Content of the master

To address environmental challenges with global impact, complex interactions between the human social system and the environment must be considered. In this module, students acquire highly specialized knowledge of inter- and transdisciplinary theory and research that facilitates the understanding and analysis of such complex interactions. Therefore, inter- and transdisciplinary concepts, such as SDGs, Planetary Boundaries, System Thinking, or One Health will be presented as frameworks to define and evaluate global environmental challenges, human impact and possible responses. Furthermore, the adequacy and relevance of such concepts will be evaluated and discussed to enable students to integrate and transform knowledge from different fields. In addition, the theoretical perspectives will be illustrated by examples of contemporary research within the scope of such concepts, especially with regard to scientific evidence and scientific uncertainty as challenges in transdisciplinary endeavours such as science communication and evidence-based decision-making.

In the Anthropocene, Human-Environment Systems are reaching their limits. The resulting environmental challenges of Human-Environment Interactions (HEI) need to be addressed conceptually in order to choose best methods to analyse and evaluate them. The analysis of their interaction from the interdisciplinary perspectives of natural and environmental science is required, namely as biophysical (B2.1) and chemical-ecological interactions (B2.2). This is necessary to identify the type of HEI and their magnitude, their different scales with local or global responses and their key drivers. B2.1 will explore most current environmental challenges (e.g., nutrient cycle, environmental pollution) across Europe and elsewhere in a practical way, focusing on biophysical aspects. In the second course B2.2 (best example from B2.1), we will evaluate organic chemicals classified as global pollutants from a HEI perspective, for example plastics, pesticides, pharmaceuticals. Students will evaluate how human actions determine the occurrence of these chemicals in the environment and from a chemical ecological perspective ecosystem and human responses will be used to assess the magnitude of the pressures. Finally, students will evaluate what consequences these pollutants may have for humans and for ecosystems integrity and sustainability. In addition, concepts such as (bio)monitoring, exposure assessment and uncertainty will be explored using practical examples and including results acquired from current national and international projects.

Humans interact with the environment in a variety of ways to meet their needs and benefit from it. This module approaches these interactions from a multi- and interdisciplinary perspective. First, it examines how different social sciences such as philosophy, sociology, economics and political sciences conceptualize these interactions, and second it explores what these concepts may have in common, how they might differ or possible complement each other. The outcome is a comprehensive understanding of how humans are linked to the environment beyond scientific disciplines.

Although research practices and methodologies vary across disciplines, they are usually characterized by the requirement of systematic, methodically controlled gain of knowledge. This course covers state-of-the-art research designs, measurements, and advanced multivariate statistical methods. Through discussion and application, students engage with these methods in inter- and transdisciplinary contexts.

In this module, students gain knowledge about the basic models used in ecology to model single or multispecies communities. We will investigate these models both theoretically and based on computer simulations. We will investigate how such a model can be fit to empirical data as well as how environmental factors can affect these community models. The course is thought to give a broad overview of the different existing basic models and students will have the possibility to dive deeper in one of the presented models or methods in their individual project. Therefore, existing models to simulate scenarios of complex environmental problems are identified, adopted, applied and interpreted.

The module has two aims. First, to enable the students to identify suitable systems modelling approaches to answer a specific research question related to Human-Environment Interactions (HEI) and second, to apply the model and critically reflect on its structure and results. The students work in small groups and present their modelling results in a presentation and extended abstract. At the end of the module students will have a deeper understanding of different types of models useful to simulate HEI and first experience of applying these models.

Interdisciplinary learnings regarding concepts, models and methods are applied to address environmental challenges (e.g., climate change, pollution, deforestation, etc.).Concrete research questions may be posed by external partner organizations/project sponsors. Students participate in a research project to practice the interdisciplinary research process and solve the specified task. This module requires students to work on a research project independently, which is intended to prepare students for the Master thesis. Typically, students will work in research groups to account for the interdisciplinary character. The research project can also be carried out during a stay abroad.

This module is a 300 h (eight-weeks full time) external internship in a professional field that addresses environmental challenges with global impact and possible human responses, from an interdisciplinary perspective of natural, technical and social sciences as well as perspectives from the humanities. The internship can also be done in internal research units (research internship).

Individual studies covers credit points that are not tied to fixed modules or courses and that students are free to decide how to acquire.

Students can freely choose from academic activities like the following (examples):

• courses or complete modules offered at any university in Germany or another country
• work in an interdisciplinary research project and deepen interdisciplinary skills
• participate in cooperation project of university with external partners, embedded in teaching and/or research activities (service learning, citizen science, etc).

Students will have to clarify CP with the respective teachers. In sum individual studies requires 8 CP.

A formal requirement is that CP are obtained during the period of inscription in this master program and documented officially or by signature of the responsible teaching staff member. CP must be compatible to the ECTS or undergo the formal process of recognition.

There is no grade for the module.