The Environmental Modelling degree programme is research-oriented. Students learn methods for mathematically analysing various systems. This involves both the evaluation of environmental data and the development and implementation of models. In this way, a fundamental understanding of the system or valuable support for upcoming decisions can be created. The application can be in all areas of the earth system and can be both scientifically and economically motivated. The systems can be of interest to all kinds of disciplines. Physical systems such as ocean currents or the climate, biological systems such as the growth and behaviour of populations, the kinetics of chemical reactions or economic phenomena can be investigated.

In order to cover this broad spectrum, the first semester is used to harmonise the level of knowledge of all new students. For example, the basic skills module teaches scientific, mathematical and programming basics, depending on previous education. Furthermore, the various working groups from the field of environmental modelling introduce themselves in the first semester. In addition, students have the opportunity to focus on their personal interests in the "profile module" right from the start.

In the following two semesters, students choose a focus area that deals with one of three sub-areas of modelling. The selection includes

• Statistical modelling: including mapping stochastic distributions and time series analysis
• Process and system-oriented modelling: including physical processes and
  population-dynamic processes
• Modelling of large systems: including simulations of ecological systems
  and environmental information systems

In addition, further courses can be chosen in the supplementary area, which can also come from the sustainability cluster at the University of Oldenburg. In addition, seminar papers and internships establish close links with the working groups involved and promote practical relevance.