ECTS-Study Program of the ICBM

General Guideline                          

Since 1994, the Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (ICBM) has offered jointly with the Department of Chemistry the Diploma program Marine Environmental Science (Diplom - Studiengang Marine Umweltwissenschaften).

After the successful completion of the course, the Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg confers a Diploma and the degree

Diplom-Umweltwissenschaftlerin / Diplom-Umweltwissenschaftler
(short: Dipl.-Umweltwiss.)

This can be either followed by an employment or by PhD studies (degree: Dr. rer. nat.). PhD studies are offered by the ICBM jointly with the Departments of Science and Mathematics.

a) Educational Aims

The study program is focussed on present-day questions important for the future of mankind. In order to be able to give answers and to find solutions, the students have to gain qualifications enabling them to work on the growing local, regional, and global environmental problems in a multidisciplinary and system-analytical way. These qualifications are to be achieved in the study program. Studying on examples helps to deal with complex questions as e.g. the extensive consequences of environmental changes caused by natural processes or anthropogenic
effects on the different spatial and temporal levels. The environmental systems are understood to be dynamical and partly self-organized systems. Their chemical, biological or physically comprehensible interconnected processes must be identified and pursued. Models are developed for a profound prognosis of future developments.
These general aims of the study program are coupled with its special characteristics:

Solid mathematical-scientific and interdisciplinary education leading to a general understanding of systems in the environment.
Knowledge of the bases and strategies of research on complex systems in order to deal successfully with the present problems of the environment considering its natural situations and socio - economic demands.
Combination of mathematical-scientific procedures and methods for application in environmental research and protection on the basis of a wide practical training (from strategies in data processing to technical applications of modern instruments of chemical and microbiological analysis).

Aspects from mathematics and the various science disciplines, are combined and presented from different view points. The students have to deal individually with environmental systems as a whole and they have to study facts, principles, and investigation methods of mathematics and all natural sciences. Additionally, towards the end of the course, the study of social and legal structures will form a solid basis for attractive jobs. Corresponding subjects (e.g. environmental law, environment planning etc.) are therefore fixed components of the study program. The ability to communicate is to be trained by working, in cooperation with authorities and firms, on practice-oriented questions.

The study course creates a close link between theoretical bases and application procedures. Especially mathematical-physical classes and lectures have an integrating function and - with the help of theory, modelling, and computer simulation – the students improve their understanding of environmental systems. Quantitative, process-oriented aspects are dominating over rather descriptive theoretical facets. Having finished the course, the students become experts with the following qualifications:

The ability to combine modern mathematical-physical techniques with the methods of a precise analysis of environmental sectors in a way that models of future natural and anthropogenic processes can be reconsidered. The results are numerous links to planning and political levels.

The ability to coordinate results achieved in environmental research or results found by scientists of the traditional disciplines. Social, economic and legal aspects are especially important as well as the
communication between the disciplines and the adequate conveyance of possible solutions to the social groups affected.

These are ambitious standards. Each student is expected to study hard to enlarge the technical knowledge including knowledge on the technical devices and to pursue these perceptions within the context of overlapping subjects. However, also the teaching staff have to meet high demands since the different subjects are coordinated and re-emphazised all the time. Personal efforts of each student and the general readiness of the students for discussion and cooperation will be the basis for a successful completion of the studies.

b) The "Employability Factor" - Where Can Successful Graduates Find a Job?

Before the study course Marine Environmental Science was started, future employers were interviewed with regard to jobs possibly available for successful course graduates. According to them, the main demand for environmental scientists is in the following fields of science and industry (public or private): scientific conception and the realization of comprehensive programs and tasks in state authorities and research facilities.
scientific and coordinating activities in research departments as well as in controlling of medium and large companies. Further jobs can be found in freelancing positions (expert and advisory activities, public relations or as consultants).

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2. Entry Qualifications

a) Which Interests and Qualifications are Necessary for Students Interested in     the Study Course "Marine Environmental Sciences" ?

There are no other formal requirements than the general matriculation standard by either a "Gymnasium" (German grammar school) or "Fachoberschule" (trade school or technical college). The formal requirements are based on the "Niedersächsische Hochschulgesetz". Before starting the study course, no work experience is necessary. The study program Marine Environmental Science is a mathematical-scientific course covering these disciplines in total and, additionally, linking juridical and economic aspects. Therefore, the important prerequisite for a constant
study motivation is a serious individual interest in all mathematical-natural scientific disciplines: biology, chemistry, geosciences, mathematics and physics. An interest in computer science is useful for the studies.
Mathematical-scientific knowledge gained during earlier education makes studying easier, especially in the early phase of the studies.

Foreign students studying according to the ECTS should have a sufficient knowledge of the German language in order to be able to follow the lectures and to handle everyday situations. The university offers voluntary language courses, which however, do not belong to the study programme of Marine Environmental Sciences. Of course, the teaching staff, students, and many other persons will be glad to help foreign students with their language problems.
This, however, cannot replace an earlier acquired knowledge of the German language.

Especially in the starting phase, students will ask why many specialized subjects from the mathematical-scientific field have to be studied, why specialized work experience or lectures have to be attended, where the "environmental" aspects are. Here, it must be underlined that the successful completion of the studies and the handling of environmental problems on a mathematical-scientific basis depend on a solid knowledge of the various mathematical-scientific subjects. This knowledge has to be acquired in the first phase of the studies (Basic Level), - theoretically as well as practically. Only on this basis, knowledge can be enlarged in the second phase of the studies (Main Level). Here, more and more interdisciplinary problems can be tackled which means that
Environmental Science becomes more and more important. Students must not be discouraged if - on the Basic Level - they have to work on subjects of one or the other discipline which they do not like that much. This basis enables them to decide what is personally most important for them on the Main Level, and this decision will be important for their professional career. Additionally, already on the Basic Level, the "integrating lectures" are meant to inspire interdisciplinary thinking and to lead to subjects of environmental science.

The study program Marine Environmental Science covers many different fields. This means that students will find some subjects more difficult than others. Working and studying in groups will help to overcome these difficulties. Since discussions on different subjects will help students in study groups to complement each other, the understanding of facts and methods will be easier. Connections will be easier to realize and the ability to present results and to communicate will be trained. During the studies, the teaching staff will encourage the cooperation of our students.

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3. Program Structure / Time Range / Class Types

a) Program Structure:

The diploma study program Marine Environmental Science is divided into the Basic Level leading to the Diplomvorprüfung (first examination) and the Main Level leading to the Diplomprüfung (final examination). The Basic Level covers, including the Diplomvorprüfung, 4 semesters, the Main Level covers 5 semesters, i.e. 4 semesters including the oral diploma examinations and one semester for the diploma thesis. This means that the normal time of studies necessary to pass the main examination is 9 semesters. If a student has the knowledge and can prove that the necessary classes have been attended, he or she can finish the studies earlier. However, in principle, classes of the Main Level can only be attended when the Diplomvorprüfung has successfully been passed.

Structural elements of the Program are:

Basic Level: first to fourth semester: achievement of knowledge and bases of the various
mathematical-scientific disciplines and imparting of methods of the involved disciplines; insight in
interdisciplinary problems. Not later than by the end of the fourth semester: oral Diplomvorprüfungen (first examination).

Main Level: fifth and sixth semester: achievement of methodical-apparative abilities in partial sections of the interdisciplinary study field. Achievement of a general assessment of different partial sections, making it possible to choose a suitable main field for the following studies. Seventh to eighth semester: deeper studies of theoretical and practical contents. Focussing on main fields for the diploma examinations and thesis. Not later than by the end of the eighth semester: oral Diplom-Fachprüfungen (final examinations). During the ninth semester: diploma thesis.

b) Time Range:

During the study course, each student has to take part in at least 205 class hours (Lehrveranstaltungsstunden = LVS), at least 109 LVS on the Basic Level and at least 96 LVS on the Main Level. A LVS class hour indicates the number of class hours per week during the teaching period. In the winter semester (Oct. 1 until March 31, the following year) the teaching period is 15 weeks (approx. mid-October until approx. mid-Febr.), and in the summer semester (April 1 until Sept. 30 every year) it is 13 weeks (approx. mid-April until mid-July). Therefore, in a winter
semester, a class listed with 2 LVS has 30 hours of presence. Lessons of classes giving practical experience or field training are often linked in blocks and offered in whole-day classes which may take place in the period reserved for examinations or special events.

c) Class Types:

There are the following class types:
In lectures (VL), the teaching staff present the specific or interdisciplinary bases important for the subject.
Application examples are given. The students are expected to do home reading on the aspects given in the lectures. For some lectures, a written test will be offered at the end of the reading period. This will give the students the opportunity to check their acquired knowledge. Passed tests may be the prerequisite for further university courses.

In order to achieve a good understanding of a lecture, it is important to solve problems based on their contents; therefore, practical sessions (Ü) or lab or field courses (PR) are offered in connection with most lectures. If a student has regularly taken part in the practical sessions, and has solved a sufficient number of problems or worked on experiments, a certificate of attendance will be issued by the teacher. As an exception, this certificate can also be issued on the basis of an oral examination. Normally, no marks are given in this certificate.

During an intensive lab or field course (IP) the students learn in practical work different methods and processes and realize the links in environmental research. To get a better insight into the topic of an IP there are supporting seminars. Having finished it, the student has to present a detailed and precise report on the particular steps and results of the intensive lab or field course in order to receive the certificate of attendance.
A colloquium may have to be held together with the teacher.
In seminars (SE) or colloquia (KO), the student learns to acquire independently or together with other students, mainly by reading, knowledge on smaller topics or to present this knowledge. If he or she is successful, a participation certificate will be issued.

The lecture series (RVL) on different main topics is meant to give the students insight from the viewpoint of the various disciplines into different topics of environmental research. These lectures are offered by referees of the university or from external institutions. Usually, colloquia and seminars on the contents of these lectures are held.

A compact lab or field course (KP) is important in ensuring that students learn to handle - to a certain extent independently - methodically as well as theoretically, a complex problem of environmental research. If possible, this problem should be oriented on later employment and the work has to be finished by a fixed date. A successful participation in a KP, additionally documented by a written paper will be certified by the teacher. Different steps of the study, and the tackled problem with the achieved results are to be presented and discussed in public.

Excursions (EX) or environmental field courses (GP) enable students to get a direct insight in problems concerning the environment. These courses are generally ship-based and last for one to several days. Participation and papers are certified by the teacher.

These are the regular types of classes composing the study course. Different class types are possible (e.g. project studies). The "Diplomprüfungsausschuß (examination committee) decides whether results achieved in these studies can be credited.

In the following, the minimum number of classes which have to be taken is listed. However, on the Main Level, the student will choose - according to his or her - interests - further lessons. Moreover, it can be said that it is generally not sufficient to attend the required classes but their contents have to be supplemented and consolidated by studies of literature and by independent background reading. Additionally, practical sessions and seminars have to be prepared. The time when no classes are held is specifically intended for this purpose.

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4. Levels

a) Basic Level

On the Basic Level, the students are introduced to the bases of mathematical-natural science, important for the investigation of systems in the environment. Corresponding bases of the respective disciplines are presented on the Basic Level which is standardized in modulas and compulsory for all students. Perceptions and methods of the disciplines are studied.

b) Main Level

On the Main Level, a student gains better knowledge and abilities concerning the different fields of environmental research, realizes connections, and learns how to work independently according to scientific principles. Simultaneously, a general ability is conveyed to lead a dialogue between the different disciplines. Different ways of knowledge transfer are shown and the students work on the synthesis of knowledge. In one environmental field, the students try to come abreast of the actual research. They are supposed to gain - not only within the framework of the classes - a general view on social structures, the history of ideas, the philosophical order, and the bases of environmental research including their practical application.

The Main Level is divided into a number of classes with integrating character and classes where technical problems are tackled. Since there is a connection between these integrating and technique-related classes which are offered in parallel, technical interests can be individually pursued and deepened, and simultaneously, the high share of system-related classes creates an interdisciplinary understanding. The classes of the main semesters are arranged in a way that at the end of the 8th semester, the oral ”Diplomprüfungen” can be held and in the 9th semester, the ”Diplomarbeit” can be written (comp. fig. 1).

The Main Level comprises at least 96 LVS corresponding to 109 ECTS-credits. 21 LVS (24 ECTS-credits) of these are interdisciplinary, integrating classes (compulsory subject environmental sciences), 30 LVS (34 ECTS-credits) comprise an optional mathematical-natural scientific major subject, two mathematical-natural scientific minor subjects cover 16 LVS each (18 ECTS-credits) and 13 LVS (15 ECTS-credits) include mainly social, economic or juridical optional subjects with an obligatory share of 4 LVS environmental law.

The Main Level is arranged in a modular order. Modules are separate series of classes dealing with certain fields of environmental science. Normally, modules are held during one or two semesters, are offered in a certain rhythm and cover theoretical as well as practical aspects. For some classes as well as for the modules themselves, entrance and final tests may be required. The modularization has the following advantages. From a set of modules, students can plan early and safely the contents and struture of their Main Level. This increases the attractivity and effectivity of the study course, and shortens the length of the studies. By fixing the contents and schedule of the modules, the study course gets more clear, even for the teaching staff. The connection of contents - according to the ”Diplomprüfungsordnung”- to the different modules guarantees a training based on the study aims.

In order to make the study course Marine Environmental Science compatible with other marine-related or environmentally oriented courses on a national or European level, the definition of courses is extremely important. This would also mean an advantage with regard to the mobility of students and teaching staff; the definition of modules makes it easier to introduce Marine Environmental Science as a minor subject in mathematical-natural science study courses. The amount of work to be done for the different modules is about the same. Therefore, students can choose in most fields different modules, correspondingly to their interests and requirements. However, there are compulsory modules. Compulsory modules are ”Environmental Systems” and ”Environmental Law” as well as the central modules of the three teaching areas.

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5. Compulsory Subject - Environmental Sciences

During the class period of the module "Environmental Systems" belonging to the range of the compulsory subject Environmental Sciences, the occupation with interdisciplinary, practice-oriented questions is most important. In subject-related, interdisciplinary classes, exemplary interactions between different systems of our environment are assessed with regard to theoretical and practical view points. Corresponding classes are divided into a "Kompaktpraktikum" (subject-related classes with field and lab sessions and seminars), lecture series ( talks of specialized readers of different disciplines on a general topic changing for each semester), colloquia ( classes intended to deepen the contents of the lecture series) and excursions. During the classes, questions, e.g. on structure and dynamics of ecosystems, local and global compound- and energy fluxes as well as system modelling are most important. However, practice oriented questions including socio-economic aspects are also very important. The students are taught to deal with the basic techniques of documentation and evaluation and to realize problems and their solution strategies. In this way, students train their
ability to communicate in order to prepare themselves for their future professional activities in the coordination of investigation programmes and in public presentation.
With regard to the contents, this module can be arranged according to actual necessities. This means that classes are offered and held within the framework of the knowledge necessary for the "Diplomprüfung" and the structure of the module. In this way, it is possible to work on actual technical or social problems or developments and students have the possibility to influence - in a dialogue with their teachers - the programme of their studies.
Classes in the compulsory module "Environmental Systems" (24 ECTS-credit points) comprise: 1 "Kompaktpraktikum" (10 LVS; 12 ECTS credit points; reading/protocol) [*] In each semester, a
"Kompaktpraktikum" is offered. This is a subject-specific, profession-related practical session with field and lab work, carried out in cooperation of different smaller study groups. Students shall work independently on a problem within the framework of a comprehensive topic and a determined aim to be reached within a certain period of time. In order to obtain information, they have to enter a dialogoue with experts and the persons affected. The results are to be presented to a wide field of interested persons.
2 Series Lectures (2 à 2 LVS; 2 ECTS credit points each) A two-hour series lecture is offered in each, at least in every second semester. Normally, many different opinions and estimations exist on an environmental-scientific topic. Series lectures offer the forum to exchange these estimations and opinions.
Teachers and readers not belonging to the university present their investigation results and opinions in their contribution to the series lecture.
Colloquium/Seminar (2LVS; 3 ECTS credit points; reading of a paper/protocol) Students are intended to get an overview on facts and evaluations of a special sector of an environmental-scientific subject. This information is to be assessed and read intelligibly to all and presented in a discussion. Normally, a seminar connected to the series lecture is offered.
Excursion (5 days altogether/ 5 LVS; 5 ECTS credit points; protocol) Environmental problems are presented on site during one large several-day excursion or in several shorter excursions. If possible, excursions shall be ship-based.

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6. Required Elective - Major Subject, Minor Subjects

The students can choose one of the following three subjects:

Biology
Chemistry/Geosciences
Mathematics/Physics

for their major subject. As a result of this, the two other subjects become minor subjects. Different subjects not mentioned above can also be admitted by the examining committee if the study of this subject is equivalent with regard to the professional qualification and comparable studies and examinations can be proved. The student has to apply in time at the "Diplomprüfungsausschuß" in order to get the permission to study a different minor subject. In all subjects, one core module is compulsory. In the classes of these modules, the study contents are given which, basing on the "Diplomprüfungsordnung" (diploma examination regulations) belong to the marginal or core
field of the three subjects. The classes of the core modules are followed by continuation modules deepening the contents of the core modules. Continuation modules can be chosen freely. They are flexible with regard to their contents; different classes of the modules can be modified with regard to their content and the type of class, complete modules can be discontinued after some time and new ones can be developed.
In the major subject, 30 LVS and in the two minor subjects, 16 LVS have to be taken. In the major subject, the 30 LVS are divided between the core module (10 LVS), the continuation module "intensive practical session" (10 LVS), and a further continuation module (extension similar to a major subject) (10 LVS). In each of the minor subjects, additionally to the core module a continuation module (extension similar to minor subject) (6 LVS) has to be taken.
In the continuation module "intensive practical session" field or lab courses or practical sessions are to be organized by different study groups or in cooperation with different study groups. While in the experimentally working study groups a thorough familiarity with methods is most important which can be underlined by seminars or lectures, the mathematical or physical study groups work in practical sessions where overlapping topics e.g. in the development of system models are dealt with. An intensive field or lab course has either to be related to a special research or it has to be practice oriented. In each field, in every second semester, an intensive field or lab course is offered in the form of a block course; intensive field or lab courses shall be comparable with advanced lab
or field courses in existing study courses. In classes with 13 LVS in total, the students are to achieve further qualifications according to their own choice. This further qualification is to be achieved primarily in social, economic and legal sectors, since a successful occupation with environmental systems, in many fields requires competence in these sectors. For the professional qualification, this study field is of immense importance, since basic knowledge in the fields of environmental law or socio-economics is required by many employers. Therefore, a module ”environmental law” (LVS) is a fixed part of the study course. Further classes (9LVS) can be chosen freely by the students. Further subjects can be studied additionally. Examination marks can be included in the diploma
certificate according to the examination regulations. If possible, each student has to undergo work experience for at least 6 to 8 weeks. Teachers support students in finding a position in a professional field. Each work experience is supported by a teacher. A final discussion between student and supporting teacher is necessary (certificate).
Based on this discussion a final report has to be written. If the work experience is certified, it may replace the ”Kompaktpraktikum” or the ”Intensivpraktikum”. Having passed the Diplom-Prüfung at the end of the study course the student is entitled to get the degree of a Diplom-Umweltwissenschaftler or Diplom-Umweltwissenschaftlerin
(certified environmental scientist). Extent, type and admission to the Diplom-Prüfung are regulated in the Diplomprüfungsordnung. The Diplomarbeit (thesis) is written directly after the oral diploma examinations. In accordance with the teacher, the student has to start as early as possible to work in the field from which the subject of the diploma thesis will be chosen. During the studies on the main level, the students are to be integrated - according to their interests and capabilities - into the research of a study group which in accordance with the accompanying classes is supposed to stimulate his or her work.

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7. Complementary Subjects: Obligatory Subject: Environmental Law/       Optional Subject

In classes with 13 LVS in total, the students are to achieve further qualifications according to their own choice. This further qualification is to be achieved primarily in social, economic and legal sectors, since a successful occupation with environmental systems, in many fields requires competence in these sectors. For the professional qualification, this study field is of immense importance, since basic knowledge in the fields of environmental law or socio-economics is required by many employers. Therefore, a module "environmental law" (LVS) is a fixed part of
the study course. Further classes (9LVS) can be chosen freely by the students.
Further subjects can be studied additionally. Examination marks can be included in the diploma certificate according to the examination regulations.
If possible, each student has to undergo work experience for at least 6 to 8 weeks. Teachers support students in finding a position in a professional field. Each work experience is supported by a teacher. A final discussion between student and supporting teacher is necessary (certificate). Based on this discussion a final report has to be written. If the work experience is certified, it may replace the "Kompaktpraktikum" or the "Intensivpraktikum".

Having passed the Diplom-Prüfung at the end of the study course the student is entitled to get the degree of a Diplom-Umweltwissenschaftler or Diplom-Umweltwissenschaftlerin (certified environmental scientist). Extent, type and admission to the Diplom-Prüfung are regulated in the Diplomprüfungsordnung.
The Diplomarbeit (thesis) is written directly after the oral diploma examinations. In accordance with the teacher, the student has to start as early as possible to work in the field from which the subject of the diploma thesis will be chosen.
During the studies on the main level, the students are to be integrated - according to their interests and capabilities - into the research of a study group which in accordance with the accompanying classes is supposed to stimulate
his or her work.