore, for a path into science, the doctorate is the third step of academic education.

Therefore, the University of Göttingen offers the unique opportunity to study biological diversity and ecology from the Bachelor's, through the Master's to the Doctorate of Natural Sciences.

Related and consecutive/graduate programmes


Structure

Regulations and module directory


Admission

Start:
Winter semester only
1st subject semester:
restricted admission (application to the University)
2nd to 6th subject semester:
restricted admission (application to the University)

EU
Citizen from an EU country (including Germany and EEA) or holding a German university entrance qualification

Non-German citizens without a German educational qualification

Non-EU
Citizen from a non-EU country (or stateless person)


Impressions

"You have a wide range of career opportunities with this degree."

Tom studied Biological Diversity and Ecology in his Bachelor's degree. He then stayed in Göttingen and has been studying for a Master's degree in Biodiversity, Ecology and Evolution (BEE) since the winter semester of 2022.

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"The block courses allow you to familiarize yourself intensively with individual topics"

Vivien started her Bachelor's degree in Biological Diversity and Ecology in Göttingen in the winter semester 2021/22. She previously completed a Bachelor's degree in Political and Administrative Sciences in the Netherlands.

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"An FÖJ is a good opportunity for orientation"

After an FÖJ, Joshua studied for a Bachelor's degree in Biological Diversity and Ecology. Since the winter semester 2023, he has been studying for a Master's degree in Biodiversity, Ecology and Evolution (BEE) in Göttingen.

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"Before my studies, I couldn't even tell a beech from an alder"

Lina studied Biological Biodiversity and Ecology for her Bachelor's degree. After graduating, she stayed in Göttingen and is studying for a Master's degree in Biodiversity, Ecology and Evolution (BEE).

more...


Secret marriages and wet marriage beds: the love life of ferns

Lecture by curator Dr. Michael Schwerdtfeger of the Old Botanical Garden on the love life of ferns on YouTube.

YouTube_Video

Contact

Academic Advising

Dr. Anna Lena Flux

Wilhelm-Weber-Str. 2
DE-37073 Göttingen

studienberatung@biologie.uni-goettingen.de

Office hours

Programme homepage