Education

Bachelor in Environmental Sciences

The Bachelor of Science course lasts three years. The first two years are devoted to basic studies in the general disciplines of chemistry, physics, biology, mathematics, and information technology, supplemented by fundamental economics and law. From this foundation, students are able to learn more in lectures, practical applications and excursions about the environmental systems - Atmosphere (air), Hydrosphere (water), Pedosphere (earth), and Anthroposphere, as well as land-use in agriculture and forestry. The environmental studies are complemented by courses in social sciences and the humanities as well as technical subjects. Study guide (pdf, available in German only) »»

Further information can be found here: »»

NSSI, together with other professorships of the Institute for Environmental Decisions, is reponsible for:

• the special subject "Human-Environment Systems" »»
• major parts of social science education »»

Master in Environmental Sciences

The Master course in Environmental Sciences provides a high level and broad-based education in the environmental sciences. Furthermore it is designed to enable students to gain experience in handling complex problems and to develop a wide range of work-relevant skills. Students are mentored with the goal of their becoming experts and leaders in diverse settings – universities, research institutions, environmental and planning offices, public services, and also in relevant sections of the banking, insurance and industrial services. Study guide (pdf), valid until 2012 only»»
NEW STUDY GUIDE (HES only, AS OF 2013) »»

In this Master, NSSI, together with other professorships of the Institute for Environmental Decisions, is reponsible for the Major in Human-Environment Systems (see below).

Further information can be found here: »»

Major in Human-Environment Systems

Human-Environment Systems (HES), as the name suggests, focuses not only on the components of environmental systems (e.g., climate, forests, resources) and human systems (e.g., social, economic, political) but, more importantly, also on the interplay and inter linkages between these systems. As these systems are interlinked, the study of coupled human-environment systems forms the basis of successful environmental decision-making and sustainable development. In essence, the aim of HES research is to understand how human and environmental systems interact. A key component of the major is the Masters Thesis, which is an in depth examination of contribution to research and societal problem solving that addresses this interaction.

How to apply with a Non-ETH bachelor? »»

Prerequisites to start the major? »»

Courses offered by NSSI in the Major HES »»

Guidelines for HES major students to meet the requirements in natural science credit points Download pdf-file (only for the old Studienreglement (until 2012)

Information about the Transdisciplinary Case Study (10 CP) »»