Topics of the specialisation in Natural Resource Sciences

The areas in which the Master’s degree can be completed correspond to current research projects and may therefore vary. You decide on your topic area at the start of your studies. Currently the following topics are possible:

The focus is on the development of innovative biological products against various pathogens. The research aims at finding new strategies for the biological control of plant diseases and pests. These are based on specifically applicable organisms and on new active ingredients from plants and microorganisms. 

• Topic overview for Biocontrol

The term biodiversity is especially used in the context of nature conservation, but also increasingly in agriculture, biotechnology and medicine. Using case studies, students learn to understand the relevant parameters, to assess the results and use them in practice. 

• Topic overview for Biodiversity

The soil is an important basis of life for people, animals and plants. In addition to water balance and biological degradation processes, physical and chemical contamination of soils and the effects on soil fertility and people are the focus of our work.

• Topic overview for Soil ecology / Contaminated sites

Interest in garden therapy at senior citizens' centres and rehabilitation clinics is increasing. In therapeutic gardens, verifiable therapeutic goals are pursued through activities such as sowing, pricking, potting etc. A huge variety of sensory perceptions are induced by plants.

• Topic overview for Green and health

Cultural landscapes fulfil multiple functions and are closely related to society and to regional development. Their importance as natural and cultural resources is increasingly being threatened by accelerated landscape change in many places, while there is also a growing social need for landscapes with a high quality of adventure and recreation.

• Topic overview for Landscape and regional development

With the increasing trend towards individual recreation in nature, the pressure on natural areas and their animal and plant species is growing. In addition, new conflicts are arising between different groups with contrasting recreational needs. New methods for determining the specific needs of holidaymakers are being developed.

• Topic overview for Nature and leisure

The number of natural parks and protected areas is growing worldwide. Depending on the specific objectives, biodiversity, recreation, or the regional economy may be in the foreground. Management should be based on appropriate tools and methods for monitoring and guiding visitors and for nature management. The development of these methods is in full swing. 

• Topic overview for Natural parks and protected areas

At the centre of nature and culture oriented tourism is the experience of intact countryside and cultural values. Nature and culture oriented tourism helps ensure that the countryside is maintained and can be developed in sustainable ways.

• Topic overview for Nature and culture oriented tourism

Eco-technology is engineering using ecological principles. By means of natural processes, wastewater is cleaned, organic waste processed or buildings cooled. The goal is a high degree of recycling, powered by solar energy – for example in systems for natural wastewater treatment and fish farming using recirculation systems.

• Topic overview for Ecotechnology

Wild animals are being forced to either adapt to changing environmental conditions or to retreat, subject to the way people perceive them and the priorities they set for landscape use. In this subject area methods are developed to detect and secure species-specific ways of life and natural land use for selected species. 

• Topic overview for Wild animal management