International Studies in Aquatic Tropical Ecology (ISATEC, Study Profile in the Marine Biology MSc Programme) University of Bremen

ISATEC is a study profile in the international postgraduate Marine Biology MSc study programme at the University of Bremen. ISATEC focusses on tropical aquatic ecology and is conducted in collaboration with the Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research (ZMT) and the Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research (AWI). The study profile aims at the joint education and specialisation of German and foreign postgraduate students in the field of tropical aquatic ecology. Students gain broad knowledge in theoretical and applied ecology, with an emphasis on concepts and methodologies for the sustainable utilisation and conservation of tropical aquatic ecosystems. Thus, general ecology as well as fisheries biology, aquaculture sciences, ecological economics and social sciences relevant to coastal planning and management are crucial parts of the study programme. To meet the worldwide challenges of effectively assessing and managing resource use conflicts in coastal environments, highly qualified personnel is urgently needed. The Master of Science course in Tropical Aquatic Ecology has been developed at the University of Bremen and the Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research in order to meet these challenges by providing young scientists with the necessary knowledge and skills.

The programme takes two years to complete and includes a thesis. The first two semesters consist of teaching modules, composed of theoretical and practical courses. During the third semester, students are required to study at one of the tropical partner institutions / universities of ZMT / University of Bremen on topics related to problems of the use and management of aquatic resources and environments and will collect data for their Master's thesis, which will be written during the fourth semester.

Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research, Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research, Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology, Thuenen Institute of Sea Fisheries, Thuenen Institute of Fisheries Ecology

Mid-March until 30 April for regular applicants

For DAAD scholarship applicants (only applicable to citizens of developing countries): 1 August until 15 October one year prior to the intended start of the study programme

Applicants wishing to participate in the ISATEC programme must have completed their undergraduate studies and hold a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in biological or environmental sciences or a closely related discipline with an overall grade of at least 2.5, according to the German grading scheme. Applications may already be submitted before the previous study degree (i.e. usually BSc) has been finished, when at least 135 ECTS have been fulfilled. In those cases, admission can be granted on the condition that the previous degree will be successfully finished by the start of the programme. Furthermore, applicants are expected to state their motives for participation in a letter of motivation written in English. They must also submit a curriculum vitae and a transcript of study records indicating the curriculum, study efforts (ECTS or hours of study) and grades with the application. Fluency in English is required and must be demonstrated (details below). Additional documents are required for DAAD scholarship applications (please check the website).

All requested documents must be uploaded as PDF files. Only those candidates who are actually admitted to the study programme will have to submit hard copies of their application package at a later stage. They will be asked explicitly to do so by the Secretariat for Students International (SfS-I).

The semester contribution is approx. 425 EUR per semester. This covers the registration as a student, public transport within Bremen and its surroundings, and reduced prices at the student refectory.

The cost of living amounts to about 1,000 EUR per month. The education is offered free of charge. There are no examination fees. Rent for a room is approx. 400 EUR per month (student residence). The exact sum will depend on the quality and size of the room; whether you share an apartment with others; and whether electricity, hot water, etc. are included. The cost of food amounts to approx. 250 EUR per month. A typical meal in the student cafeteria costs approx. 3-4 EUR.

Due to the intensive courses and the tight programme structure, the possibility to work alongside studying is limited, but there are opportunities to participate in research projects as student assistants. The Career Center on campus also provides employment possibilities.

Dormitories are available for a limited number of students.