MA/MS in Ecology and Climate Change

General Description: Objective(s) of a study programme: The goal of the Ecology and Climate Change study program is to prepare masters of ecology who understand the influence of climate change on ecosystem processes, the principles and methods of nature management and environmental protection, and the factors driving species richness and distribution, can foresee environmental changes induced by climate change, identify ecological and climate change problems and suggest solutions, and design nature management and environmental strategies, capable of making novel decisions, acting innovatively and competitively in the current economic sector, increasing ecosystem adaptation, and ensuring ecosystem services. Learning outcomes: Knowledge and its application. Analyses the structure, connectivity, functioning, pollution processes, and change of existing ecosystems under conditions of climate change and anthropogenic impact on the environment, explains the principles and methods of biodiversity protection and management, and is capable of applying environmental policy concepts, principles, and measures in professional activities. Analyses and compares fundamental theories, principles, methods, and systems of ecology and climate change management; integrates interdisciplinary knowledge in proposing environmental management solutions for implementing the Green Course and adapting to a changing climate. Research skills. Plans and conducts basic and applied ecological research to assess and manage ecological and climate change issues. Analyses, summarizes, and integrates research data, draws conclusions based on the findings of systematic ecological research, and makes suggestions for resolving ecological and climate change problems Special abilities. Critically examines and proposes new concepts and strategic measures for ecosystem conservation, climate change management, and environmental policy, and is capable of engaging in legislative processes in line with sustainable development principles and European Union and Lithuanian legislation, by evaluating practical and laboratory work, preparing final theses, and participating in projects, international studies, etc. Applies the latest interdisciplinary knowledge, mathematical, statistical, chemical, physical and other methods of analysis, uses information technology in planning and organizing nature protection and environmental management projects and works, solving climate change and environmental protection problems. Social abilities Organizes individual and team activities in environmental protection, climate change management and nature management, takes responsibility for the quality of activities and its improvement. Cooperates competently and reasonably with diverse segments of society to address ecological and climate change issues and displays the findings of his / her professional activities as an ecologist in the national and international professional arenas. Personal abilities. Critically assesses new ideas in ecology, has strategic ecological thinking skills, and looks for new ways to solve ecological, nature conservation, and climate change problems Activities of teaching and learning: Implementation of the study program encourages creativity and innovation of teachers with variation and flexibility of active teaching (learning) methods: explanation, presentation of reports (essays), case study, problem-solving, demonstration, project preparation and presentation, information analysis and generalization, watching videos, practice, etc. Methods of assessment of learning achievements: The accumulative system for the assessment of learning outcomes is applied at the University. Students’ learning outcomes are assessed in midterms, another intermediate assessment tests and examination or defence of students’ works (projects). The final grade integrates the grades of intermediate assessment tests and examination. The examination grade makes 30–60% of the final grade. The structure of the accumulative system is presented in the description of each study course. Framework: Study subjects (modules), practical training: The study program consists of 1. Study courses of the main study field and related courses, 2. Study courses of deeper specialization in the main study field (or other study field), 3. Research and final thesis. Study courses of the main study field and related courses—102 ECTS or 85% of the program volume (final thesis—30 ECTS out of them), study courses of deeper specialization in the main study field (or other study field)—18 ECTS or 15% of the program volume, scientific research practice— 6 ECTS or 5% of the program volume. Specialisations: - Optional courses: Study courses of deeper specialization in the main study field (or other study field)—18 ECTS Distinctive features of a study programme: A Master’s degree in Life Sciences provides students with a solid foundation of knowledge in life sciences, complemented by studies in ecosystem management and agriculture. The studies are based on comprehensive theory and a high level of practical and applied learning. The studies are designed to educate versatile students with a high level of knowledge about ecosystem sustainability, based on the vital skills required to use climate change-related technologies. Teachers in second cycle study programs are focused on providing quality knowledge and student growth in a cohort-based learning community. Graduates of the program pursue various careers related to environmental protection, organic farming and climate change management or continue their studies at Doctoral level. Access to professional activity or further study: Access to professional activity: Climate change, coupled with growing environmental challenges in Lithuania, Europe, and the rest of the world, creates a unique need for ecology and climate change management specialists who comprehend complex environmental processes and are capable of resolving ecological and climate change problems. Graduates of the Ecology and Climate Change study program have a diverse range of employment and career opportunities: they can work as managers, specialists, advisors, or consultants in state, science, and research institutions, high technology and innovation, industry, research and development, and manufacturing firms, educational institutions, analysis, analytics, certification, and accreditation, and other fields requiring knowledge of ecology and climate change. Graduates of the study program may find employment with the Ministry of the Environment, the Department of Environmental Protection and its subdivisions, the State Service for Protected Areas and its subdivisions, municipalities, and environmental protection departments of businesses, among others. Access to further study: Doctoral studies in area of Environment and ecology, Environmental engineering, Forestry.