• International Forestry
• Wildlife Vegetation and Biodiversity

The elective track “International Forestry” focuses on the international dimensions of forestry and offers competencies for graduates aiming to work in a range of fields in whatever part of the world. Students learn about and analyse institutions and processes that influence forestry at a global, regional, national, and project level. They learn to understand ecosystems and ecosystem management systems and discuss concepts how to achieve goals such as climate change mitigation, biodiversity conservation, and poverty reduction. In addition, the management of trees outside forests, for example, in an agroforestry context and the role of agents in this context will be studied. It is best suited to previous graduates of BSc programmes in forest sciences and closely related fields, who wish to work in an international context and also for international students from abroad who seek to expand their competencies and horizons for work in their home country. Given the large proportion of electives and options for MSc thesis and internships, students can tailor this course to their individual qualification and career goals.

The elective track “Wildlife, Vegetation and Biodiversity” covers the ecology and conservation biology of animals and plants. Anthropogenic loss, fragmentation, and deterioration of habitats are the major causes of species extinctions. Direct human exploitation and invasive exotic species add to the current loss of biodiversity, and climate change is posing a new, accelerating threat. Biodiversity conservation is on the political agenda worldwide; conservation biologists provide the scientific basis for this global endeavour. The elective track will focus on forest ecosystems. Forests are the main retreats for many threatened animals and plants; this holds around the globe, from the boreal forests of the North to the rainforests of the Tropics. Therefore, biodiversity conservation is strongly linked to forestry – and no forest manager can avoid biodiversity issues. WVB’s focus is on ecological research in an applied conservation context. Module contents range from theory and research methods to field work. The first semester provides a conceptual basis, introducing the concept of biodiversity, methods in wildlife research, and conservation biology. In the following summer, after an introduction to population and community ecology, students will spend a lot of time in the field, practising vegetation studies and restoration ecology. In the third semester, students can further develop their individual profiles by choosing from various modules, project studies, and special topics.