Landscape Management & Nature Conservation

In this module, you will develop an understanding of how ecosystems function and how to take into account society’s demands on the landscape. You will also learn to think in terms of landscape contexts and become familiar with methods for surveying and assessing landscape sub-areas.

You will now learn all about the basics of soil functions, soil types and soil processes, as well as the ecological functions and quality of water bodies. You will be familiar with classifications and patterns of flora and their significance for nature conservation assessments. You will be able to relate the vegetation cover of a landscape to abiotic site characteristics.

Discover the diverse interactions between animals and their environments. Attend academic seminars focusing on selected animal species relevant to land use and nature conservation. Undertake practical placements on various groups of indicator species and how to monitor them.

You will be able to map soils and understand how they relate to site conditions (e.g. surface water, topography) and land use. You will become familiar with assessment parameters and methods used in the field and laboratory. You will evaluate results according to agricultural and conservation criteria. You will also learn to derive development and management objectives from these findings.

Here you will learn about the history and characteristics of man-made landscapes, and analyse landscapes – including rural settlements – using maps, geodata and site visits. From this, you will develop maintenance and development plans.

You will learn how to identify conifers and deciduous trees, as well as grasses and mosses. You will also learn about methods of vegetation analysis and deepen your knowledge of animal identification.

This module is recommended for the conservation area management specialisation.

During their Bachelor’s degree, students on this specialisation focus specifically on the topic of protected area management. You will complete the practical study semester (3rd semester) at a suitable organisation in Germany or abroad, such as a nature conservation agency. Both the project work (5th semester) and the final dissertation (6th semester) must address current issues in protected area management.

Information on the field of protected area management, as well as the requirements and application process for the specialisation, can be found on the → specialisation page.

You will learn the basics of communication and public relations. We will help you understand public relations as a management function and the systematic planning of PR campaigns. The module also covers the psychological foundations of human behaviour in the relationship between humans and nature, the importance of interdisciplinary views of humanity and the world, as well as values and ethics.

You will apply, reflect upon and build on the subject-specific and methodological knowledge acquired in your first year of study within a subject- and practice-specific context. You will practise communicating and presenting arguments in a professional environment and as part of a team. The planning and execution of assigned tasks will take place in consultation with your supervisors.

As part of the → specialisation in protected area management, the placement must be completed at a relevant organisation, e.g. a nature conservation agency.

We will explore the tension between the landscape as an ecosystem and the exploitation of natural resources by human society. This module covers current challenges (including climate change, biodiversity loss and soil degradation), changes in landscape and land use, and strategies for sustainable management.

Learn key techniques for working with data and their interdisciplinary applications. By the end of the module, you will be able to collect, analyse and visualise data using scientific methods.

Gain a basic understanding of sustainable agricultural, forestry and tourism practices in the context of current challenges such as climate change and biodiversity loss. Learn about the constraints under which land users operate. Analyse the conflicts and synergies arising from the conservation and sustainable use of ecosystems.

This module is designed as a self-directed and independent learning process. It involves conducting an expert analysis of a section of landscape in the vicinity of the study location. You will assess the natural setting and site characteristics, carry out a conservation assessment, and identify land-use and management requirements. In doing so, you will practise applying methodological tools and engaging in scientific practice.

You will build on the foundational knowledge gained in ‘GIS Basics’. You will design and carry out independent project work involving spatial research questions or planning using GIS. You will learn about the fundamental requirements and possibilities of CAD-supported open-space planning and how to apply its features and functions. You will acquire the basic knowledge needed to continue your learning independently.

This module focuses on identifying clear insights into the views and attitudes of the general public. ‘Ecological action’ does not start with the physical components of ecosystems, but focuses on people and groups. Using the example of changing landscapes (e.g. the Lüneburg Heath), you will supplement object-oriented approaches to landscape with a subject-oriented perspective.

You will learn how to survey grassland areas, assess them according to agricultural and conservation criteria, discuss development objectives for the areas, and draw up appropriate management recommendations.

You will now learn about methods of analysis and assessment used in landscape planning and environmental impact assessments for projects, evaluate relevant assessment methods in terms of their relevance and validity, and apply the basic principles yourself.

You will learn about methods for the conservation, management and development of species and habitats, taking into account conservation requirements, conservation-related restrictions on land use, as well as the legal framework and measures for achieving conservation objectives such as those set out in the EU Habitats Directive and Water Framework Directive.

In economics, you will gain an understanding of decision-making behaviour and human interaction, and reflect on the economic and socio-political mechanisms involved in the efficient allocation of scarce social and natural resources. You will be able to identify and classify the principles and objectives of business decision-making, and apply key business management terms with confidence.

As part of the project work, you will tackle a real-world challenge relating to nature conservation or sustainable landscape management in a goal-oriented manner, working with partners within a specified timeframe.

You will take part in a simulation of a Conference of the Parties (COP) to an international environmental agreement (UNCCD). You will take on the role of a country representative and represent the interests of a particular country. In this exercise, you will need to strike a balance between your own interests and those of the international community. You will learn to find compromises.

Landscape is a shared space – and this gives rise to many communication challenges. Where interests and demands clash, those involved must develop a shared vision of how the landscape can be shaped. Communication strategies are needed to ensure that we do not get lost in individual perspectives. This is what you will learn in this module.

This module provides a comprehensive insight into the field of protected area management. Students will learn about the historical development and current trends in protected area management, take part in conflict resolution training, and explore public relations work in nature conservation. Three days of field trips provide an opportunity for in-depth discussion with professionals about the range of tasks and requirements involved in area management.

This module covers the types and ecological characteristics of moors, water bodies and floodplains, as well as key methods for assessing their condition. You will gain an overview of standard and alternative management measures.

This module is recommended for the → specialisation in protected area management.

You will learn about the biological and ecological principles underlying honeybees and wild bees, as well as general honeybee biology and beekeeping. 

The sub-modules available are Database Management, Empirical Social Research, and Statistical Methods for Collecting and Processing Spatial Data. You will choose one sub-module and acquire the relevant methodological skills required to complete your Bachelor’s thesis. You will plan and carry out the collection and analysis of primary and secondary data.

You will complete your degree by writing an academic dissertation, the Bachelor’s thesis. The writing process is supported by a seminar and a subject-specific colloquium.

In this compulsory module for students specialising in this area, the fundamentals of various educational concepts are taught and put into practice. Students develop educational programmes, such as guided tours of nature and the countryside, tailored to different target groups.

Through our partnership with Bergwaldprojekt e.V., you will learn about practical nature conservation and landscape management measures – with a particular focus on wetland restoration. This is complemented by specific theoretical and methodological work that builds on the technical expertise of Bergwaldprojekt e.V.

For a defined geographical area (catchment area, arable land, woodland, etc.), the components of the landscape water balance are recorded, specific surveys are carried out, and a water balance is drawn up based on this data. They assess the availability of groundwater and soil water and develop measures to stabilise and/or improve the water balance.

The course explores options for the conversion and use of renewable energy sources in the context of agricultural businesses. This includes an overview of current renewable energy sources and their conversion pathways for energy and material use, as well as the potential for the material and energy use of renewable raw materials.

This module covers the types and ecological characteristics of moors, water bodies and floodplains, as well as key methods for assessing their condition. You will gain an overview of standard and alternative management measures.

This module is recommended for the → specialisation in protected area management.

You will learn about the biological and ecological principles underlying honeybees and wild bees, as well as general honeybee biology and beekeeping.