Bachelor of Science

Environmental sciences

Interdisciplinary degree course for a sustainable future: natural science and ecology are combined with technology, management and nature conservation. Become an expert for holistic solutions - practical and uniquely interdisciplinary!

Zittau
Bachelor of Science
7 semesters
NC-Free

About the degree program

Do you want to make a contribution to solving pressing environmental problems? In the Bachelor of Environmental Sciences, you will deal with the major challenges of our time: from the destruction of valuable soils and the climate crisis to the endangered biodiversity of our ecosystems.

During your studies, you will learn the scientific foundations for understanding and analyzing ecosystems. You will develop sustainable and innovative solutions based on the latest ecological and process engineering approaches. The combination of theory and practice prepares you perfectly to work at the interface of science, business and society. This qualification will enable you to develop solutions for a liveable and sustainable future.

Versatile qualification for environmentally relevant challenges

The Bachelor's degree course in Environmental Sciences at Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences is characterized by a well thought-out combination of practical relevance, interdisciplinarity and individual design options. Natural and environmental sciences are combined with technical, legal and economic aspects.

This is what makes your studies with us special:

  • Broad knowledge from biology to environmental ethics
  • Practical experience through excursions and laboratories
  • Interdisciplinary approaches to complex problems
  • Individual specialization options
  • Personal support 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 points:210
Teaching language:German
Enrolment for:Winter semester
Application: 1.5 to 30.09Start of studies: October
Admission restriction:admission-free (without NC) Details
No pre-study internshipto the student advisory service
Accreditation status:in preparation

Course of study

Your studies begin with basic science subjects, which provide you with a solid foundation for later specializations. In the first semester, you will learn the basics of chemistry, biology and mathematics.

In the second semester, you will deepen your scientific knowledge with subjects such as hydrobiology, water protection, physics and soil science. You will learn about the different environmental compartments and their interactions and develop a deeper understanding of ecological relationships.

From the third semester onwards, you will begin your chosen specialization. In Ecosystem Analysis and Nature Conservation, you will deal with animal systematics, species conservation, ecophysiology and the effects of climate change. If you choose Environmental Protection and Material Flow Management, you will focus on life cycle assessment, energy process analysis and production-integrated environmental protection.

In the fourth and fifth semesters, you will expand your knowledge in areas such as environmental and sustainability management, climatology, hydrology and applied environmental law. The sixth semester is reserved for your practical semester, during which you will gain valuable work experience and put your theoretical knowledge into practice. The degree is completed in the seventh semester with an interdisciplinary project module on eco-innovations, climate protection and your Bachelor's thesis.

1st semester: Basics
  • Research, project planning, cooperation
  • Mathematics - Basics
  • Basics of chemistry
  • General biology
  • Lecture series: Environmental and nature conservation topics
2nd semester: Consolidation of scientific basics
  • Hydrobiology and water protection
  • Mathematics for natural sciences
  • Physics for environmental sciences
  • Water: physical-chemical basics
  • Soil science
  • Special biology
3rd semester: Interdisciplinary skills
  • Principles of ecology
  • Mapping and GIS
  • Environmental, energy and climate protection law
  • Fundamentals of process engineering

In-depth ecosystem analysis and nature conservation (N):

  • Animal systematics and species protection
  • Ecophysiology and climate change

Specialization in environmental protection and material flow management (U):

  • Life cycle assessment and energetic process analysis
  • Production-integrated environmental protection (PIUS)
4th semester: Specialization
  • Fundamentals of meteorology, climatology and hydrology
  • Environmental and sustainability management
  • Ethics and applied environmental law
  • Microbiology with practical course

Specialization in ecosystem analysis and nature conservation (N):

  • Vegetation science and biotope protection
  • Complex practical course in ecology

Specialization in environmental protection and material flow management (U):

  • Bioeconomy
  • Air, water and soil pollution control
5th semester: Practical applications
  • Interdisciplinary skills
  • Practical computer science (statistics for ecologists)
  • Ecosystem science

Specialization in ecosystem analysis and nature conservation (N):

  • Nature conservation and landscape management
  • Bio- and environmental analytics

Specialization in environmental protection and material flow management (U):

  • Alternative raw materials and raw material sources
  • Energy and material flow management
6th semester: Practical semester
  • Practical semester
  • Scientific work (video course and consultation)
7th semester: Degree
  • Interdisciplinary project module: Eco-innovations
  • Technical and nature-based solutions for climate protection
  • Ecotoxicology/environmental pollutants
  • Final module (Bachelor thesis and defense)

Specialization in ecosystem analysis and nature conservation (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

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

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

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

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

Research and development
You will work on interdisciplinary projects on topics such as biodiversity, climate change and environmental protection. You can develop new materials or technologies that make a decisive contribution to protecting our environment and overcoming global challenges.

Public service and political consulting

Environmental education and communication
You impart environmental knowledge to various target groups and raise awareness of ecological issues. You will develop creative educational concepts and campaigns that get people excited about environmental protection and motivate them to act responsibly.

You will find even more opportunities with us in other related degree programs.

Further information

Your contact persons

Photo: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Jakob Hildebrandt
Fachstudienberater
Prof. Dr.-Ing.
Jakob Hildebrandt
ZIRKON Zittau Institute for Process Development, Circular Economy, Surface Technology, Natural Materials Research
02763 Zittau
Külzufer 2
Building Z VI, Room 9
First floor
+49 3583 612-4614
Faculty of Natural and Environmental Sciences
02763 Zittau
Külzufer 2
Building ZVI, Room 9
+49 3583 612-4614
Zentrale Studienberatung
Madeleine Pohl
Division Studies and International Affairs
02763 Zittau
Th.-Körner-Allee 16
Building Z I, Room 0.21
First floor
+49 3583 612-3055
Chat with us via WhatsApp

We now also offer our student advisory service via WhatsApp. Just send us a message to: +49 173 2086748

Our promise to you

Affordable living

We have plenty of affordable living space: apartments in halls of residence, your own apartment, shared apartments - everything is possible here.

More about living

Simply go abroad

If you would like to go abroad during your studies, we make it possible. What's more, two other countries are just a stone's throw away from our campus. A quick trip abroad is part of our everyday life.

More about going abroad

One tree per student

The HSZG plants a tree for every student. If you want, you can even do it yourself.

More about sustainability and environmental protection

Small groups

Here you study at eye level - not just with your fellow students. Thanks to small student groups, our lecturers will respond to you individually.

Leisure in the countryside

In addition to your studies, you can enjoy a wide range of leisure activities in the countryside: mountain biking, climbing, kiting, swimming, barbecues with friends by the lake. The only challenge you face is to make up your mind.

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.

Studying with a child
We support families in their studies with numerous offers, from childcare, vacation semesters, more flexible study and examination services, counseling services and much more.
Learn more
Studying with a disability
Equal opportunities and unrestricted participation are important to us. We support inclusion with various activities and advisory services, support options, compensation for disadvantages and accessibility.
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Help with starting your studies
There are many special offers to help you get started with your studies: Introduction days, come-in weeks, advisory services and much more.
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Support during studies
Equal opportunities and unrestricted participation are important to us. We support inclusion with various activities and advisory services, support options, compensation for disadvantages and accessibility.
Learn more
Financing

From BAföG and scholarships to loans and housing benefits, there are numerous ways to finance your studies. We also offer support for studying or doing an internship abroad.

Financing abroad

Funding for studying abroad

Jobs and career

You can finance your studies more easily with a part-time job or a job at the university. We offer students various opportunities for this, including a job after their studies:

Job exchange

career service

Job offers at the university