MA/MS in Climate System Studies

General Description: Objective(s) of a study programme: The main objective is to prepare hydrometeorologists that can work independently in various organizations (scientific, educational, public and private businesses, etc.) and make well-founded decisions on such topics like atmosphere, hydrosphere, climate change, environment protection, ecology, etc. Moreover, they can do scientific and practical research using modern technology, involve themselves successfully into local and international projects and continue their studies in doctoral programme. Learning outcomes: Graduates will be: • Capable of performing a complex scientific and practical work, such as hydrometeorological research planning, performance and decision making. • Capable of applying special meteorological and hydrological information to various social practices, provide scientific reports and conclusions. • Capable of analyzing data related to climate change and hydrosphere. • Trained in climatological and long-term meteorological forecasting methods, their operation and application to practical decision making. • Capable of performing a complex environmental, social and economic impact assessment of climate change. • Capable of using their knowledge of current ideas and developments in hydrometeorological, climatological, water management and coastal management projects. • Capable of operating the information technologies innovatively and competently. • Capable of applying numerical mathematical models and information technologies in natural process and environment factor analysis and evaluation. • Capable of refreshing and applying their knowledge independently. • Trained in scientific research methods. • Capable of systemic thought, idea application, hypotheses’, concepts’ and objectives’ suggestion, and critical analysis of data and projects. Activities of teaching and learning: Active lectures; seminars; discussions; written project, that includes scientific research and decision making; essay writing; individual scientific research project; analysis of meteorological and hydrological data; experiments using meteorological and hydrological equipment; practicum in laboratories; group project; presentations; final thesis. Methods of assessment of learning achievements: The main form of evaluation is a written exam or a written-oral exam. Other methods include: written and oral polls, exercises and presentations, tests, individual research presentations, self- or group assessments. Student’s performance is evaluated using a grading scale from 1 (very poor) to 10 (excellent), where grades equal or lower than 4 are considered as failing. Framework: Study subjects (modules): 90 credits, including 72 credits major field of study, and 18 credits - the deeper study of this field. • Methodology of Scientific Research • Climate change and Global Circulation Modelling • Coastal Research and Sedimentology • Water Management • Microclimatology • Biometeorology • Long Range Weather Prediction • Database Design • Applied Programming • Master final thesis Specialisations: ‒ Optional courses: ‒ Distinctive features of a study programme: In other Lithuanian institutions of higher education the study program does not exist. Access to professional activity or further study: Access to professional activity: Graduates can work in: • departments of Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Lithuania, • air and sea ports, • science institutions, universities and other organizations of higher education, • governmental, private, public and business offices, information agencies, • other places where both hydrometeorological and general knowledge and abilities can be applied. Access to further study: Further studies include Physical Geography, Geology, Ecology, and Environmental doctoral courses in Vilnius University, as well as other universities in Lithuania and abroad.