University of Koblenz-Landau
Institute for Environmental Sciences

Master's Program in Ecotoxicology

Ecotoxicology aims to investigate effects of chemicals on biological systems in order to develop methods for risk assessment and management, as well as to predict ecological consequences. The international Master of Science in Ecotoxicology therefore integrates concepts of Environmental Chemistry, Toxicology, and Ecology and includes Social Sciences and Economics, as well.

Due to its interdisciplinary and applied approach, the program enables its graduates to analyze complex problems and to develop practical solutions. An international direction of the study program is realized by our international research staff, regular talks of guest lecturers from abroad and internships which can be undertaken all over the world. All mandatory courses are taught in English.

The master’s program provides a comprehensive education in ecotoxicology along with a basic and application-oriented understanding of the fate, distribution, effects, risk assessment, and risk management of chemicals in the environment and consists of nine compulsory modules:

- Principles of Ecotoxicology

- Fate and Transport of Pollutants

- Tools for Complex Data Analysis

- Environmental Chemistry Lab Course

- Toxicology and Pharmacology

- Methods in Ecotoxicology

- Molecular Ecology I

- Models in Ecotoxicology

- Risk Assessment and Management

In addition, two optional modules out of the fields Applied Environmental Chemistry and Physics, Applied Ecology, Geoecology, as well as Socioeconomics and Environmental Management offer insights into neighboring scientific fields. An 8-weeks internship with an external research institute or industry partner in Germany or abroad allows our students to gather practical work experience. During a 10-weeks Research Project Course the students realize a project under guidance of the university staff. In the 4th semester the students complete their degree writing their master’s thesis (which takes about 6 months).


Admission requirements

Students with a bachelor's degree in environmental sciences, natural sciences or geo sciences can apply for the master´s program. They should have a strong interest in interdisciplinary application-oriented scientific work. A basic academic knowledge in the fields of ecology, environmental chemistry, geographic information systems and mathematics/statistics is required. Previous knowledge may also be complemented in preparatory courses.

Good active and passive English language skills on a B2 level (CEFR) are required. German language skills are no pre-requisite to study the M.Sc. in Ecotoxicology.


Other courses offered by University of Koblenz-Landau

MSc in Chemistry and Physics of Functional Materials

MSc in Environmental Sciences

MSc in Mathematical Modeling of Complex Systems

MSc in Web and Data Science

About University of Koblenz-Landau

The University of Koblenz-Landau is one of the youngest universities in Germany and has grown considerably in its relatively short history. Since its transformation from a teacher training college in 1990, numerous new departments and institutes have sprung up. In addition, a wide range of new degree programs and chairs have been created, and existing courses and research consistently expanded.

At the eight existing faculties on the two campuses in Koblenz and Landau, you can currently study Education, Arts and Humanities, Social Sciences, Sciences, Computer Science (Koblenz) and Psychology (Landau). Since 1990, the number of students has increased dramatically to about 17,000 enrolled students, with approximately 8,500 at each campus.

The Institute for Environmental Sciences is located at the campus in Landau and pursues both basic and applied research, in which the central theme is the complex interactions between humans and the environment. The Institute combines the expertise from twelve research groups ranging from molecular to ecosystem scales as well as social sciences (environmental economics).

Landau lies in the so-called German Tuscany and is nestled in the Palatinate Forest, a trans-border biosphere reserve with France. This location does not only provide a charming place to live and study but also offers excellent possibilities for outdoor activities like hiking, rock climbing or mountain biking.