Marine Biology – (M.Sc.)

Contents

The 1st Term sets the scene for a successful qualification and academic career in Marine Biology by building up a sound theoretical background and introducing important concepts of Marine Biology and Ecology as well as the essential fundamentals of the neighbouring disciplines Marine Geosciences, Physical Oceanography, Marine Chemistry, and Marine Biogeochemistry. In this multidisciplinary approach, students will learn the importance of cross-disciplinary co-operation and exchange for successful state-of-the-art marine research. In addition, the first term offers the opportunity to improve Personal Capabilities and Skills, in particular with regard to scientific communication and writing.

The core of the Marine Biology curriculum taught in the 2nd Term consists of courses in Marine Ecophysiology of micro-organisms, algae and animals as well as in Marine Ecology of plankton, benthos and fish. Special focus is also given to applied aspects such as fisheries biology and aquaculture. The high proportion of practical classes offers hands-on training in different fields of Marine Biology. Students have the opportunity to exercise their skills during a field trip to the Island of Helgoland in the central North Sea and other excursions or even to join an expedition cruise on board of a research vessel.

During the 3rd Term, students will intensify their studies according to their own interests and intentions. They may choose a series of seven advanced specialist courses in Marine Biology from a wide spectrum of topics on offer. Besides the University of Bremen itself, the associated world-class marine research institutions in the Federal State of Bremen, including AWI, ZMT, and MPI, contribute to this unique choice of study opportunities. Students will be integrated in different research teams (lab rotation) and work on burning issues of current marine research, providing them with first-hand experience of scientific work and proficiency in state-of-the-art methodologies. Alternatively, the flexible structure of the third term enables students to take courses and continue their studies at a university abroad. At the end of the term, students will develop and defend a proposal for their own research project, which may directly lead to the Master Thesis in the 4th and final Term. The thesis can be prepared either at a marine biological department of the University of Bremen or at one of the associated marine research institutions.