B.Sc. in Molecular Ecosystem Sciences is an English-taught degree offered by the University of Göttingen. It provides a diverse and advanced knowledge in life sciences and related disciplines. This program is research-oriented and focuses on practical training.
MES Key Data
Type of Study Undergraduate Education Program
Start of Degree Program Winter Semester only (October)
Language of Instruction English
Duration of Studies 6 semesters (3 years) full time
Location Göttingen, Germany
Credits 180 ECTS
The Background
A tremendous expansion of life sciences is blurring the distinctions between disciplines. With this, a global demand for interdisciplinary research is on the rise.
B.Sc. in Molecular Ecosystem Sciences focuses on the role of interdisciplinarity. Most modules in our program combine expertise from many silos. This approach makes it possible to study complex processes that encompass various fields.
B.Sc. in Molecular Ecosystem Sciences is an interdisciplinary research-based program. This degree serves to provide its graduates with diverse knowledge and practical skills in biological sciences.
Students will have an opportunity to study many subjects that cross traditional disciplines. Learning generally starts from understanding the molecular basis of biological and ecological processes. Then it progresses into the application of knowledge to the ecosystem level. Such multi-level analysis of various factors enables students to grasp complex concepts.
Practical skills training is aimed at the professional preparation of students. They will gain critical thinking skills and master a wide-scale scientific approach. The program is internationally-oriented, so students will be working in multinational teams.
The program is taught by lecturers from the Faculty of Forest Sciences and Forest Ecology, who have extensive experience and expertise in innovative research as well as modern methods in biological sciences.
19 compulsory modules are the basis of this 3-year program. All modules have an emphasis on interdisciplinarity and application. They provide both solid theoretical foundation and practical training to students. Lectures introduce the necessary knowledge and the most recent developments in respective fields. Practical courses cover laboratory techniques, modeling tools, and other modern methods.
4 Key Competencies Modules complement the compulsory modules. Throughout their studies, students will take part in research activities of the faculty. The submission of the Bachelor’s thesis also prepares them for scientific research.
Students perfect their professional profile by a successful completion of the elective semester. Students can do a research internship anywhere in the world or continue their studies in Goettingen. They also have an option to strengthen their international profile at partner universities abroad.
Graduates will gain a diverse and comprehensive knowledge of biological sciences. Since students explore both ecological and molecular processes throughout their studies, they will learn to interpret information on different scales and see biological systems as interdependent units.
MES provides a solid grounding in practical skills like experimental design and scientific presentation. Also, our program supports students in developing critical thinking, systematic problem-solving, and other transferable skills.
Graduates will be able to find innovative solutions to complex problems in research. They will be familiar with interdisciplinary approach and international cooperation in research.
This course equips its graduates to meet the international and interdisciplinary demands of many fields. Graduates will be able to specialize in the field of their choice in the future while having the advantage of being able to think in broad contexts.
A significant proportion of graduates go onto further study in biological and environmental fields. Others embark on a professional or scientific career in areas such as law or conservation.
“To find the field of my interest, I wanted to see the big picture. Molecular Ecosystem Sciences did so for me. It helped me understand the interrelation between wide-ranging biological sciences.”
Woojean
“MES lays the foundation of interdisciplinary studies. The flexibility of this program allows me to tailor to my own interests, at the same time allowing me exposure to other facets of Biology.”
Michelle
“During the elective semester, MES offers a unique flexibility to participate in research projects around the world and explore science hands-on.”
Christian
“What I really enjoyed about the elective semester was the freedom to pick almost anything I wanted. I am interested in developmental aid through agriculture and plant biochemistry, so I worked at the agricultural research council for subtropical and tropical crops in South Africa. I enjoyed the diversity of agricultural research I was able to experience.”
Laura
“My main scientific interest is tropical forest ecology. I did an internship about the pollination ecology of bats in the montane forests of Ecuador.”
Carlos
“I did an exchange semester in South Africa and took some great classes from Biodiversity and Ecology, as well as Conservation Ecology programmes, which enabled me to build upon the molecular science background I had gained thus far in MES. It was an invaluable opportunity to spend time immersed in a different culture and I would recommend it everyone considering a semester abroad!”
