Environmental sciences, Master's programme

How is the program structured?

The program begins with a mandatory semester including four advanced environmental science courses, each worth 7.5 HEC:

1. Global change - problem, analysis, measures (ES2613), 7.5 HEC
2. Resource efficiency - energy, material flows and ecosystem service (ES2614), 7.5 HEC
3. Environmental risk assessment and management (ES2617), 7.5 HEC
4. Nature based solutions – potentials, pitfalls and goal conflicts (ES2618), 7.5 HEC

Then, based on your background and self-interest, you can choose to specialize. For example, you can take one of the following courses at the advanced level:

• Atmospheric Chemistry (KEM170), 15 HEC
• Energy and Environment: Processes, Efficiency, and Impacts (ES2417), 15 HEC
• Plant ecophysiology in a global change perspective (BIO503), 15 HEC

• Växtekologi ur ett klimatperspektiv (BIO503), 15 HEC

• Chemical Risk Assessment (ES2413), 15 HEC

• Sustainable development: A case study approach (ES2423), 15 HEC

You can also choose courses in applied environmental science:

• Environmental Management Systems (ES2611) 15 HEC
• Environmental Impact Assessment (ES2419), 7.5 HEC
• Environmental Economics (ES1601), 15 HEC

Read more about the program's structure here

When do I need to apply for courses and how do I know which ones I can choose?

You are automatically admitted to the four introductory courses.You then have to apply yourself to the courses you want to study through www.antagning.se. The only exception is if you are doing a degree project that spans two semesters, in which case you will automatically remain registered for the course in the following semester.

The study advisor sends out program information before choosing the course for the coming semester. In the program information, you will find information for your particular cohort about which courses apply to you. These can be compulsory courses or proposals for courses (primarily applies to year 3).

To obtain a master’s degree in environmental sciences, you must have completed at least 60 credits in biology, of which at least 30 must be in the form of an advanced level thesis. Additionally, a total of at least 90 credits must be at the advanced level. However, there is room to supplement your education with courses in other relevant subjects.

You can find the complete course offerings for the University of Gothenburg under Find courses. You can sort them by subject, level, and semester, among other criteria.

Who decides on the program?

The bachelor’s program in environmental sciences is run by the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences (BioEnv). The program board (“PRÅM”) is responsible for coordinating all environmental sciences programs. It is led by the program board chair, who is also the director of studies at the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences.

Who should I contact?

If you have specific questions about our various courses and educational programs, please contact our study counsellors or study administrators first. You can find the contact information at Service and support/Study counselling.

If you have more general questions about the education at the department, contact the education director (deputy head of department with responsibility for undergraduate education) or the program board chair. Contact information for staff at BioEnv (especially under Educational matters).

Time for the thesis - what do I need to consider?

What is meant by a thesis?

The thesis is an independent project carried out within the framework of one of our degree project courses, aimed at providing you with in-depth knowledge in one of the research areas of biology and preparing you for work or further studies. Assessment is based on a written report as well as an oral presentation of your results. In addition, a number of lectures and seminars are included.

General information about theses in biology and environmental sciences and what to consider when looking for suitable projects can be found under Degree project (go to Your studies/Exams). There you can also find lists with current projects.

Also, see course-specific information on open course pages in Canvas (go to Search courses and search for ES2500, ES2571 or ES2510).

You need to find a supervisor and project yourself

All projects must have a supervisor. Typically, you will work in one of our research groups, where your project will be an important part of advancing research. This means you cannot expect to have the freedom to come up with your own project.

Every semester, we offer a variety of exciting and current projects, ranging from studies at the cellular and molecular level to integrative physiology, phylogenetic analysis, ecology, and conservation biology, focusing on animals, fungi, microorganisms, or plants. You are expected to have contacted potential supervisors within the university well before the course starts.

You may also find projects outside of the departments, for example, at companies or authorities. In that case, the project must first be approved by the course leader/examiner, and you must also have an internal supervisor affiliated with the university.

What is required to start a thesis in environmental sciences?

To undertake a project course, you must have completed at least one advanced course of (at least) 15 credits, in a relevant subject area. In addition, you must have applied for and been admitted to a degree course.

Which degree project course should I apply for?

ES2500/ES2571/ES2510 Examination Course in Environmental Science (30/45/60 HEC)

You apply for the course via antagning.se. The degree courses normally starts at the start of each semester, that is in September and January, but after agreement with the supervisor and course coordinator you can also start in March, June or November. There is no web registration for these courses, that is  you will be registered at the start of the course when your project has been approved by the course leader.

Please note! If you get registered on any other master thesis course than ES2500, ES2571 or ES2510 you must apply for a credit transfer. You get the form for credit transfer from the study counsellor.