Master of Science in Marine and Lacustrine Science and Management

The two-year Marine and Lacustrine Science and Management (Oceans & Lakes) programme appeals to students with a background in sciences. Oceans & Lakes is an interuniversity programme. It provides students a strong fundamental and applied knowledge and prepares them for an active role in scientific research and the management of marine and lacustrine systems. The programme adopts a multidisciplinary approach by integrating physical, chemical, geological, ecological and societal aspects and including nature conservation and sustainable development.

Our programme emphasises on skills acquisition, both in marine and lacustrine research and management. It requires full-time attendance and active participation in lectures and practical exercises, visits to marine research centres, field trips and excursions. The curriculum comprises six parts: (i) general courses (27 credits) with compulsory course units covering disciplines which are considered as essential knowledge for a marine and lacustrine scientist; (ii) professional skills courses (23 credits) including Monsoon School and Internship (iii) supporting skills courses (9 credits): in-depth as well as broadening course units, and supporting course units; (iv) research skills courses (10 credits) including field courses, (vi) a choice of four specialist majors (24 credits each):

• Global Change Impacts on Ecology and Biodiversity;
• Conservation Biology and Ecosystem Management;
• Environmental Impact and Remediation;
• Marine and Lacustrine Geosciences

And last but not least, (vi) the master’s dissertation, including a Literature Review (3 credits) and the Master Thesis (37 credits), which consists of an individual research project related to ongoing research in one of the associated research groups. The programme has a strong applied component. A mandatory internship of 3-4 weeks, or 7-8 weeks (5 or 11 credits) of professional work placement allows our student to gain professional experience in marine- and lacustrine-related fields. In addition to classes, fieldwork is an essential part of the curriculum.

In order to prepare the students to perform well in an international professional context, all lectures and course materials are in English. International students enrolling in the programme should have a solid knowledge of English (see admission requirements).

Oceans & Lakes prepares students to:

• become a multidisciplinary scientist who thinks and works across fields and disciplines;
• play a key role in outstanding scientific marine and lacustrine research and management;
• provide advice on the management of and an integrated concept and view on marine and lacustrine systems;
• become critically-minded, problem-solving and communicative scientists.