Environmental Systems Science - Bachelor of Science
Our environment is characterized by complex systems such as ecosystems (e.g. forests), human-environment systems (e.g. cities), economic systems (e.g. companies) or transport systems (e.g. railroads). Knowledge of the properties of individual system components does not allow conclusions to be drawn about the behavior of the system as a whole. In order to contribute to overcoming pressing ecological and social challenges, environmental systems science investigates changes in environmental systems (e.g. ecosystems, agriculture, production chains/logistics), associated problems and potential sustainable solutions as well as their implementation.
Our environment is characterized by complex systems such as ecosystems (e.g. forests), human-environment systems (e.g. cities), economic systems (e.g. companies) or transport systems (e.g. railroads). Knowledge of the properties of individual system components does not allow conclusions to be drawn about the behavior of the system as a whole.
In order to contribute to overcoming urgent ecological and social challenges, environmental systems science investigates changes in environmental systems (e.g. ecosystems, agriculture, production chains/logistics), associated problems and potential sustainable solutions as well as their implementation. Using a wide range of methods, systems scientists analyze the relationships within complex systems with the aim of explaining their behavior and being able to control their development. Mathematical and computer-aided models are important tools of the trade.
The subject "Environmental Systems Science" in Osnabrück is unique in Germany. It is made up of the disciplines of systems science, mathematics, computer science and content from an interdisciplinary field of application. The latter can be chosen from the fields of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Business Administration and Economics, Social Sciences, Geography/Geoinformatics or Psychology.
A special feature is the early practical relevance within environmentally relevant research and development projects. The study program is closely linked to the research topics of the Research Center Institute of Environmental Systems Research (IUSF), where students can also complete study projects and their Bachelor's thesis.
The career prospects in business, public authorities and associations are very good and varied. Your knowledge of mathematics and computer science is currently in high demand on the job market. Your interdisciplinary training makes you particularly attractive for professional activities at the "interfaces" between individual disciplines. Examples in the environmental sector are jobs in the field of wind power or solar plants, traffic and mobility planning or environmental protection and monitoring.
Many graduates also find employment, e.g. in the IT sector, logistics companies or insurance companies, thanks to the diverse course of study.
Particularly after an advanced Master's degree, you can take on tasks in the field of environmental research, risk analysis and assessment (e.g. of chemicals or financial products), management consultancy or the development of climate adaptation strategies and transformation processes (e.g. for dealing with water and soil resources or within agriculture).
General information about university admissions may be accessed at Admission Requirements. The German Higher Education Entrance Qualification (Abitur) entitles students to commence a first degree qualification at Osnabrück University. The term “first degree qualification” refers to a period of study that culminates in a student’s first professionally-relevant university degree (Bachelor’s degree or First Legal State Examination). Information about the conditions that apply for people seeking to embark on an undergraduate degree without the higher education entrance qualification may be found at Studying without an Abitur.
Applicants in possession of international certification must demonstrate sufficient levels of German Language Proficiency.
This program is not subject to admission restrictions.
All information pertaining to the application process may be found at Application, Admission and Enrollment.
German and international applicants with German certification can enroll directly for this subject that does not have admission restrictions. You can find all information on enrollment and the enrollment deadline for the desired semester under Bachelor's degree programs (one subject) - open admission.
Please note: different application conditions and deadlines may apply for Applicants with Non-German Certification!
The examination regulations do not prescribe an obligatory period of study abroad. However, a number of Options for Studying Abroad are available to you within a range of exchange programs. The International Office will be happy to answer any questions you might have.
Studying at Osnabrück University means you will be subject to semester fees. Depending on how much of your study credit (standard period of study plus tolerance semester) you have used up, you may also have to pay long-term study fees. Additional information on this topic may be found at How Much does Studying Cost?
Our Central Study Counseling Service will be happy to provide you with all the information you need about studying, admission requirements and the structure of your chosen program.
Each department’s Departmental Study Counselling Service will answer any questions you might have about the content of individual programs.
If you are interested in a Master's degree course at Osnabrück University, please take note of its regulations on access, in which the respective admission requirements are regulated.
In addition to the consecutive degree programs listed below, it may be worth considering other Master's degree programs and checking whether you can be admitted. You will usually receive appropriate advice from the departmental study counseling service or the course coordinators.
This degree program has been accredited by the German Accreditation Council.