About the degree programme
Do you want to help solve pressing environmental problems? In the Bachelor’s program in Environmental Sciences, you’ll tackle the major challenges of our time: from the destruction of valuable soils to the climate crisis and the threat to the biodiversity of our ecosystems.
During your studies, you’ll learn the scientific fundamentals needed to understand and analyze ecosystems. You’ll develop sustainable and innovative solutions based on state-of-the-art ecological and process engineering approaches. The combination of theory and practice perfectly prepares you to work at the intersection of science, business, and society. With this degree, you’ll be equipped to develop solutions for a livable and sustainable future.
A Versatile Degree for Environmental Challenges
The Bachelor’s program in Environmental Sciences at Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences is characterized by a well-thought-out combination of practical relevance, interdisciplinarity, and opportunities for individual customization. It combines Natural and Environmental Sciences with technical, legal, and economic aspects.
What makes your studies with us special:
- Broad knowledge ranging from biology to environmental ethics
- Practical experience through field trips and lab work
- Interdisciplinary approaches to complex problems
- Opportunities for individualized specialization
- Personalized guidance in small groups
Study details
The most important facts at a glance:
| faculty: | Natural and Environmental Sciences |
| Location: | Zittau |
| Degree: | Bachelor of Science |
| standard period of study: | 7 semesters |
| ECTS credits: | 210 |
| Language of instruction: | German |
| Enrolment for: | Winter semester |
| Application period: May 1 through September 30 | Start of studies: October |
| Admission restrictions: | No admission restrictions (no NC) Details |
| No prerequisite internship | Student Advisory Service |
| Accreditation status: | Accredited |
Course of study
Your program begins with basic science courses that provide you with a solid foundation for your later specialization. In the first semester, you’ll learn the fundamentals of chemistry, biology, and mathematics.
In the second semester, you’ll deepen your knowledge of the natural sciences with courses such as hydrobiology, water protection, physics, and soil science. You’ll learn about the various environmental compartments and their interactions and develop a deeper understanding of ecological relationships.
Starting in the third semester, you’ll begin your chosen specialization. In Animal Systematics, Species Conservation, Ecophysiology, and Climate Change Impacts, you’ll study these topics. If you choose Environmental Protection and Material Flow Management, the focus will be on life cycle assessment, energy process analysis, and production-integrated environmental protection.
In the fourth and fifth semesters, you’ll expand your knowledge in areas such as environmental and sustainability management, climatology, hydrology, and applied environmental law. The sixth semester is reserved for your work placement semester, during which you’ll gain valuable professional experience and put your theoretical knowledge into practice. The degree is awarded in the seventh semester with an interdisciplinary project module on eco-innovations, climate protection, and your Bachelor’s thesis.
- Research, project planning, cooperation
- Mathematics - Basics
- Basics of chemistry
- General biology
- Lecture series: Environmental and nature conservation topics
- Hydrobiology and Water Protection
- Mathematics for the Natural Sciences
- Physics for Environmental Sciences
- Water: Physical and Chemical Fundamentals
- soil science
- Specialized Biology
- Principles of Ecology
- Mapping and GIS
- Environmental, Energy, and Climate Protection Law
- Fundamentals of Process Engineering
Advanced Course: Nature Conservation and Ecosystem Analysis (N):
- Animal Systematics and Species Conservation
- Ecophysiology and Climate Change
Specialization in Environmental Protection and Material Flow Management (U):
- Life Cycle Assessment and Energy Process Analysis
- Production-Integrated Environmental Protection (PIUS)
- Fundamentals of Meteorology, Climatology, and Hydrology
- Environmental and Sustainability Management
- Ethics and Applied Environmental Law
- Microbiology with Internship
Advanced Course in Nature Conservation and Ecosystem Analysis (N):
- Vegetation Science and Biotope Conservation
- Comprehensive Ecology Practicum
Specialization in Environmental Protection and Material Flow Management (U):
- Bioeconomics
- Air, Water, and Soil Protection
- Interdisciplinary Skills
- Practical Computer Science (Statistics for Ecologists)
- Ecosystem Science
Specialization in Nature Conservation and Ecosystem Analysis (N):
- Nature Conservation and Landscape Management
- Biological and Environmental Analysis
Specialization in Environmental Protection and Material Flow Management (U):
- Alternative Raw Materials and Raw Material Sources
- Energy and Material Flow Management
- work placement semester
- Academic Research (video course and consultation)
- Interdisciplinary Project Module: Eco-Innovations
- Technical and Nature-Based Solutions for Climate Protection
- Ecotoxicology/Environmental Pollutants
- Final Module (Bachelor thesis and Defense)
Specialization in Nature Conservation and Ecosystem Analysis (N):
- Rhizosphere Chemistry
Specialization in Environmental Protection and Material Flow Management (U):
- Climate Protection Management in Organizations
Career opportunities
Professional areas where you can get started
Nature conservation and ecosystem management
You actively contribute to the protection and restoration of habitats. You can plan and implement monitoring programs to record biodiversity or develop management plans for nature conservation areas to ensure the sustainable preservation of valuable ecosystems.
Public service and political consulting
You will work in environmental ministries or government agencies and contribute to the development of environmental laws and guidelines. You will also have the opportunity to advise governments or NGOs on environmental and climate policy and thus actively contribute to shaping a sustainable future.
Sustainability management and environmental consulting
You will support companies or municipalities in the development of climate protection and sustainability strategies. Your tasks may include the preparation of sustainability reports and life cycle assessments as well as the development of innovative concepts for the circular economy and bioeconomy.
Environmental and climate protection technology
You can expect exciting tasks such as the development and optimization of environmentally friendly technologies. You can analyze and reduce material flows in industrial companies, use renewable energies or make production processes more efficient and sustainable.
Research and Development
You’ll work on interdisciplinary projects addressing topics such as biodiversity, climate change, and environmental protection. In the process, you’ll have the opportunity to develop new materials or technologies that make a significant contribution to protecting our environment and addressing global challenges.
Environmental Education and Communication
You will share environmental knowledge with various target audiences and raise awareness of ecological interconnections. You will develop creative educational programs and campaigns that inspire people to care about environmental protection and motivate them to act responsibly.
Here's what our students have to say about the Bachelor's program in Environmental Sciences
- Module Handbook (Course Content and Structure)
- Program Flyer
- Application Information
- Website of the Faculty of Natural and Environmental Sciences
Your contact persons
First floor
First floor
Starting now, we're also offering our Student Advisory Service via WhatsApp. Just send us a message at: +49 173 2086748
Our promise to you
Studying in the wild east?
Studying with us is different. Above all, it's better. Why? We have a family atmosphere. There are small study groups and the lecturers are always there for you. There is a close connection to practice in all degree courses. And finding affordable accommodation is no problem here.
There are many other reasons, such as university sports or the student representatives, clubs and societies. Campus life in Zittau and Görlitz - the wild east - is unique.