Environmental Sciences (MES) / MSc

Aims

The MSc programme Environmental Sciences is designed for students who want to take up the challenge of finding innovative methods to improve the state of the environment, and sustainable solutions to the threats facing it. The programme aims to provide insight into the socio-economic causes, the nature, and the consequences of pollution and degradation of the natural environment. It intends to generate technology as well as socio-political and economic instruments to control and prevent environmental problems in an interdisciplinary way.
The programme provides students with an opportunity of advanced academic training, emphasising the development of a critical attitude and analytical and problem-solving skills, and of gaining more in-depth knowledge of a wide range of environmental sciences. Its target groups are recently qualified BSc graduates with basic academic training as well as mid-career professionals.
The programme is thesis-oriented with an individual research project as its core. Compulsory elements are kept at a minimum, thus enabling the programme to be tailored to the wishes and needs of the individual student. Study adviser and thesis supervisor both assist the student in selecting the most relevant courses from what the University has on offer.
A total of eight different disciplines offer the possibility of major thesis research within this programme. They relate to the fields of environmental quality and systems analysis (environmental systems analysis, aquatic ecology and water quality management, soil quality, meteorology and air quality, and toxicology), environmental management and policy (environmental policy, environmental economics) and environmental technology. In addition, students have the opportunity to acquire experience in environmental education and communication. Minors are optional, but if their time schedule permits, students are encouraged to take a minor, either from this or from another MSc programme. Experimental thesis research will usually be part of ongoing research programmes of WUR departments or research institutes. Otherwise, thesis topics are the initiative of the student or the result of discussions between the student and potential supervisors.
Graduates of this programme are well equipped to continue academic training (PhD) or to start or continue a professional career requiring independent scientific performance.

Programme coordinator

Ir Th. M. Lexmond
Phone: 0317-(4)83304
E-mail: theo.lexmond@wur.nl

Study adviser(s)

- Ir D. Legger (foreign students)
Phone: 0317-(4)85066
Email: dick.legger@wur.nl
- Ms drs M. J. Lexmond (students holding a Dutch bachelor degree and Dutch students)
Phone: 0317-(4)82023
Email: marjo.lexmond@wur.nl
- Dr ir B. J. M. van Vliet (students holding a Dutch bachelor degree and Dutch students)
Phone: 0317-(4)82473
Email: bas.vanvliet@wur.nl
- Dr. Zhang Lei (foreign students)
E-mail: lei.zhang@wur.nl
Phone: 0317-(4)84274

Study association

Aktief Slip
P.O. Box 279, 6700 AG, Wageningen
E-mail: aktief.slip@wur.nl
Internet: http://www.dow.wau.nl/aktiefslip/