Environmental Toxicology (Master Course)

The study program will be installed in October 2010 and is currently under accreditation.

Study place

Campus Essen

Final degree

Master of Science (M.Sc.)

Start of study course

Winter term

Standard period of study

2 years fulltime

Description of the study course

Environmental Toxicology (EnviTox) is an integrated interdisciplinary Master Degree Program offered by the University of Duisburg-Essen. The study course offers knowledge on chemical properties of xenobiotics and other anthropogenic substances, their interactions with the biosphere, their detection and monitoring, and also legal aspects related to this field.

EnviTox focuses on Biology, Chemistry and environmental sciences, therefore students with a Bachelor Degree in Biology, Chemistry or Ecology and similar fields of study are welcome as applicants for EnviTox.

Curriculum

The study course EnviTox consists of a more theoretical first study year and a more practical second study year.

The curriculum comprises nine modules, including a 16-week internship, and the six-month Master Thesis as final module.

The nine modules of the curriculum cover three groups of knowledge and its application. In group “Fundamentals” students are introduced to the field of EnviTox (Module “Aspects of environmental research”), they gain fundamental knowledge of the movement of substances in environmental compartments (Environmental chemistry), obtain insight into important molecular biological sciences (biochemistry and bioinformatics) and learn how to monitor chemical substances in different matrices (Environmental analytics).

The group “Effects” treats effects of pollutants on different organisms. The module “biological interaction” covers the role of microbes in drinking water supply and waste water treatment, explains how pollutants are taken up by plants and animals and how we can use population structures of different keygroups to monitor the ecological state of ecosystems. The module “Effects on biological functions” directly deals with the effects of xenobiotics and other pollutants on cells, plants and animals. Additional competencies related to the presentation of information, teamwork, information technologies and strategies to solve problems will be integrated in the courses with emphasis on multidisciplinarity.

During the practical year “Applied Environmental Toxicology” focuses on the European legislation regarding the use of xenobiotics and the implementation of monitoring, assessment and risk managing by the Industry and other stakeholders. Furthermore, in a 16 week internship students are encouraged to get first working experiences in an industrial, administrational, advisory or scientific setting in Germany or abroad.

The Master Program will close with the Master Thesis on current questions in Environmental Toxicology.
 
Study process

Student’s performance will be assessed and awarded in line with the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). As an international program, EnviTox has been designed with a modular curriculum. The work load of the study course amounts to 120 Credits (ECTS) including a master thesis (30 CP).

Additional informations

Further information about curriculum or modules are available at:
To website >

Entrance to the study 

Admission Requirements

Students can enrol from a variety of backgrounds. Formal requirements are:

• Successful completed bachelor degree in biology, chemistry, environmental sciences, water science or similar study courses.
• A completed application form including a letter of motivation, a summary of the bachelor thesis and an overview about course achievements.
• good command of English (a copy of a English language proficiency certificate is required with at least a Level B2 regarding to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages CEFR)

Enrollment

Germans, foreign students with a German Abitur and EU/ EWR citizens should apply at:

University Duisburg-Essen,
Faculty of Biology
Nadine Ruchter,
Student coordination
45141 Essen
Germany

Deadline is July, 15th for a start in October

Interested students from outside EU/EWR should apply at:

University of Duisburg-Essen
International Office
Universitaetsstraße 2
45141 Essen
Germany

Deadline is June, 15th for a start in October

Field of activity/job market

Graduates in Master of Environmental Toxicology are experts in the monitoring and assessment of xenobiotics and other anthropogenic substances. They can hold position in the fields of:

• Chemical and pharmaceutical Industry
• Private and administrational offices
• Analytical laboratories
• Environmental protection agencies and NGOs
• Furthermore, successful students may also continue their academic education aiming at a PhD. 

Contact and consultation

Faculty
Faculty of Biology and Geography (Campus Essen)

Guidance in specific courses by academic counsellors

Nadine Ruchter
Tel. 0201 - 183 – 3103
envitox@no-spamuni-due.de

For further informations see the following website.
To website >