Earth and Climate System Science Master’s Program

Understanding the earth and climate system


Earth as a system

The core of this innovative degree program is made up of analyzing processes and interactions of various components of the Earth’s system. This includes investigating human activities, population growth, food production, food security, the use of land and surfaces, and climate change. By linking climate models with agricultural or economic models, a comprehensive overview of the Earth system is gained. On this basis, it is possible to develop concepts for sustainable development in all areas of human life on Earth.


  • Training in data assimilation
  • Operation and analyses of regional climate models
  • Application of remote sensing for Earth System observations
  • The synthesis of aspects of natural sciences with economic models
  • Reasons to choose Hohenheim

Degree
Master of Science (M.Sc.)
4 semesters
120 credits
Language
English
University places
10
Location
Stuttgart

Information about the individual modules can be found in the module catalog.

In the first year
of the program, our students are brought to the same level of knowledge in physics, chemistry, biology, and mathematics as well as economics. Our students acquire a comprehensive overview of the Earth system and familiarize themselves with its basic functioning. During the course of the second semester, students develop transdisciplinary thinking skills essential to Earth system science by taking modules with cross-cutting topics, combining the natural and agricultural sciences with economics. This way they arrive at a unique perspective on our Earth.

Students also take measurements in the field, analyze and interpret their data, and start to apply computer models. With the completion of the first year, students are able to create a representation of the state of the Earth system at a given time by combining measurement data with physical process descriptions by means of data assimilation. Starting in the second semester and intensified in the third, our students have the opportunity to choose elective modules based on their personal and professional interests.

During the second year,
you expand your expertise in creating models based on collected data by more strongly factoring in social and economic aspects. You are now able to create holistic models of the Earth system, enabling you to develop concepts of sustainability for its protection. Furthermore, the second year allows you to freely plan your studies according to your individual interests and preferred areas of specialization. The open structure of the third semester also provides you with an excellent opportunity to study abroad. Upon completion of the program, you will have acquired a comprehensive understanding of the Earth system and knowledge of the various ways in which human behavior influences this fragile system.

A research-intensive Master’s thesis
integrated into ongoing research at the Institute of Physics and Meteorology allows you to demonstrate your ability to conduct independent scientific work: you will be able to make your own contributions to earth system analyses and research as well as to ecologically-sustainable developments in society. You will stand out through your interdisciplinary thinking and flexibility when it comes to applying scientific methodologies in your work.

  • Research in the areas of earth and climate system science (meteorology, environmental science, geoscience, etc.)
  • Consulting for the public or private sector or with NGOs
  • Development aid
  • Science journalism
  • Small degree programs with an excellent student-teacher ratio
  • Degree programs focused on connecting research and teaching
  • Hands-on regional climate modeling
  • Demonstrations of and exercises with worldwide unique 3D scanning laser remote sensing systems for atmospheric water-vapor and temperature measurements
  • Potential to get involved in international field campaigns on land-atmosphere feedback studies with the participation of NASA and NOAA in the US
  • Modern laboratories and practical course rooms with state-of-the-art equipment

The Master's program Earth and Climate System Science is linked to research being done at various institutes at the University of Hohenheim. The Institute of Physics and Meteorology, for example, concentrations on processes and simulations of land systems (extreme weather, climate prognoses). The degree program also consists of research from the Institute of Chemistry, the Institutes in the area of Biology, and many of the institutes in the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences such as the Institute of Soil Science and Land Evaluation.

Research concentrations
We concentrate on feedback processes in the land surface / atmosphere system. A deeper understanding of the processes linked to soil and vegetation properties as well as their interactions with the atmosphere are essential for the precision of all weather and climate models. In addition, human influences on these areas are closely considered.

This research at the intersection of observation and high-resolution modelling includes three components:

  1. The development and application of unique laser systems for remote sensing of water vapor, temperature, and wind.
  2. Novel methods for data assimilation on a convective scale, for example the use of a polarimetric radar and GPS in modelling weather prognoses.
  3. Weather and climate modelling with improved representation of feedback processes in the land surface / atmosphere system and biological-hydrological processes.

Viewing the biosphere and its importance within the Earth system’s changing climate is one of the key topics being worked on across the Faculty of Natural Sciences’ departments.

Cooperation
To continue to expand and optimize our successful ongoing research projects, but also to create sustainable synergies, we are participating in intensive and successful cooperation projects with our excellent partners:

  • World Weather Research Program (WWRP)
  • World Climate Research Program (WCRP)
  • US Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) Program
  • National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR)
  • Helmholtz Association of German Research Centres
  • Consortium projects from the German Research Foundation (DFG).

Information on Earth and Climate System Science

If you choose to study in Hohenheim, you will have to look for a room or an apartment in the region. We can help you with this. more


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Application deadlines
1st subject-related semester

only for the winter semester:

  • 15 March (international applicants)
  • 15 May (German applicants)

Higher subject-related semesters

Winter semester:

  • 15 March (international applicants)
  • 15 May (German applicants)


Summer semester:

  • 15 January (all applicant groups)
Requirements
Formal requirementsBachelor's degree in natural, earth, or agricultural sciences (180 ECTS credits)
Content requirements
  • Interest in the natural sciences
  • Experience in experimental and hands-on work in laboratory and field testing
  • Interest in interdisciplinary work
Language skillsEnglish B2
Pre-study internshipno
Selection procedure
Selection criteria
  • Bachelor’s grade
  • Subject-specific knowledge
Detailed information on selection procedure
Selection interviewno

Contact

Prof. Dr. Volker Wulfmeyer
+49(0)711 459 22160
E-mail
 

Hans-Stefan Bauer
+49(0)711 459 22154
E-mail

Accreditation

The quality of the degree program is checked regularly.

Learn more about our quality management