modifications-incorporated-en
Please note: The following is a carefully drafted translation of the German Examination Regulations
for the degree Program Master of Science. In this version the modifications of 2006 have been
incorporated into the text of 2005 in order to make it better readable.
Please be aware, however, that only the officially published German versions of the examination
regulations from August 18th , 2005 (Amtliche Bekanntmachungen Jahrgang 36, Nr. 46, Seiten 269-
293 vom 19. August 2005), last modified on March 2nd , 2006 (Amtliche Bekanntmachungen Jahrgang
37, Nr. 9, Seiten 17-32 vom 3. März 2006) are legally binding.
.
Examination Regulations for the
Degree Program Master of Science (M.Sc.)
On the basis of § 34 paragraph 1 clause 3 of the State Higher Education Act (LHG) from January 1st,
2005 (GBl. p. 1), the senate resolved in its session on June 29th, 2005 to enact the following
examination regulations for the degree program Master of Science (M.Sc.).
The regulations were approved by the rector on August 18th, 2005. Modifications were approved by
the vice rector on March 31st 2006..
In accordance with the enactment of the Ministry of Science, Research, and Art of Baden-
Württemberg from July, 26th, 2005, the master programs „Forest Ecology and Management“ and
„Environmental Governance“ are to be established for 5 years, i.e. until September 30th, 2010.
A. General Regulations
§ 1 Profile of the Degree Program, Graduation
(1) The subject-specific parts of the examination regulations establish whether the master program is
geared more toward research or practical applications. They also establish whether the master
program is designed as a consecutive or non-consecutive course of study or as further education.
(2) Students who pass the master examination are conferred the academic degree „Master of
Science“ (abbreviated: „M.Sc.“).
§ 2 Prerequisites for Admission
The prerequisites for admission to the master program are fixed by the subject-specific admissions
regulations.
§ 3 Structure of the Degree Program
(1) The master degree program refers to a subject to be chosen by the student under appendix A.
(2) As a rule, students must earn 120 ECTS credits toward the degree.
(3) For completing a course or module, students earn an amount of ECTS credits established by the
subject-specific part of the examination regulations. The amount of credits is determined on the basis
of the amount of work required to complete the course or module.
(4) The courses in the master degree program are organized in modules. The type, extent, and
content of the modules are established by the subject-specific parts of the examination regulations.
(5) The standard period of study, including the time necessary for taking the final examinations and
writing the master thesis, is four semesters.
(6) In the subject-specific parts of these examination regulations, the curriculum should be selected
and limited to allow the course of study to be completed within the standard period of study.
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§ 4 English Language Master Program
If the master program is completed as an English language degree program, details are described in
the subject-specific parts of the examination regulations.
§ 5 Courses and Examinations in English
Non-English language master programs may also include selected courses, including examinations,
which are held entirely or partially in English. Details are described in the subject-specific parts of the
examination regulations.
§ 6 Internship
(1) The faculties may require students to complete an internship. Details as to the scope and nature of
this internship are described in the subject-specific parts of the examination regulations.
(2) If students are required to complete an internship for the master program, the faculty aids them in
finding an appropriate internship.
§ 7 Academic Advising
The faculties may elect to require academic advising or a mentor system for the students in the
subject-specific part of the examination regulations.
§ 8 Subject-Specific Regulations
(1) All subjects available for selection are listed in appendix A.
(2) The subject-specific parts of the examination regulations are included in appendix B.
§ 9 Subject Examination Committee
(1) The subject examination committees are responsible for organizing examinations in a particular
subject and for carrying out the duties allocated to them by these examination regulations. The
committees see to it that the regulations described in this document are adhered to and are
responsible for decisions concerning examinations. They make all decisions concerning accreditation
of periods of study, credits, and examinations and are responsible for determining whether credits and
examinations are of equal value on the basis of § 11 paragraph 1.
The subject examination committees report to the faculty at regular intervals on the progress of the
examinations and studies, including the time allotted for the master thesis and the distribution of
subject grades and final grades.
The subject examination committees see to it that examinations can be completed within the
predetermined period of time. They inform the examination candidates as to the type and amount of
examinations they have to take, the dates of the examinations, and the time allotted for completing the
master thesis.
The subject examination committees are responsible for making suggestions to reform the
examination regulations and the descriptions of modules in case a special commission is not
appointed for this purpose.
(2) The members of the subject examination committees have the right to be present at examinations.
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(3) The subject examination committees consist of 4 professors, 1 academic collaborator, and 1
student, the last of whom participates in an advisory capacity. The members are appointed for a
period of 2 years in the case of the professors and academic collaborators and 1 year in the case of
the student member.
(4) The members of the subject examination committees, the chairpersons of the subject examination
committees, and the deputy chairpersons are appointed by the faculty councils.
(5) A subject examination committee has a quorum if half of its members is present.
(6) The members of the subject examination committees are bound to secrecy. Members who are not
civil servants must be sworn to secrecy by the chairperson.
(7) The subject examination committee must inform candidates of an incriminating decision in writing.
The letter must include the reason for the decision and instructions on how to make an appeal.
Appeals against decisions made by a subject examination committee must be submitted to the subject
examination committee in writing within one month. If the subject examination committee does not
honor the appeal, it may be submitted for a final decision to the member of the administrative board
responsible for instruction.
§ 10 Examiners / Observers
(1) The subject examination committee appoints the examiners for subject examinations and, following
the recommendation of the faculties/institutes, the observers. The subject examination committee may
delegate the responsibility of appointing the observers to the examiners.
(2) As a rule, only professors, university lecturers, private lecturers, and academic collaborators who
have received authorization may conduct examinations not connected with a particular course.
Academic assistants, academic collaborators, assistant lecturers, and lecturers for special duties may
only be appointed as examiners if not enough professors and university lecturers are available to
conduct an examination.
(3) Only persons who have completed at least a master examination or an equivalent examination in
the subject in question may be appointed as observer.
(4) Unless otherwise specified by the subject-specific parts of the examination regulations, the
candidate may recommend examiners for the master thesis and an additional task (§ 12 paragraph 2).
Candidates do not have a legal right to receive the examiner of their choice.
(5) Examinations during the course of study are conducted by the instructors of the individual courses.
§ 11 Accreditation of Periods of Study, Study Credits, and Examination Credits
(1) Periods of study, study credits, and examination credits from a master program and/or other
degree program at another university may be accredited if they may be considered roughly equivalent
in content, extent, and workload to corresponding credits in the master program at the University of
Freiburg. To determine equivalency, it is necessary to make a global evaluation rather than a one-to-
one comparison of courses and examinations.
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(2) For the equivalency of periods of study, study credits, and examination credits earned outside of
the Federal Republic of Germany, the equivalency agreements approved by the Conference of the
Ministry of Education and the Arts and the German Rectors Conference as well as individual
agreements with partner institutions should serve as guidelines.
(3) The equivalency of periods of study, study credits, and examination credits from state-approved
distance study programs, state-run or state-approved vocational academies and universities of applied
sciences, or schools of applied science and engineering and officers’ universities of the former
German Democratic Republic should be determined in accordance with paragraph 1.
(4) Accreditation of parts of the master examination may be denied if a student requests accreditation
of
• more than half of all examinations during the course of study in a subject and/or
• more than half of all required ECTS credits in a subject and/or
• a part of the final examination.
(5) If examinations are to be accredited, the original grades may be adopted and included in the
calculation of module grades and the final grade if the grading systems are comparable. If the grading
systems are not comparable, the examinations in question should be marked „passed“. The
examinations may be marked as accredited in the student’s records.
(6) Periods of study, study credits, or examination credits from German institutions of higher education
must be officially accredited. The student must submit all documentation necessary for accreditation. If
the preconditions named in paragraphs 1 to 3 have been met, the student has a legal right to
accreditation.
(7) Study and examination credits earned in a course of study which was a prerequisite for the
student’s admission to the master program can neither be accredited nor recognized as credits for the
master program.
B. The Examinations in the M.Sc. Course of Study
§ 12 The Master Examination
(1) The purpose of the master examination is to determine whether the candidate has acquired the
knowledge imparted by the course of study, has a command of the contexts of his or her field, and is
capable of applying scientific methods and findings independently.
(2) The master examination consists of examinations during the course of study, the master thesis,
and in some cases a presentation of the master thesis, a colloquium, or another additional task.
Details are described in the subject-specific parts of the examination regulations.
§ 13 Study Credits
(1) Study credits represent individual work done by a student for courses. The type, amount, and
range of the ECTS credits granted for a course should depend on the amount of time required to
complete the work for that course. Students should be informed as to how many study credits a
course is worth by the beginning of the course at the latest.
(2) The instructor of a course must determine whether the students have earned the study credits for a
course but does not necessarily have to give them a grade for the course.
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(3) The subject-specific parts of these examination regulations specify which courses students need to
earn study credits for and which study credits are prerequisites for admission to examinations.
(4) If a student submits a certificate from a physician confirming that he or she is not capable of
earning all or some of the study credits in the required form due to severe or ongoing health problems,
the chairperson of the subject examination committee grants the student an extension or allows him or
her to earn equivalent credits in another form.
§ 14 Examinations during the Course of Study
(1) Examinations during the course of study are defined as follows:
• Final module examinations which test all components of a module in a single examination,
• Partial module examinations for one or more components of a module.
(2) The subject-specific parts of these examination regulations establish the type and scope of
examinations during the course of study. Students are provided details on these examinations at the
beginning of the course the examination is to be held in.
(3) If a student has earned all necessary examination credits for a module, he or she cannot take any
more examinations in that module. This has no effect on the regulations described in § 24 paragraph 6
on improving grades by retaking examinations.
(4) If a candidate submits a certificate from a physician confirming that he or she is not capable of
earning all or some of the examination credits in the required form due to severe or ongoing health
problems, the chairperson of the subject examination committee grants the candidate an extension or
allows him or her to earn equivalent credits in another form.
§ 15 Registration for and Admission to Examinations during the Course of Study
(1) To be admitted to examinations during the course of study, the student must
• be matriculated in the appropriate course of study at the University of Freiburg and
• have not forfeited his or her right to take examinations.
(2) The application for admission to examinations during the course of study must be made in writing
to the subject examination committee by a deadline to be set by the subject examination committee
prior to the first examination during the course of study. The application should include a statement
from the candidate indicating whether he or she has previously failed or is currently registered for
another master, magister, diplom, or teacher training examination in the field in question or in a related
field.1
(3) If the subject examination committee rejects the application for admission, it informs the candidate
in writing. The letter must include the reason for the decision and instructions on how to make an
appeal.
1 Related fields are listed in the subject-specific parts of the examination regulations ?
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Admission should be denied if
• the candidate has not fulfilled the requirements listed in paragraph 1,
• the application is incomplete and the candidate does not submit the missing parts despite
being requested to do so,
• the candidate has irrevocably failed a master, magister, diplom, or teacher training
examination in the field in question or in a related field, or has forfeited his or her right to take
examinations in that field, or is currently in another examination procedure. Exceptions to this
regulation may be described in the subject-specific parts of the examination regulations.
(4) Students must register in writing or online with the examination office for each examination during
the course of study by a deadline to be set by the subject examination committee. Students must
provide evidence in this application that they have fulfilled all requirements for admission to the
examination as described in the subject-specific parts of these examination regulations. In case the
student has not fulfilled these requirements and can thus not take the examination, the subject
examination committee informs him or her of this fact in writing. The letter must include the reason for
the decision and instructions on how to make an appeal.
§ 16 Oral Examinations during the Course of Study
(1) Students earn oral examination credits for oral examinations and presentations.
(2) Oral examinations may take the form of a group examination or an individual examination. The
duration of the examination is at least 10 minutes per candidate, no more than 20 minutes for partial
module examinations, and no more than 45 minutes for final module examinations and any additional
tasks (§ 12 paragraph 2). Details are described in the subject-specific parts of the regulations.
(3) As a rule, oral examinations which are not taken during the course of study for a certain course are
conducted by one examiner as described in § 10 in the presence of a competent observer or by two
examiners (collaborative examination).
(4) The relevant material and results of the examination are recorded in a protocol. The candidate
should be informed as to the result of the oral examination immediately after the examination. The
protocol is signed by the examiner and the observer and filed with the examination records.
(5) Students who wish to retake an examination at a later date may be admitted as listeners providing
that the necessary space is available, unless the candidate does not wish to have any listeners.
However, students admitted to an examination in this capacity may not advise the candidate or inform
the candidate as to the results. The public may be excluded from the examination if there are
important reasons to do so or if the candidate requests to do so.
(6) In a presentation, the candidate demonstrates that he or she is capable of speaking competently
on a specific topic in his or her field. The duration of a presentation should be between 15 and 90
minutes.
(7) Oral examinations and presentations are held in German or in the language of the course for which
the student is to earn the examination credits.
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§ 17 Written Examinations during the Course of Study
(1) Students earn written examination credits for written examinations, research papers, and protocols.
(2) The acceptable aids for a written examination are posted before the examination takes place.
(3) As a rule, the duration of written examinations should be between 60 and 240 minutes. Details are
described in the subject-specific parts of the examination regulations.
(4) In a research paper, the candidate demonstrates that he or she is capable of writing competently
about a specific topic in his or her field.
(5) In a protocol, the candidate demonstrates by writing a report that he or she has attended and
participated regularly in a seminar, project, practical course, or other course.
(6) Written examinations, research papers, and protocols should be written in German or in the
language of the course for which the student is to earn the examination credits. If a written
examination contains questions in another language, these questions may be answered in German.
(7) The procedure for evaluating written work should not exceed a period of four weeks; this has no
effect on § 20 paragraph 9.
§ 18 Evaluation of Examinations during the Course of Study
(1) Final module examinations and partial module examinations are given one of the following grades:
1.0/1.3
outstanding
achievement which is well above average
1.7/2.0/2.3
good
achievement which is above average
2.7/3.0/3.3
satisfactory
achievement which meets the requirements
3.7/4.0
sufficient
achievement which meets the requirements despite flaws
5.0
unsatisfactory achievement which does not meet the requirements due to substantial
flaws
(2) If a final module examination is required to complete a module, the student’s grade for the final
module examination is his or her grade for the module.
If several partial module examinations are required to complete a module, the unweighted average of
the student’s grades on all partial module examinations is his or her grade for the module, unless the
subject-specific parts of these examination regulations require a weighted average. The student must
pass each of the partial module examinations with at least a grade of „sufficient (4.0)“. In calculating
the module grade, only the first decimal point is taken into account. All further decimal points are
dropped without rounding.
The numeric value of the module grades for modules included in the final grade forms the basis of the
final grade for the master examination.
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§ 19 Admission to and Registration for the Master Thesis
(1) To be admitted to the master thesis, the student must
• be matriculated in the appropriate course of study at the University of Freiburg,
• have not forfeited his or her right to take examinations, and
• have earned the amount of ECTS credits required by the subject-specific part of the
examination regulations.
(2) The application for admission to the master thesis must be made in writing to the subject
examination committee. The application should include the following:
• evidence of the prerequisites for admission as described in paragraph 1 and
• a statement from the candidate indicating whether he or she has previously failed or is
currently registered for another master, magister, diplom, or teacher training examination in
the field in question or in a related field.
(3) The application for admission to the master thesis should be made no later than three months after
completion of the last partial examination. If the candidate fails to meet this deadline without
convincing reasons, his or her first attempt at writing the master thesis is graded „unsatisfactory (5.0)“.
(4) The decision as to admission is made by the subject examination committee on the basis of the
application documents submitted by the candidate. The candidate should be informed as to the
decision within four weeks.
(5) Admission to the master thesis should be denied if
• the candidate has not fulfilled the requirements listed in paragraph 1,
• the application is incomplete and the candidate does not submit the missing parts despite
being requested to do so, or
• the candidate has irrevocably failed a master, magister, diplom, or teacher training
examination in the field in question or in a related field, or has forfeited his or her right to take
examinations in that field, or is currently in another examination procedure.
§ 20 The Master Thesis
(1) The master thesis is worth 15-30 ECTS credits and is an examination in which the candidate
demonstrates that he or she is capable of researching a topic in his or her major field in accordance
with scientific methods and presenting the results adequately within a limited period of time.
(2) Group theses are only acceptable if they are explicitly permitted by the subject-specific appendix B.
The individual contribution of each student must be clearly identifiable, assessable, and gradable. ?
(3) The topic of the thesis is determined by a legitimate examiner as described in § 10 paragraph 2
clause 1. The examination committee may also permit a professor, university lecturer, or private
lecturer who is not a member of the candidate’s faculty to assign and supervise the thesis if the topic
is approved by a professor, university lecturer, or private lecturer from the faculty of the candidate’s
major field. The examiner who assigns the topic is also responsible for supervising the master thesis.
The candidate should be given the opportunity to suggest a topic. The chairperson of the subject
examination committee sees to it that the candidate receives a topic no later than six weeks after
applying for admission to the master thesis.
(4) The topic of the thesis is approved by the subject examination committee upon the candidate’s
admission to the master thesis. The date on which the thesis was assigned and the topic of the thesis
are put on record. The period designated for completing the thesis begins when the topic is approved.
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(5) The length of the period designated for completing the thesis is fixed by the subject-specific parts
of the examination regulations, as well as the amount of ECTS credits the thesis is worth. The topic
and advising should take this time limit into account. In individual cases, the subject examination
committee may resolve to extend the period by up to four weeks upon a well-founded request. Such
requests must be submitted to the subject examination committee no later than two weeks prior to the
due date of the thesis and must be approved by the supervisor of the thesis. This has no effect on the
regulations described in § 27 paragraph 2.
(6) The topic may only be turned down once and only within the first two months after it was assigned.
A new topic must be proposed and assigned within four weeks.
(7) The thesis must be submitted to the subject examination committee by the due date. The amount
of copies which must be submitted is fixed by the subject-specific regulations. The date on which the
thesis was submitted is put on record. If the thesis is not submitted on time, it is marked with a grade
of „unsatisfactory (5.0)“ unless the candidate is found to be not at fault for failing to meet the deadline.
(8) When submitting the thesis, the candidate must attest in writing that he or she has completed the
thesis without foreign aid using only the sources and materials indicated and that he or she has not
submitted the paper as a master thesis on another occasion.
(9) The thesis must be evaluated within six weeks by two examiners in accordance with § 10
paragraph 2 clause 1. As a rule, one of the examiners is the person who assigned the topic. The
second examiner is appointed by the subject examination committee with the approval of the first
examiner. The thesis is evaluated in accordance with the regulations described in § 18 paragraph 1.
The grade of the master thesis is the average of the grades given by the two examiners. The grade is
rounded off as described in § 18 paragraph 2 clause 4.
If the grades given by the two examiners differ by more than two full grade points, the subject
examination committee appoints a third grader; the subject examination committee then settles on a
grade within the range established by the first two examiners.
(10) Unless the subject-specific parts specify otherwise, the master thesis must be written in German.
The subject examination committee may permit the candidate to write the thesis in another language if
it is certain that there are enough examiners for the evaluation. The candidate must file a request with
the subject examination committee including a letter of approval from his or her desired first grader
with the application for admission to the master thesis. If the master thesis is written in another
language it must include an appendix with a brief summary of the thesis in German.
§ 21 Evaluation of the Master Examination
(1) The master examination is considered passed if all parts of the examination are marked with a
grade of at least „sufficient (4.0)“.
(2) The weight of the grades for the individual parts of the examination are described in the subject-
specific parts of the examination regulations.
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(3) In calculating the final grade, only the first decimal point is taken into account. All further decimal
points are dropped without rounding.
The final grade of the master examination is as follows:
for an average under 1.5
outstanding
for an average between 1.6 and 2.5
good
for an average between 2.6 and 3.5
satisfactory
for an average between 3.6 and 4.0
sufficient
for an average above 4.0
unsatisfactory
§ 22 Passing and Failing of Examinations
(1) A partial module examination is considered passed if it has been marked with a grade of at least
„sufficient (4.0)“ and if the student has completed the work necessary to earn the ECTS credits for the
course (see subject-specific part).
(2) A final module examination is considered passed if it has been marked with a grade of at least
„sufficient (4.0)“ and if the student has earned the required ECTS credits in all components of the
module (see subject-specific part).
(3) The master thesis and any necessary presentations, colloquiums, or additional tasks (12
paragraph 2) are considered passed if they have been marked with a grade of at least „sufficient
(4.0)“.
(4) If a student has not passed an examination during the course of study or another examination of
the master examination or if is considered not passed, the subject examination committee informs the
student of this fact in writing. This letter must include information on whether, to what extent, and
within what period of time the examination may be retaken and whether the student must register
again for the retake. The letter must also include instructions on how to make an appeal.
§ 23 Irrevocably Failed
(1) If the student does not pass the retake of an examination as described in § 24 paragraph 1, the
examination is considered irrevocably failed.
(2) If a student has irrevocably failed an examination during the course of study or if it has been
considered irrevocably failed, the master examination in this field is considered irrevocably failed.
(3) If a student has irrevocably failed the master thesis or any necessary presentations, colloquiums,
or additional tasks (§ 12 paragraph 2) the entire master examination is considered irrevocably failed.
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§ 24 Retaking Examinations during the Course of Study
(1) Examinations during the course of study which have been marked with a grade of „unsatisfactory
(5.0)“ or which have been considered failed may be retaken at least once. The subject-specific parts of
the examination regulations may allow additional retakes. The subject examination committee
determines whether the student must register for the examination again or whether the original
registration as described in § 15 paragraph 4 includes the possibility to retake the examination.
(2) The retake must be held no later than the end of the semester following the failed examination and
generally takes place at the same time as other examinations in the following semester. If the student
fails to meet this deadline he or she forfeits the right to take the examination unless he or she is found
to be not at fault for failing to meet the deadline.
(3) If a student fails an examination earlier than 6 weeks before the beginning of courses in the
following semester and the examination is a prerequisite for admission to an examination in the
following semester or for a course in the following semester, he or she should be given the opportunity
to request for the retake to be held in time to be admitted to this examination or course.
(4) As a rule, retakes cannot be held any earlier than 4 weeks after the student receives his or her
grade for the original examination.
(5) A retake which is not held at the same time as other examinations in the semester following that in
which the original examination was failed may differ from the form of examination specified in the
subject-specific parts of the regulations if this is found to be necessary due to subject-specific
considerations. In this case, the student should be informed as to the form of the retake no later than
the time at which he or she is informed of the date on which it is to be held.
(6) The subject-specific parts of the examination regulations may allow passed examinations during
the course of study to be retaken.
§ 25 Retaking Master Theses/Presentations/Colloquiums/Additional Tasks
(1) A master thesis which has been marked with a grade of „unsatisfactory (5.0)“ or which has been
considered failed may be rewritten once. The application for rewriting the thesis must be submitted no
later than 2 months after the date on which the student was informed of his or her grade for the first
thesis; if the student fails to meet this deadline, he or she forfeits the right to rewrite the thesis unless
he or she is found to be not at fault for failing to meet the deadline.
If the master thesis is marked „unsatisfactory“, the chairperson of the subject examination committee
sets a deadline by which the candidate must propose a new topic and have it approved. If the
candidate fails to meet this deadline, the chairperson of the subject examination committee assigns a
topic within two weeks and sets the due date.
The candidate may only reject the topic if he or she did not make use of this possibility for the first
master thesis.
(2) An oral presentation which has been marked with a failing grade may be retaken once. The same
is true of a colloquium or an additional task (§ 12 paragraph 2). The retake should be held no later
than 2 months after the student receives his or her grade; if the student fails to meet this deadline, he
or she forfeits the right of a retake unless he or she is found to be not at fault for missing the deadline.
(3) It is not possible to rewrite a master thesis which has received a passing grade.
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§ 26 Examination Certificate, Diploma, Certificate
(1) Upon passing the master examination, the candidate receives a certificate showing his or her final
grade for the master examination (including a decimal grade), his or her ECTS grade, the modules he
or she completed during the course of study, the module grades used for the final grade, and his or
her grade on the master thesis. The certificate bears the date of the last examination and is signed by
the chairperson of the subject examination committee.
The final grade for the master examination is given one of the following ECTS grades:
- A -
the best 10 %
- B - the next 25 %
- C - the next 30 %
- D - the next 25 %
- E - the next 10 %
The percentages in this table refer to all final grades given within the last 3 – 5 years. Details are
described in the subject-specific parts of the examination regulations.
(2) The candidate may request to receive a copy of his or her transcripts in English. The examination
office keeps a file on the student including passing and failing grades, accumulated ECTS credits, and
grades for individual examinations and courses.
(3) A diploma supplement is included with the diploma. In addition to the candidate’s vital information,
this document includes information on the type and “level” of the degree, the status of the University of
Freiburg, and detailed information on the study program in which the degree was earned. The diploma
supplement is “certified” with a reference to the original documents to which it refers. The last section
of the diploma supplement includes a national statement with a description of the German study
system.
(4) Upon passing the master examination, the candidate also receives a diploma confirming that the
he or she has earned the academic degree of master. The diploma is signed by the chairperson of the
subject examination committee. It bears the date of the certificate and the seal of the faculty which
issued it.
(5) Candidates who have irrevocably failed their master examination receive a written statement
including information on how to make an appeal. If the candidate has irrevocably failed the master
examination, he or she may request a written certificate listing the examinations and courses he or
she passed and indicating that he or she failed the master examination.
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C. Final Clauses
§ 27 Leaves of Absence
(1) Expectant or nursing mothers may apply for a leave of absence as described in the currently
applicable Law for the Protection of Expectant and Nursing Mothers (MuSchG). The application must
include all documentation necessary to establish the candidate’s eligibility for the leave. Leaves of
absence for expectant or nursing mothers interrupt all deadlines described in these examination
regulations; the leave of absence is simply added to the period stipulated by the regulations.
(2) Candidates may apply for a period of maternity or paternity leave as described in the currently
applicable Law for Child Benefits and Maternity and Paternity Leave (BErzGG). The candidate must
notify the subject examination committee in writing as to the intended dates of his or her leave no later
than four weeks before the leave is to begin and include all documentation necessary to establish his
or her eligibility for the leave. The examination committee must check whether the legal preconditions
are satisfied which an employee would need to satisfy to receive maternity or paternity leave in
accordance with the BErzGG. The examination committee must then promptly inform the examinee of
its decision and of any new examination deadlines.
The deadline for completing the master thesis cannot be changed by maternity or paternity leave.
Instead, the proposed topic is cancelled and the candidate receives a new topic after his or her
maternity or paternity leave.
§ 28 Absence, Withdrawal, Deceit, Violations of Order
(1) An examination is given a grade of „unsatisfactory (5.0)“ if the candidate fails to attend an
examination without convincing reasons or if he/she withdraws from the examination without
convincing reasons. The same is true if the master thesis or another written examination is not
completed by due date unless the candidate is found to be not at fault for failing to meet the deadline.
(2) The candidate must present and substantiate the reason for his or her withdrawal or failure to
appear to the subject examination committee immediately and in written form. In the case of an illness
of the candidate or of a child or relative under his or her sole care, the committee may request a
certificate from a doctor or, in case of doubt, from a doctor appointed by the committee. If the reason
is accepted, a new date or deadline is set. In this case, any already completed examinations are
included in the candidate’s grades.
(3) If the candidate attempts to influence the outcome of an examination by way of deceit or the use of
prohibited aids, the examination is marked „unsatisfactory (5.0)“.
(4) A candidate who disturbs an examination may be excluded by the examiner or the supervisor of
the examination from the remainder of the examination. In this case the candidate is given a grade of
„unsatisfactory (5.0)“ for the examination. In difficult cases the subject examination committee may
exclude the candidate from further examinations.
(5) The candidate may request to have decisions made in accordance with paragraph 3 and
paragraph 4 clause 1 to be reviewed by the subject examination committee within a period of four
weeks after the decision. The subject examination committee must inform candidates of an
incriminating decision immediately in writing. The letter must include the reason for the decision and
instructions on how to make an appeal. The candidate should be given an opportunity to make a
statement before the announcement of a decision.
- 282 -
§ 29 Invalidity
(1) If the candidate is guilty of deceit on an examination and this is discovered after the certificate has
been issued, the candidate’s grade on the examination may be corrected. If necessary, the
examination may be marked „unsatisfactory (5.0)“ and the master examination declared failed.
(2) If it is discovered after the issue of certificates that a candidate did not fulfill the prerequisites for
admission to an examination but that he or she did not intend to deceive the examination commission
as to this fact, the candidate is redeemed by a passing grade on the examination. However, if a
student is found to have intentionally deceived the commission to obtain admission to the examination,
the examination may be marked „unsatisfactory (5.0)“ and the master examination declared failed.
(3) The candidate should be given an opportunity to make a statement before the announcement of a
decision.
(4) The incorrect certificate is recalled and a new one is issued if applicable. If the master examination
has been declared failed due to deceit, the incorrect master diploma is recalled as well.
(5) Decisions as described in paragraph 1 and paragraph 2 clause 2 are only possible within a period
of five years from the date on the student’s examination certificate.
(6) An academic degree is recalled in accordance with legal regulations.
§ 30 Access to Examination Files
After the end of the master examination procedure the candidate may request to receive access to his
or her written examinations, their evaluation by the examiners, and the examination protocols.
Candidates must wait at least 4 weeks after the announcement of the results to receive access to
written examinations taken during the course of study or the protocols of these examinations.
The chairperson of the subject examination committee determines where and when the student may
have access to the files.
§ 31 Date Effective and Transitional Regulations
(1) These examination regulations are in effect as of October 1st, 2005.
On the same date, the validity of the examination regulations for the master program „Sustainable
Forestry and Land Use Management“ from June 26th, 2000 (W.,F.u.K. 2000, page 634), last revised
on October 2nd, 2002 (Amtliche Bekanntmachungen, vol. 33, no. 41, page 171 from October 10th,
2002), expires.
(2) Students who are already matriculated in the master program „Sustainable Forestry and Land Use
Management“ at the Albert-Ludwig University of Freiburg on the date on which these examination
regulations come into effect may elect to complete their studies in accordance with the master
examination regulations from June 26th, 2000 (W.,F.u.K. 2000, page 634), last revised on October 2nd,
2002 (Amtliche Bekanntmachungen, vol. 33, no. 41, page 171 from October 10th, 2002). This option is
no longer valid as of March 31st, 2008 (date of expiration).
- 283 -
Appendix to the Examination Regulations for the Degree Program Master of Science (M.Sc.)
Special Regulations for Master Programs Planned in Cooperation with Other Universities
§ 1 Master Programs Planned in Cooperation with Other Universities
(1) The subject-specific appendix B of the examination regulations for the M.Sc. may allow for the
master program in a specific subject to be organized in conjunction with one or more additional
universities in Germany or abroad.
(2) It may also allow for the academic degree to be conferred in conjunction with one or more of the
participating universities.
(3) The precondition for these two regulations is a cooperation agreement between the participating
universities. This agreement must be approved by the subject examination committee and the faculty
council of the appropriate faculty or faculties of the University of Freiburg.
§ 2 The Master Examination
(1) Joint master examinations with other universities are conducted in accordance with the general
part of the examinations regulations for the M.Sc unless special regulations are specified in the
following.
(2) The subject-specific appendix B of the examination regulations for the M.Sc. specifies the
participating university at which students earn credits and take examinations during the course of
study as well as the university at which they take their final examination.
(3) If the final examination is conducted at the University of Freiburg, the subject-specific appendix B
of the examination regulations for the M.Sc. may stipulate that an examiner from one of the other
participating universities be appointed as second grader for the master thesis and that a general final
examination or additional task be conducted as a collaborative examination with the participation of an
examiner from each participating university. If the final examination is conducted at another university,
the subject-specific appendix B of the examination regulations for the M.Sc. may stipulate that an
examiner from the University of Freiburg take part in the examination.
§ 3 Requirements for Graduation
To earn the degree of master from the University of Freiburg, students must
• have been enrolled for at least two semesters in the master degree program at the University
of Freiburg,
• have earned at least 50 ECTS credits toward the degree at the University of Freiburg,
• have earned either at least 50% of their examination credits during the course of study at the
University of Freiburg or have earned at least 20% of their examination credits during the
course of study at the University of Freiburg and have written their master thesis and
completed any necessary general final examination or additional task at the University of
Freiburg.
- 284 -
§ 4 Certificate and Diploma
(1) The master certificate includes the names and signatures of the persons specified by the
examination regulations of both universities. In addition to the information described in § 26 paragraph
1 of the examination regulations for the M.Sc., it includes a remark to the effect that the master
examination was conducted jointly by both universities as well as information indicating the
participating university at which the graduate earned the required study and examination credits.
Clauses 1 and 2 are applicable if two master certificates are issued.
(2) The master diploma includes the names and signatures of the persons specified by the
examination regulations of both universities as well as the seal of the faculty of the participating faculty
or faculties at the other university and that of the faculty at the Albert-Ludwig University of Freiburg. It
includes the name of the academic degree, “Master of Science (M.Sc.)”, and a remark to the effect
that the master examination was conducted jointly by the participating universities. Clauses 1 and 2
are applicable if two master diplomas are issued.
(3) Upon receiving the master diploma, the applicant earns the right to hold the academic degree
“Master of Science (M.Sc.)” in the Federal Republic of Germany and the country in which the other
participating faculty is located. The master diploma includes an additional remark to the effect that the
degree is not considered a foreign academic degree as described in the Law on the Use of Academic
Degrees from June 7th, 1939 (RGBI. I p. 985).
- 285 -
Appendix A.
Subject Catalog in Accordance with § 8 Paragraph 1 of the Examination Regulations for the
Degree Program Master of Science (M.Sc.)
1. Angewandte Informatik
2. Environmental Governance
3. Forest Ecology and Management
4. Informatik
- 286 -
Appendix B.
Subject-Specific Regulations for the Examination Regulations for the Degree Program Master
of Science (M.Sc.)
Environmental Governance
§ 1 Profile of the Degree Program
The master program Environmental Governance is concentrated on research and is not consecutive.
§ 2 Prerequisites for Admission
To be admitted to the master program Environmental Governance, it is necessary to have completed
at least a 3 year initial course of study in an appropriate field at a German or foreign institution of
higher education with at least above average grades. As a rule, appropriate fields are political science,
sociology, law and economics, ethnology, international (developmental) cooperation, agricultural and
forest sciences, geography, environmental protection and nature conservation, town and country and
environmental planning, environmental management, and the management of natural resources. The
equivalency of other academic degrees must be determined by the admissions commission in
conjunction with departmental representatives. Details are described in the currently valid version of
the admissions regulations for the degree program.
§ 3 English Master Program
The courses of the program are held in English. As a rule, all examinations are also held in English.
§ 4 Internship in Accordance with § 6 of the Examination Regulations
Students of the master program Environmental Governance are required to complete an internship. It
should be completed between the courses of the second and third study semesters and must have a
duration of at least seven weeks. Students earn 10 ECTS credits for completing the internship. The
student must submit valid evidence to have the internship recognized. Details as to the nature and
extent of the internship as well as its recognition on the basis of comparable activities are described in
the currently valid version of the internship regulations.
§ 5 Subject Examination Committee
(1) All duties and tasks described in § 9 of the examination regulations are performed by the subject
examination committee at the Faculty of Forest and Environmental Sciences, which is responsible for
all master degree programs offered at the faculty. Duties of the subject examination committee may be
allocated to the chairperson.
(2) As a rule, the academic dean of the faculty is also the chairperson of the subject examination
committee for the duration of his or her period of office. If further academic deans are appointed, one
of them is generally appointed as the chairperson and the other as the assistant chairperson.
- 287 -
§ 6 Master Examination in Accordance with § 12 of the Examination Regulations
The master examination consists of the examinations during the course of study and the master
thesis. Further examination credits are not required.
§ 7 Related Fields in Accordance with § 15 Paragraph 2 of the Examination Regulations
The master program Environmental Science does not identify any related fields under § 15 paragraph
2 of the examination regulations.
§ 8 Duration of Oral Examinations in Accordance with § 16 Paragraph 2 of the Examination
Regulations
Oral examinations are held as group or individual examinations. They have a duration of at least 15
minutes per candidate, no more than 20 minutes for partial module examinations, and no more than
40 minutes for final module examinations.
§ 9 Duration of Written Examinations in Accordance with § 17 Paragraph 3 of the Examination
Regulations
If a module includes written examination credits in the form of written examinations, they generally
have a duration of at least 60 minutes and no more than 90 minutes for a module worth 5 ECTS
credits and at least 120 minutes and no more than 180 minutes for a module worth 10 ECTS credits.
§ 10 Admission to the Master Thesis
To be admitted to the master thesis, students must be enrolled at least in the 3rd study semester and
have earned at least 70 ECTS credits.
§ 11 The Master Thesis in Accordance with § 20 of the Examination Regulations
(1) The master thesis must be completed within a period of 6 months and is worth 30 ECTS credits.
As a rule, it must be written in English. The subject examination committee decides in individual cases
whether exceptions to this rule are permissible.
(2) The master thesis may also be completed in the form of a group thesis if the individual
contributions of each candidate are clearly identifiable and gradable due to the fact that they are
clearly separated by sections, page numbers, or other objective criteria. Group theses must also fulfill
the requirements described in § 20 paragraph 1 of the examination regulations.
(3) The candidate must submit three bound copies of the master thesis to the examination committee.
Candidates may request permission to submit the thesis in another form. The decision is made by the
subject examination committee in conjunction with the supervisor of the master thesis.
§ 12 Composition of the Final Grade in Accordance with § 21 Paragraph 2 of the Examination
Regulations
The final grade for the master course of study is composed of the weighted average (weighted
arithmetic mean) of the student’s grades on the examinations of each module and his or her grade for
the master thesis. The weights for this final grade are the amount of ECTS credits earned for each
module as described in § 14 of this appendix and the amount of ECTS credits earned for the master
thesis. The student receives an ECTS grade, which is a percentile of all final grades given within the
last five years.
- 288 -
§ 13 Retaking Examinations during the Course of Study in Accordance with § 24 of the
Examination Regulations
(1) Final module examinations and partial module examinations for modules with a total of 25 ECTS
credits which are marked with a grade of „unsatisfactory (5.0)“ or which are considered failed may be
retaken twice. A third retake is not permissible.
(2) To retake an examination for the second time, it is generally necessary to retake the entire course.
The second retake should be held at the same time as the first taking of this examination in one of the
following semesters.
(3) The master thesis may not be rewritten twice.
§ 14 Curriculum
(1) The master program in the field „Environmental Governance” includes the following required
modules and elective modules, all of which are included in the composition of the final grade. The
courses in these modules are generally designed as block courses. They may be organized as lecture
courses and/or seminars and/or exercise courses and/or practical courses and/or excursions. The
examinations for these modules may take the form of oral examinations and/or written examinations.
The type and amount of courses included in a module is made known before the beginning of the
course, as well as the type and amount of examination and/or study credits it is worth.
ECTS
Required
Recomme
Credits
(R)
nded
Title of Module
Study
Elective (E) Semester
Sustainability and Governance
5
R
1
Global Environmental Changes
5
R
1
Global Societal Changes
5
R
1
Managing Human-Environment Interactions
5
R
1
Regional Studies (Integrated Case Study I)
5
R
1
Economics, Institutions and Environment
5
R
2
Environmental Policy Analysis
5
R
2
Sociology and Psychology of Environmental Knowledge
5
R
2
Ecosystem Management
5
R
2
Student-Organized Event
5
R
3
Research Skills
5
R
3
Integrated System Design (Integrated Case Study II)
5
R
3
Elective modules under paragraphs 2 and 3
add. 20
E
1 to 3
Elective Course Offerings
(2) The faculty compiles a catalog of elective modules. As a rule, students must take four of these
modules with a total of 20 ECTS credits during the course of study. These elective modules should be
completed in the first to third study semester. The grades for these modules with a total of 20 ECTS
credits are included in the composition of the final grade for the master.
- 289 -
(3) Students may choose between the following elective modules
- Environmental Governance
ECTS
Elective (E) Recomme
Credits
nded
Title of Module
Study
Semester
Knowledge Management and Organizational Learning
5
E
1
Selected Topics in Environmental Governance
5
E
2/3
Environmental Law
5
E
2/3
Environmental Ethics
5
E
2/3
Technology Assessment and Sustainable Development
5
E
2/3
Environmental Conflict Management
5
E
2/3
Corporate Governance
5
E
2/3
Non-Governmental Organizations and Environmental
5
E
2/3
Governance
- Forest Ecology and Management
ECTS
Elective (E) Recomme
Credits
nded
Title of Module
Study
Semester
Forests and Water
5
E
1
Agro Forestry and Farm Forestry
5
E
1
Forests and Climate Change
5
E
1
Tree Structure and Function
5
E
1
Statistics and GIS
5
E
1
Analysis and Management of Tree and Stand Growth
5
E
2
Forest-Atmosphere Interactions
5
E
2
Ecological Modelling
5
E
2
Soil Ecology and Management
5
E
2
Population and Community Ecology
5
E
2
Methods in Ecosystem Analysis
5
E
2
Selected Topics in Forest Ecology and Management
5
E
2/3
Non Timber Forest Products and Bioresources
5
E
3
Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
5
E
3
Conservation Biology
5
E
3
Forest and Resource Inventory
5
E
3
Plantation Forestry
5
E
3
Natural Hazards and Risk Management
5
E
3
Eco-Informatics and Environmental Monitoring
5
E
3
Forest Resources and Wood Production
5
E
- 290 -
Forest Ecology and Management
§ 1 Profile of the Degree Program
The master program Forest Ecology and Management is concentrated on research and is not
consecutive.
§ 2 Prerequisites for Admission
To be admitted to the master program Forest Ecology and Management, it is necessary to have
completed a at least a 3 year initial course of study in an appropriate field at a German or foreign
institution of higher education with at least above average grades. As a rule, appropriate fields are
agricultural and forest sciences, geography, environmental protection and nature conservation,
biology, ecology, and the management of natural resources. The equivalency of other academic
degrees must be determined by the admissions commission in conjunction with departmental
representatives. Details are described in the currently valid version of the admissions regulations for
the degree program.
§ 3 English Master Program
The courses of the program are held in English. As a rule, all examinations are also held in English.
§ 4 Internship
Students of the master program Forest Ecology and Management are required to complete an
internship. It should be completed between the courses of the second and third study semesters and
must have a duration of a least seven weeks. Students earn 10 ECTS credits for completing the
internship. The student must submit valid evidence to have the internship recognized. Details as to the
nature and extent of the internship as well as its recognition on the basis of comparable activities are
described in the currently valid version of the internship regulations.
§ 5 Subject Examination Committee
(1) All duties and tasks described in § 9 of the examination regulations are performed by the subject
examination committee at the Faculty of Forest and Environmental Sciences, which is responsible for
all master degree programs offered at the faculty. Duties of the subject examination committee may be
allocated to the chairperson.
(2) As a rule, the academic dean of the faculty is also the chairperson of the subject examination
committee for the duration of his or her period of office. If further academic deans are appointed, one
of them is generally appointed as the chairperson and the other as the assistant chairperson.
§ 6 Master Examination in Accordance with § 12 of the Examination Regulations
The master examination consists of the examinations during the course of study and the master
thesis. Further examination credits are not required.
- 291 -
§ 7 Related Fields in Accordance with § 15 Paragraph 2 of the Examination Regulations
The master program Environmental Science does not identify any related fields under § 15 paragraph
2 of the examination regulations.
§ 8 Duration of Oral Examinations in Accordance with § 16 Paragraph 2 of the Examination
Regulations
Oral examinations are held as group or individual examinations. They have a duration of at least 15
minutes per candidate, no more than 20 minutes for partial module examinations, and no more than
40 minutes for final module examinations.
§ 9 Duration of Written Examinations in Accordance with § 17 Paragraph 3 of the Examination
Regulations
If a module includes written examination credits in the form of written examinations, they generally
have a duration of at least 60 minutes and no more than 90 minutes for a module worth 5 ECTS
credits and at least 120 minutes and no more than 180 minutes for a module worth 10 ECTS credits.
§ 10 Admission to the Master Thesis
To be admitted to the master thesis, students must be enrolled at least in the 3rd study semester and
have earned at least 70 ECTS credits.
§ 11 The Master Thesis in Accordance with § 20 of the Examination Regulations
(1) The master thesis must be completed within a period of 6 months and is worth 30 ECTS credits.
As a rule, it must be written in English. The subject examination committee decides in individual cases
whether exceptions to this rule are permissible.
(2) The master thesis may also be completed in the form of a group thesis if the individual
contributions of each candidate are clearly identifiable and gradable due to the fact that they are
clearly separated by sections, page numbers, or other objective criteria. Group theses must also fulfill
the requirements described in § 20 paragraph 1 of the examination regulations.
(3) The candidate must submit three bound copies of the master thesis to the examination committee.
Candidates may request permission to submit the thesis in another form. The decision is made by the
subject examination committee in conjunction with the supervisor of the master thesis.
§ 12 Composition of the Final Grade in Accordance with § 21 Paragraph 2 of the Examination
Regulations
The final grade for the master course of study is composed of the weighted average (weighted
arithmetic mean) of the student’s grades on the examinations of each module and his or her grade for
the master thesis. The weights for this final grade are the amount of ECTS credits earned for each
module as described in § 14 of this appendix and the amount of ECTS credits earned for the master
thesis. The student receives an ECTS grade, which is a percentile of all final grades given within the
last five years.
- 292 -
§ 13 Retaking Examinations during the Course of Study in Accordance with § 24 of the
Examination Regulations
(1) Final module examinations and partial module examinations for modules with a total of 25 ECTS
credits which are marked with a grade of „unsatisfactory (5.0)“ or which are considered failed may be
retaken twice. A third retake is not permissible.
(2) To retake an examination for the second time, it is generally necessary to retake the entire course.
The second retake should be held at the same time as the first taking of this examination in one of the
following semesters.
(3) The master thesis may not be rewritten twice.
§ 14 Curriculum
(1) The master program in the field „Forest Ecology and Management “ includes the required modules
and elective modules listed in the following tables, all of which are included in the composition of the
final grade. The courses in these modules are generally designed as block courses. They may be
organized as lecture courses an/or seminars and/or exercise courses and/or practical courses and/or
excursions. The examinations for these modules may take the form of oral examinations and/or written
examinations. The type and amount of courses included in a module is made known before the
beginning of the course, as well as the type and amount of examination and/or study credits it is worth.
ECTS
Required
Recomme
Credits
(R)
nded
Title of Module
Study
Elective (E) Semester
Global Environmental Changes
5
R
1
Managing Human-Environment Interactions
5
R
1
Tree Structure and Function
5
R
1
Statistics and GIS
5
R
1
Soil Ecology and Management
5
R
2
Ecosystem Management
5
R
2
Population and Community Ecology
5
R
2
Methods in Ecosystem Analysis
5
R
“
Natural Hazards and Risk Management
5
R
2
Eco-Informatics and Environmental Monitoring
5
R
3
Forest Resources and Wood Production
5
R
3
Elective modules under paragraphs 2 to 4
add. 20
E
1 to 3
Elective Course Offerings
(2) The faculty compiles a catalog of elective modules. As a rule, students must take five of these
modules with a total of 25 ECTS credits during the course of study. These elective modules should be
completed in the first to third study semester. The grades for these modules with a total of 25 ECTS
credits are included in the composition of the final grade for the master.
- 293 -
(3) Students may choose between the following elective modules
- Environmental Governance
ECTS
Elective (E) Recomme
Credits
nded
Title of Module
Study
Semester
Knowledge Management and Organizational Learning
5
E
1
Sustainability and Governance
5
E
1/3
Global Societal Changes
5
E
1/3
Regional Studies (Integrated Case Study I)
5
E
1/3
Economics, Institutions and Environment
5
E
2
Environmental Policy Analysis
5
E
2
Sociology and Psychology of Environmental Knowledge
5
E
2
Environmental Law
5
E
2/3
Environmental Ethics
5
E
2/3
Technology Assessment and Sustainable Development
5
E
2/3
Environmental Conflict Management
5
E
2/3
Corporate Governance
5
E
2/3
Non-Governmental Organizations and Environmental
5
E
2/3
Governance
Selected Topics in Environmental Governance
5
E
2/3
Student-Organized Event
5
E
3
Research Skills
5
E
3
Integrated System Design (Integrated Case Study II)
5
E
3
- Forest Ecology and Management
ECTS
Elective (E) Recomme
Credits
nded
Title of Module
Study
Semester
Forests and Water
5
E
1
Agro Forestry and Farm Forestry
5
E
1
Forest and Climate Change
5
E
1
Analysis and Management of Tree and Stand Growth
5
E
2
Forest-Atmosphere Interactions
5
E
2
Ecological Modelling
5
E
2
Selected Topics in Forest Ecology and Management
5
E
2/3
Non Timber Forest Products and Bioresources
5
E
3
Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
5
E
3
Conservation Biology
5
E
3
Forest and Resource Inventory
5
E
3
Plantation Forestry
5
E
3
Freiburg, March 31st, 2006
Prof. Dr. Karl-Reinhard Volz
Vice-Rector
for the degree Program Master of Science. In this version the modifications of 2006 have been
incorporated into the text of 2005 in order to make it better readable.
Please be aware, however, that only the officially published German versions of the examination
regulations from August 18th , 2005 (Amtliche Bekanntmachungen Jahrgang 36, Nr. 46, Seiten 269-
293 vom 19. August 2005), last modified on March 2nd , 2006 (Amtliche Bekanntmachungen Jahrgang
37, Nr. 9, Seiten 17-32 vom 3. März 2006) are legally binding.
.
Examination Regulations for the
Degree Program Master of Science (M.Sc.)
On the basis of § 34 paragraph 1 clause 3 of the State Higher Education Act (LHG) from January 1st,
2005 (GBl. p. 1), the senate resolved in its session on June 29th, 2005 to enact the following
examination regulations for the degree program Master of Science (M.Sc.).
The regulations were approved by the rector on August 18th, 2005. Modifications were approved by
the vice rector on March 31st 2006..
In accordance with the enactment of the Ministry of Science, Research, and Art of Baden-
Württemberg from July, 26th, 2005, the master programs „Forest Ecology and Management“ and
„Environmental Governance“ are to be established for 5 years, i.e. until September 30th, 2010.
A. General Regulations
§ 1 Profile of the Degree Program, Graduation
(1) The subject-specific parts of the examination regulations establish whether the master program is
geared more toward research or practical applications. They also establish whether the master
program is designed as a consecutive or non-consecutive course of study or as further education.
(2) Students who pass the master examination are conferred the academic degree „Master of
Science“ (abbreviated: „M.Sc.“).
§ 2 Prerequisites for Admission
The prerequisites for admission to the master program are fixed by the subject-specific admissions
regulations.
§ 3 Structure of the Degree Program
(1) The master degree program refers to a subject to be chosen by the student under appendix A.
(2) As a rule, students must earn 120 ECTS credits toward the degree.
(3) For completing a course or module, students earn an amount of ECTS credits established by the
subject-specific part of the examination regulations. The amount of credits is determined on the basis
of the amount of work required to complete the course or module.
(4) The courses in the master degree program are organized in modules. The type, extent, and
content of the modules are established by the subject-specific parts of the examination regulations.
(5) The standard period of study, including the time necessary for taking the final examinations and
writing the master thesis, is four semesters.
(6) In the subject-specific parts of these examination regulations, the curriculum should be selected
and limited to allow the course of study to be completed within the standard period of study.
- 270 -
§ 4 English Language Master Program
If the master program is completed as an English language degree program, details are described in
the subject-specific parts of the examination regulations.
§ 5 Courses and Examinations in English
Non-English language master programs may also include selected courses, including examinations,
which are held entirely or partially in English. Details are described in the subject-specific parts of the
examination regulations.
§ 6 Internship
(1) The faculties may require students to complete an internship. Details as to the scope and nature of
this internship are described in the subject-specific parts of the examination regulations.
(2) If students are required to complete an internship for the master program, the faculty aids them in
finding an appropriate internship.
§ 7 Academic Advising
The faculties may elect to require academic advising or a mentor system for the students in the
subject-specific part of the examination regulations.
§ 8 Subject-Specific Regulations
(1) All subjects available for selection are listed in appendix A.
(2) The subject-specific parts of the examination regulations are included in appendix B.
§ 9 Subject Examination Committee
(1) The subject examination committees are responsible for organizing examinations in a particular
subject and for carrying out the duties allocated to them by these examination regulations. The
committees see to it that the regulations described in this document are adhered to and are
responsible for decisions concerning examinations. They make all decisions concerning accreditation
of periods of study, credits, and examinations and are responsible for determining whether credits and
examinations are of equal value on the basis of § 11 paragraph 1.
The subject examination committees report to the faculty at regular intervals on the progress of the
examinations and studies, including the time allotted for the master thesis and the distribution of
subject grades and final grades.
The subject examination committees see to it that examinations can be completed within the
predetermined period of time. They inform the examination candidates as to the type and amount of
examinations they have to take, the dates of the examinations, and the time allotted for completing the
master thesis.
The subject examination committees are responsible for making suggestions to reform the
examination regulations and the descriptions of modules in case a special commission is not
appointed for this purpose.
(2) The members of the subject examination committees have the right to be present at examinations.
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(3) The subject examination committees consist of 4 professors, 1 academic collaborator, and 1
student, the last of whom participates in an advisory capacity. The members are appointed for a
period of 2 years in the case of the professors and academic collaborators and 1 year in the case of
the student member.
(4) The members of the subject examination committees, the chairpersons of the subject examination
committees, and the deputy chairpersons are appointed by the faculty councils.
(5) A subject examination committee has a quorum if half of its members is present.
(6) The members of the subject examination committees are bound to secrecy. Members who are not
civil servants must be sworn to secrecy by the chairperson.
(7) The subject examination committee must inform candidates of an incriminating decision in writing.
The letter must include the reason for the decision and instructions on how to make an appeal.
Appeals against decisions made by a subject examination committee must be submitted to the subject
examination committee in writing within one month. If the subject examination committee does not
honor the appeal, it may be submitted for a final decision to the member of the administrative board
responsible for instruction.
§ 10 Examiners / Observers
(1) The subject examination committee appoints the examiners for subject examinations and, following
the recommendation of the faculties/institutes, the observers. The subject examination committee may
delegate the responsibility of appointing the observers to the examiners.
(2) As a rule, only professors, university lecturers, private lecturers, and academic collaborators who
have received authorization may conduct examinations not connected with a particular course.
Academic assistants, academic collaborators, assistant lecturers, and lecturers for special duties may
only be appointed as examiners if not enough professors and university lecturers are available to
conduct an examination.
(3) Only persons who have completed at least a master examination or an equivalent examination in
the subject in question may be appointed as observer.
(4) Unless otherwise specified by the subject-specific parts of the examination regulations, the
candidate may recommend examiners for the master thesis and an additional task (§ 12 paragraph 2).
Candidates do not have a legal right to receive the examiner of their choice.
(5) Examinations during the course of study are conducted by the instructors of the individual courses.
§ 11 Accreditation of Periods of Study, Study Credits, and Examination Credits
(1) Periods of study, study credits, and examination credits from a master program and/or other
degree program at another university may be accredited if they may be considered roughly equivalent
in content, extent, and workload to corresponding credits in the master program at the University of
Freiburg. To determine equivalency, it is necessary to make a global evaluation rather than a one-to-
one comparison of courses and examinations.
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(2) For the equivalency of periods of study, study credits, and examination credits earned outside of
the Federal Republic of Germany, the equivalency agreements approved by the Conference of the
Ministry of Education and the Arts and the German Rectors Conference as well as individual
agreements with partner institutions should serve as guidelines.
(3) The equivalency of periods of study, study credits, and examination credits from state-approved
distance study programs, state-run or state-approved vocational academies and universities of applied
sciences, or schools of applied science and engineering and officers’ universities of the former
German Democratic Republic should be determined in accordance with paragraph 1.
(4) Accreditation of parts of the master examination may be denied if a student requests accreditation
of
• more than half of all examinations during the course of study in a subject and/or
• more than half of all required ECTS credits in a subject and/or
• a part of the final examination.
(5) If examinations are to be accredited, the original grades may be adopted and included in the
calculation of module grades and the final grade if the grading systems are comparable. If the grading
systems are not comparable, the examinations in question should be marked „passed“. The
examinations may be marked as accredited in the student’s records.
(6) Periods of study, study credits, or examination credits from German institutions of higher education
must be officially accredited. The student must submit all documentation necessary for accreditation. If
the preconditions named in paragraphs 1 to 3 have been met, the student has a legal right to
accreditation.
(7) Study and examination credits earned in a course of study which was a prerequisite for the
student’s admission to the master program can neither be accredited nor recognized as credits for the
master program.
B. The Examinations in the M.Sc. Course of Study
§ 12 The Master Examination
(1) The purpose of the master examination is to determine whether the candidate has acquired the
knowledge imparted by the course of study, has a command of the contexts of his or her field, and is
capable of applying scientific methods and findings independently.
(2) The master examination consists of examinations during the course of study, the master thesis,
and in some cases a presentation of the master thesis, a colloquium, or another additional task.
Details are described in the subject-specific parts of the examination regulations.
§ 13 Study Credits
(1) Study credits represent individual work done by a student for courses. The type, amount, and
range of the ECTS credits granted for a course should depend on the amount of time required to
complete the work for that course. Students should be informed as to how many study credits a
course is worth by the beginning of the course at the latest.
(2) The instructor of a course must determine whether the students have earned the study credits for a
course but does not necessarily have to give them a grade for the course.
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(3) The subject-specific parts of these examination regulations specify which courses students need to
earn study credits for and which study credits are prerequisites for admission to examinations.
(4) If a student submits a certificate from a physician confirming that he or she is not capable of
earning all or some of the study credits in the required form due to severe or ongoing health problems,
the chairperson of the subject examination committee grants the student an extension or allows him or
her to earn equivalent credits in another form.
§ 14 Examinations during the Course of Study
(1) Examinations during the course of study are defined as follows:
• Final module examinations which test all components of a module in a single examination,
• Partial module examinations for one or more components of a module.
(2) The subject-specific parts of these examination regulations establish the type and scope of
examinations during the course of study. Students are provided details on these examinations at the
beginning of the course the examination is to be held in.
(3) If a student has earned all necessary examination credits for a module, he or she cannot take any
more examinations in that module. This has no effect on the regulations described in § 24 paragraph 6
on improving grades by retaking examinations.
(4) If a candidate submits a certificate from a physician confirming that he or she is not capable of
earning all or some of the examination credits in the required form due to severe or ongoing health
problems, the chairperson of the subject examination committee grants the candidate an extension or
allows him or her to earn equivalent credits in another form.
§ 15 Registration for and Admission to Examinations during the Course of Study
(1) To be admitted to examinations during the course of study, the student must
• be matriculated in the appropriate course of study at the University of Freiburg and
• have not forfeited his or her right to take examinations.
(2) The application for admission to examinations during the course of study must be made in writing
to the subject examination committee by a deadline to be set by the subject examination committee
prior to the first examination during the course of study. The application should include a statement
from the candidate indicating whether he or she has previously failed or is currently registered for
another master, magister, diplom, or teacher training examination in the field in question or in a related
field.1
(3) If the subject examination committee rejects the application for admission, it informs the candidate
in writing. The letter must include the reason for the decision and instructions on how to make an
appeal.
1 Related fields are listed in the subject-specific parts of the examination regulations ?
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Admission should be denied if
• the candidate has not fulfilled the requirements listed in paragraph 1,
• the application is incomplete and the candidate does not submit the missing parts despite
being requested to do so,
• the candidate has irrevocably failed a master, magister, diplom, or teacher training
examination in the field in question or in a related field, or has forfeited his or her right to take
examinations in that field, or is currently in another examination procedure. Exceptions to this
regulation may be described in the subject-specific parts of the examination regulations.
(4) Students must register in writing or online with the examination office for each examination during
the course of study by a deadline to be set by the subject examination committee. Students must
provide evidence in this application that they have fulfilled all requirements for admission to the
examination as described in the subject-specific parts of these examination regulations. In case the
student has not fulfilled these requirements and can thus not take the examination, the subject
examination committee informs him or her of this fact in writing. The letter must include the reason for
the decision and instructions on how to make an appeal.
§ 16 Oral Examinations during the Course of Study
(1) Students earn oral examination credits for oral examinations and presentations.
(2) Oral examinations may take the form of a group examination or an individual examination. The
duration of the examination is at least 10 minutes per candidate, no more than 20 minutes for partial
module examinations, and no more than 45 minutes for final module examinations and any additional
tasks (§ 12 paragraph 2). Details are described in the subject-specific parts of the regulations.
(3) As a rule, oral examinations which are not taken during the course of study for a certain course are
conducted by one examiner as described in § 10 in the presence of a competent observer or by two
examiners (collaborative examination).
(4) The relevant material and results of the examination are recorded in a protocol. The candidate
should be informed as to the result of the oral examination immediately after the examination. The
protocol is signed by the examiner and the observer and filed with the examination records.
(5) Students who wish to retake an examination at a later date may be admitted as listeners providing
that the necessary space is available, unless the candidate does not wish to have any listeners.
However, students admitted to an examination in this capacity may not advise the candidate or inform
the candidate as to the results. The public may be excluded from the examination if there are
important reasons to do so or if the candidate requests to do so.
(6) In a presentation, the candidate demonstrates that he or she is capable of speaking competently
on a specific topic in his or her field. The duration of a presentation should be between 15 and 90
minutes.
(7) Oral examinations and presentations are held in German or in the language of the course for which
the student is to earn the examination credits.
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§ 17 Written Examinations during the Course of Study
(1) Students earn written examination credits for written examinations, research papers, and protocols.
(2) The acceptable aids for a written examination are posted before the examination takes place.
(3) As a rule, the duration of written examinations should be between 60 and 240 minutes. Details are
described in the subject-specific parts of the examination regulations.
(4) In a research paper, the candidate demonstrates that he or she is capable of writing competently
about a specific topic in his or her field.
(5) In a protocol, the candidate demonstrates by writing a report that he or she has attended and
participated regularly in a seminar, project, practical course, or other course.
(6) Written examinations, research papers, and protocols should be written in German or in the
language of the course for which the student is to earn the examination credits. If a written
examination contains questions in another language, these questions may be answered in German.
(7) The procedure for evaluating written work should not exceed a period of four weeks; this has no
effect on § 20 paragraph 9.
§ 18 Evaluation of Examinations during the Course of Study
(1) Final module examinations and partial module examinations are given one of the following grades:
1.0/1.3
outstanding
achievement which is well above average
1.7/2.0/2.3
good
achievement which is above average
2.7/3.0/3.3
satisfactory
achievement which meets the requirements
3.7/4.0
sufficient
achievement which meets the requirements despite flaws
5.0
unsatisfactory achievement which does not meet the requirements due to substantial
flaws
(2) If a final module examination is required to complete a module, the student’s grade for the final
module examination is his or her grade for the module.
If several partial module examinations are required to complete a module, the unweighted average of
the student’s grades on all partial module examinations is his or her grade for the module, unless the
subject-specific parts of these examination regulations require a weighted average. The student must
pass each of the partial module examinations with at least a grade of „sufficient (4.0)“. In calculating
the module grade, only the first decimal point is taken into account. All further decimal points are
dropped without rounding.
The numeric value of the module grades for modules included in the final grade forms the basis of the
final grade for the master examination.
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§ 19 Admission to and Registration for the Master Thesis
(1) To be admitted to the master thesis, the student must
• be matriculated in the appropriate course of study at the University of Freiburg,
• have not forfeited his or her right to take examinations, and
• have earned the amount of ECTS credits required by the subject-specific part of the
examination regulations.
(2) The application for admission to the master thesis must be made in writing to the subject
examination committee. The application should include the following:
• evidence of the prerequisites for admission as described in paragraph 1 and
• a statement from the candidate indicating whether he or she has previously failed or is
currently registered for another master, magister, diplom, or teacher training examination in
the field in question or in a related field.
(3) The application for admission to the master thesis should be made no later than three months after
completion of the last partial examination. If the candidate fails to meet this deadline without
convincing reasons, his or her first attempt at writing the master thesis is graded „unsatisfactory (5.0)“.
(4) The decision as to admission is made by the subject examination committee on the basis of the
application documents submitted by the candidate. The candidate should be informed as to the
decision within four weeks.
(5) Admission to the master thesis should be denied if
• the candidate has not fulfilled the requirements listed in paragraph 1,
• the application is incomplete and the candidate does not submit the missing parts despite
being requested to do so, or
• the candidate has irrevocably failed a master, magister, diplom, or teacher training
examination in the field in question or in a related field, or has forfeited his or her right to take
examinations in that field, or is currently in another examination procedure.
§ 20 The Master Thesis
(1) The master thesis is worth 15-30 ECTS credits and is an examination in which the candidate
demonstrates that he or she is capable of researching a topic in his or her major field in accordance
with scientific methods and presenting the results adequately within a limited period of time.
(2) Group theses are only acceptable if they are explicitly permitted by the subject-specific appendix B.
The individual contribution of each student must be clearly identifiable, assessable, and gradable. ?
(3) The topic of the thesis is determined by a legitimate examiner as described in § 10 paragraph 2
clause 1. The examination committee may also permit a professor, university lecturer, or private
lecturer who is not a member of the candidate’s faculty to assign and supervise the thesis if the topic
is approved by a professor, university lecturer, or private lecturer from the faculty of the candidate’s
major field. The examiner who assigns the topic is also responsible for supervising the master thesis.
The candidate should be given the opportunity to suggest a topic. The chairperson of the subject
examination committee sees to it that the candidate receives a topic no later than six weeks after
applying for admission to the master thesis.
(4) The topic of the thesis is approved by the subject examination committee upon the candidate’s
admission to the master thesis. The date on which the thesis was assigned and the topic of the thesis
are put on record. The period designated for completing the thesis begins when the topic is approved.
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(5) The length of the period designated for completing the thesis is fixed by the subject-specific parts
of the examination regulations, as well as the amount of ECTS credits the thesis is worth. The topic
and advising should take this time limit into account. In individual cases, the subject examination
committee may resolve to extend the period by up to four weeks upon a well-founded request. Such
requests must be submitted to the subject examination committee no later than two weeks prior to the
due date of the thesis and must be approved by the supervisor of the thesis. This has no effect on the
regulations described in § 27 paragraph 2.
(6) The topic may only be turned down once and only within the first two months after it was assigned.
A new topic must be proposed and assigned within four weeks.
(7) The thesis must be submitted to the subject examination committee by the due date. The amount
of copies which must be submitted is fixed by the subject-specific regulations. The date on which the
thesis was submitted is put on record. If the thesis is not submitted on time, it is marked with a grade
of „unsatisfactory (5.0)“ unless the candidate is found to be not at fault for failing to meet the deadline.
(8) When submitting the thesis, the candidate must attest in writing that he or she has completed the
thesis without foreign aid using only the sources and materials indicated and that he or she has not
submitted the paper as a master thesis on another occasion.
(9) The thesis must be evaluated within six weeks by two examiners in accordance with § 10
paragraph 2 clause 1. As a rule, one of the examiners is the person who assigned the topic. The
second examiner is appointed by the subject examination committee with the approval of the first
examiner. The thesis is evaluated in accordance with the regulations described in § 18 paragraph 1.
The grade of the master thesis is the average of the grades given by the two examiners. The grade is
rounded off as described in § 18 paragraph 2 clause 4.
If the grades given by the two examiners differ by more than two full grade points, the subject
examination committee appoints a third grader; the subject examination committee then settles on a
grade within the range established by the first two examiners.
(10) Unless the subject-specific parts specify otherwise, the master thesis must be written in German.
The subject examination committee may permit the candidate to write the thesis in another language if
it is certain that there are enough examiners for the evaluation. The candidate must file a request with
the subject examination committee including a letter of approval from his or her desired first grader
with the application for admission to the master thesis. If the master thesis is written in another
language it must include an appendix with a brief summary of the thesis in German.
§ 21 Evaluation of the Master Examination
(1) The master examination is considered passed if all parts of the examination are marked with a
grade of at least „sufficient (4.0)“.
(2) The weight of the grades for the individual parts of the examination are described in the subject-
specific parts of the examination regulations.
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(3) In calculating the final grade, only the first decimal point is taken into account. All further decimal
points are dropped without rounding.
The final grade of the master examination is as follows:
for an average under 1.5
outstanding
for an average between 1.6 and 2.5
good
for an average between 2.6 and 3.5
satisfactory
for an average between 3.6 and 4.0
sufficient
for an average above 4.0
unsatisfactory
§ 22 Passing and Failing of Examinations
(1) A partial module examination is considered passed if it has been marked with a grade of at least
„sufficient (4.0)“ and if the student has completed the work necessary to earn the ECTS credits for the
course (see subject-specific part).
(2) A final module examination is considered passed if it has been marked with a grade of at least
„sufficient (4.0)“ and if the student has earned the required ECTS credits in all components of the
module (see subject-specific part).
(3) The master thesis and any necessary presentations, colloquiums, or additional tasks (12
paragraph 2) are considered passed if they have been marked with a grade of at least „sufficient
(4.0)“.
(4) If a student has not passed an examination during the course of study or another examination of
the master examination or if is considered not passed, the subject examination committee informs the
student of this fact in writing. This letter must include information on whether, to what extent, and
within what period of time the examination may be retaken and whether the student must register
again for the retake. The letter must also include instructions on how to make an appeal.
§ 23 Irrevocably Failed
(1) If the student does not pass the retake of an examination as described in § 24 paragraph 1, the
examination is considered irrevocably failed.
(2) If a student has irrevocably failed an examination during the course of study or if it has been
considered irrevocably failed, the master examination in this field is considered irrevocably failed.
(3) If a student has irrevocably failed the master thesis or any necessary presentations, colloquiums,
or additional tasks (§ 12 paragraph 2) the entire master examination is considered irrevocably failed.
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§ 24 Retaking Examinations during the Course of Study
(1) Examinations during the course of study which have been marked with a grade of „unsatisfactory
(5.0)“ or which have been considered failed may be retaken at least once. The subject-specific parts of
the examination regulations may allow additional retakes. The subject examination committee
determines whether the student must register for the examination again or whether the original
registration as described in § 15 paragraph 4 includes the possibility to retake the examination.
(2) The retake must be held no later than the end of the semester following the failed examination and
generally takes place at the same time as other examinations in the following semester. If the student
fails to meet this deadline he or she forfeits the right to take the examination unless he or she is found
to be not at fault for failing to meet the deadline.
(3) If a student fails an examination earlier than 6 weeks before the beginning of courses in the
following semester and the examination is a prerequisite for admission to an examination in the
following semester or for a course in the following semester, he or she should be given the opportunity
to request for the retake to be held in time to be admitted to this examination or course.
(4) As a rule, retakes cannot be held any earlier than 4 weeks after the student receives his or her
grade for the original examination.
(5) A retake which is not held at the same time as other examinations in the semester following that in
which the original examination was failed may differ from the form of examination specified in the
subject-specific parts of the regulations if this is found to be necessary due to subject-specific
considerations. In this case, the student should be informed as to the form of the retake no later than
the time at which he or she is informed of the date on which it is to be held.
(6) The subject-specific parts of the examination regulations may allow passed examinations during
the course of study to be retaken.
§ 25 Retaking Master Theses/Presentations/Colloquiums/Additional Tasks
(1) A master thesis which has been marked with a grade of „unsatisfactory (5.0)“ or which has been
considered failed may be rewritten once. The application for rewriting the thesis must be submitted no
later than 2 months after the date on which the student was informed of his or her grade for the first
thesis; if the student fails to meet this deadline, he or she forfeits the right to rewrite the thesis unless
he or she is found to be not at fault for failing to meet the deadline.
If the master thesis is marked „unsatisfactory“, the chairperson of the subject examination committee
sets a deadline by which the candidate must propose a new topic and have it approved. If the
candidate fails to meet this deadline, the chairperson of the subject examination committee assigns a
topic within two weeks and sets the due date.
The candidate may only reject the topic if he or she did not make use of this possibility for the first
master thesis.
(2) An oral presentation which has been marked with a failing grade may be retaken once. The same
is true of a colloquium or an additional task (§ 12 paragraph 2). The retake should be held no later
than 2 months after the student receives his or her grade; if the student fails to meet this deadline, he
or she forfeits the right of a retake unless he or she is found to be not at fault for missing the deadline.
(3) It is not possible to rewrite a master thesis which has received a passing grade.
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§ 26 Examination Certificate, Diploma, Certificate
(1) Upon passing the master examination, the candidate receives a certificate showing his or her final
grade for the master examination (including a decimal grade), his or her ECTS grade, the modules he
or she completed during the course of study, the module grades used for the final grade, and his or
her grade on the master thesis. The certificate bears the date of the last examination and is signed by
the chairperson of the subject examination committee.
The final grade for the master examination is given one of the following ECTS grades:
- A -
the best 10 %
- B - the next 25 %
- C - the next 30 %
- D - the next 25 %
- E - the next 10 %
The percentages in this table refer to all final grades given within the last 3 – 5 years. Details are
described in the subject-specific parts of the examination regulations.
(2) The candidate may request to receive a copy of his or her transcripts in English. The examination
office keeps a file on the student including passing and failing grades, accumulated ECTS credits, and
grades for individual examinations and courses.
(3) A diploma supplement is included with the diploma. In addition to the candidate’s vital information,
this document includes information on the type and “level” of the degree, the status of the University of
Freiburg, and detailed information on the study program in which the degree was earned. The diploma
supplement is “certified” with a reference to the original documents to which it refers. The last section
of the diploma supplement includes a national statement with a description of the German study
system.
(4) Upon passing the master examination, the candidate also receives a diploma confirming that the
he or she has earned the academic degree of master. The diploma is signed by the chairperson of the
subject examination committee. It bears the date of the certificate and the seal of the faculty which
issued it.
(5) Candidates who have irrevocably failed their master examination receive a written statement
including information on how to make an appeal. If the candidate has irrevocably failed the master
examination, he or she may request a written certificate listing the examinations and courses he or
she passed and indicating that he or she failed the master examination.
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C. Final Clauses
§ 27 Leaves of Absence
(1) Expectant or nursing mothers may apply for a leave of absence as described in the currently
applicable Law for the Protection of Expectant and Nursing Mothers (MuSchG). The application must
include all documentation necessary to establish the candidate’s eligibility for the leave. Leaves of
absence for expectant or nursing mothers interrupt all deadlines described in these examination
regulations; the leave of absence is simply added to the period stipulated by the regulations.
(2) Candidates may apply for a period of maternity or paternity leave as described in the currently
applicable Law for Child Benefits and Maternity and Paternity Leave (BErzGG). The candidate must
notify the subject examination committee in writing as to the intended dates of his or her leave no later
than four weeks before the leave is to begin and include all documentation necessary to establish his
or her eligibility for the leave. The examination committee must check whether the legal preconditions
are satisfied which an employee would need to satisfy to receive maternity or paternity leave in
accordance with the BErzGG. The examination committee must then promptly inform the examinee of
its decision and of any new examination deadlines.
The deadline for completing the master thesis cannot be changed by maternity or paternity leave.
Instead, the proposed topic is cancelled and the candidate receives a new topic after his or her
maternity or paternity leave.
§ 28 Absence, Withdrawal, Deceit, Violations of Order
(1) An examination is given a grade of „unsatisfactory (5.0)“ if the candidate fails to attend an
examination without convincing reasons or if he/she withdraws from the examination without
convincing reasons. The same is true if the master thesis or another written examination is not
completed by due date unless the candidate is found to be not at fault for failing to meet the deadline.
(2) The candidate must present and substantiate the reason for his or her withdrawal or failure to
appear to the subject examination committee immediately and in written form. In the case of an illness
of the candidate or of a child or relative under his or her sole care, the committee may request a
certificate from a doctor or, in case of doubt, from a doctor appointed by the committee. If the reason
is accepted, a new date or deadline is set. In this case, any already completed examinations are
included in the candidate’s grades.
(3) If the candidate attempts to influence the outcome of an examination by way of deceit or the use of
prohibited aids, the examination is marked „unsatisfactory (5.0)“.
(4) A candidate who disturbs an examination may be excluded by the examiner or the supervisor of
the examination from the remainder of the examination. In this case the candidate is given a grade of
„unsatisfactory (5.0)“ for the examination. In difficult cases the subject examination committee may
exclude the candidate from further examinations.
(5) The candidate may request to have decisions made in accordance with paragraph 3 and
paragraph 4 clause 1 to be reviewed by the subject examination committee within a period of four
weeks after the decision. The subject examination committee must inform candidates of an
incriminating decision immediately in writing. The letter must include the reason for the decision and
instructions on how to make an appeal. The candidate should be given an opportunity to make a
statement before the announcement of a decision.
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§ 29 Invalidity
(1) If the candidate is guilty of deceit on an examination and this is discovered after the certificate has
been issued, the candidate’s grade on the examination may be corrected. If necessary, the
examination may be marked „unsatisfactory (5.0)“ and the master examination declared failed.
(2) If it is discovered after the issue of certificates that a candidate did not fulfill the prerequisites for
admission to an examination but that he or she did not intend to deceive the examination commission
as to this fact, the candidate is redeemed by a passing grade on the examination. However, if a
student is found to have intentionally deceived the commission to obtain admission to the examination,
the examination may be marked „unsatisfactory (5.0)“ and the master examination declared failed.
(3) The candidate should be given an opportunity to make a statement before the announcement of a
decision.
(4) The incorrect certificate is recalled and a new one is issued if applicable. If the master examination
has been declared failed due to deceit, the incorrect master diploma is recalled as well.
(5) Decisions as described in paragraph 1 and paragraph 2 clause 2 are only possible within a period
of five years from the date on the student’s examination certificate.
(6) An academic degree is recalled in accordance with legal regulations.
§ 30 Access to Examination Files
After the end of the master examination procedure the candidate may request to receive access to his
or her written examinations, their evaluation by the examiners, and the examination protocols.
Candidates must wait at least 4 weeks after the announcement of the results to receive access to
written examinations taken during the course of study or the protocols of these examinations.
The chairperson of the subject examination committee determines where and when the student may
have access to the files.
§ 31 Date Effective and Transitional Regulations
(1) These examination regulations are in effect as of October 1st, 2005.
On the same date, the validity of the examination regulations for the master program „Sustainable
Forestry and Land Use Management“ from June 26th, 2000 (W.,F.u.K. 2000, page 634), last revised
on October 2nd, 2002 (Amtliche Bekanntmachungen, vol. 33, no. 41, page 171 from October 10th,
2002), expires.
(2) Students who are already matriculated in the master program „Sustainable Forestry and Land Use
Management“ at the Albert-Ludwig University of Freiburg on the date on which these examination
regulations come into effect may elect to complete their studies in accordance with the master
examination regulations from June 26th, 2000 (W.,F.u.K. 2000, page 634), last revised on October 2nd,
2002 (Amtliche Bekanntmachungen, vol. 33, no. 41, page 171 from October 10th, 2002). This option is
no longer valid as of March 31st, 2008 (date of expiration).
- 283 -
Appendix to the Examination Regulations for the Degree Program Master of Science (M.Sc.)
Special Regulations for Master Programs Planned in Cooperation with Other Universities
§ 1 Master Programs Planned in Cooperation with Other Universities
(1) The subject-specific appendix B of the examination regulations for the M.Sc. may allow for the
master program in a specific subject to be organized in conjunction with one or more additional
universities in Germany or abroad.
(2) It may also allow for the academic degree to be conferred in conjunction with one or more of the
participating universities.
(3) The precondition for these two regulations is a cooperation agreement between the participating
universities. This agreement must be approved by the subject examination committee and the faculty
council of the appropriate faculty or faculties of the University of Freiburg.
§ 2 The Master Examination
(1) Joint master examinations with other universities are conducted in accordance with the general
part of the examinations regulations for the M.Sc unless special regulations are specified in the
following.
(2) The subject-specific appendix B of the examination regulations for the M.Sc. specifies the
participating university at which students earn credits and take examinations during the course of
study as well as the university at which they take their final examination.
(3) If the final examination is conducted at the University of Freiburg, the subject-specific appendix B
of the examination regulations for the M.Sc. may stipulate that an examiner from one of the other
participating universities be appointed as second grader for the master thesis and that a general final
examination or additional task be conducted as a collaborative examination with the participation of an
examiner from each participating university. If the final examination is conducted at another university,
the subject-specific appendix B of the examination regulations for the M.Sc. may stipulate that an
examiner from the University of Freiburg take part in the examination.
§ 3 Requirements for Graduation
To earn the degree of master from the University of Freiburg, students must
• have been enrolled for at least two semesters in the master degree program at the University
of Freiburg,
• have earned at least 50 ECTS credits toward the degree at the University of Freiburg,
• have earned either at least 50% of their examination credits during the course of study at the
University of Freiburg or have earned at least 20% of their examination credits during the
course of study at the University of Freiburg and have written their master thesis and
completed any necessary general final examination or additional task at the University of
Freiburg.
- 284 -
§ 4 Certificate and Diploma
(1) The master certificate includes the names and signatures of the persons specified by the
examination regulations of both universities. In addition to the information described in § 26 paragraph
1 of the examination regulations for the M.Sc., it includes a remark to the effect that the master
examination was conducted jointly by both universities as well as information indicating the
participating university at which the graduate earned the required study and examination credits.
Clauses 1 and 2 are applicable if two master certificates are issued.
(2) The master diploma includes the names and signatures of the persons specified by the
examination regulations of both universities as well as the seal of the faculty of the participating faculty
or faculties at the other university and that of the faculty at the Albert-Ludwig University of Freiburg. It
includes the name of the academic degree, “Master of Science (M.Sc.)”, and a remark to the effect
that the master examination was conducted jointly by the participating universities. Clauses 1 and 2
are applicable if two master diplomas are issued.
(3) Upon receiving the master diploma, the applicant earns the right to hold the academic degree
“Master of Science (M.Sc.)” in the Federal Republic of Germany and the country in which the other
participating faculty is located. The master diploma includes an additional remark to the effect that the
degree is not considered a foreign academic degree as described in the Law on the Use of Academic
Degrees from June 7th, 1939 (RGBI. I p. 985).
- 285 -
Appendix A.
Subject Catalog in Accordance with § 8 Paragraph 1 of the Examination Regulations for the
Degree Program Master of Science (M.Sc.)
1. Angewandte Informatik
2. Environmental Governance
3. Forest Ecology and Management
4. Informatik
- 286 -
Appendix B.
Subject-Specific Regulations for the Examination Regulations for the Degree Program Master
of Science (M.Sc.)
Environmental Governance
§ 1 Profile of the Degree Program
The master program Environmental Governance is concentrated on research and is not consecutive.
§ 2 Prerequisites for Admission
To be admitted to the master program Environmental Governance, it is necessary to have completed
at least a 3 year initial course of study in an appropriate field at a German or foreign institution of
higher education with at least above average grades. As a rule, appropriate fields are political science,
sociology, law and economics, ethnology, international (developmental) cooperation, agricultural and
forest sciences, geography, environmental protection and nature conservation, town and country and
environmental planning, environmental management, and the management of natural resources. The
equivalency of other academic degrees must be determined by the admissions commission in
conjunction with departmental representatives. Details are described in the currently valid version of
the admissions regulations for the degree program.
§ 3 English Master Program
The courses of the program are held in English. As a rule, all examinations are also held in English.
§ 4 Internship in Accordance with § 6 of the Examination Regulations
Students of the master program Environmental Governance are required to complete an internship. It
should be completed between the courses of the second and third study semesters and must have a
duration of at least seven weeks. Students earn 10 ECTS credits for completing the internship. The
student must submit valid evidence to have the internship recognized. Details as to the nature and
extent of the internship as well as its recognition on the basis of comparable activities are described in
the currently valid version of the internship regulations.
§ 5 Subject Examination Committee
(1) All duties and tasks described in § 9 of the examination regulations are performed by the subject
examination committee at the Faculty of Forest and Environmental Sciences, which is responsible for
all master degree programs offered at the faculty. Duties of the subject examination committee may be
allocated to the chairperson.
(2) As a rule, the academic dean of the faculty is also the chairperson of the subject examination
committee for the duration of his or her period of office. If further academic deans are appointed, one
of them is generally appointed as the chairperson and the other as the assistant chairperson.
- 287 -
§ 6 Master Examination in Accordance with § 12 of the Examination Regulations
The master examination consists of the examinations during the course of study and the master
thesis. Further examination credits are not required.
§ 7 Related Fields in Accordance with § 15 Paragraph 2 of the Examination Regulations
The master program Environmental Science does not identify any related fields under § 15 paragraph
2 of the examination regulations.
§ 8 Duration of Oral Examinations in Accordance with § 16 Paragraph 2 of the Examination
Regulations
Oral examinations are held as group or individual examinations. They have a duration of at least 15
minutes per candidate, no more than 20 minutes for partial module examinations, and no more than
40 minutes for final module examinations.
§ 9 Duration of Written Examinations in Accordance with § 17 Paragraph 3 of the Examination
Regulations
If a module includes written examination credits in the form of written examinations, they generally
have a duration of at least 60 minutes and no more than 90 minutes for a module worth 5 ECTS
credits and at least 120 minutes and no more than 180 minutes for a module worth 10 ECTS credits.
§ 10 Admission to the Master Thesis
To be admitted to the master thesis, students must be enrolled at least in the 3rd study semester and
have earned at least 70 ECTS credits.
§ 11 The Master Thesis in Accordance with § 20 of the Examination Regulations
(1) The master thesis must be completed within a period of 6 months and is worth 30 ECTS credits.
As a rule, it must be written in English. The subject examination committee decides in individual cases
whether exceptions to this rule are permissible.
(2) The master thesis may also be completed in the form of a group thesis if the individual
contributions of each candidate are clearly identifiable and gradable due to the fact that they are
clearly separated by sections, page numbers, or other objective criteria. Group theses must also fulfill
the requirements described in § 20 paragraph 1 of the examination regulations.
(3) The candidate must submit three bound copies of the master thesis to the examination committee.
Candidates may request permission to submit the thesis in another form. The decision is made by the
subject examination committee in conjunction with the supervisor of the master thesis.
§ 12 Composition of the Final Grade in Accordance with § 21 Paragraph 2 of the Examination
Regulations
The final grade for the master course of study is composed of the weighted average (weighted
arithmetic mean) of the student’s grades on the examinations of each module and his or her grade for
the master thesis. The weights for this final grade are the amount of ECTS credits earned for each
module as described in § 14 of this appendix and the amount of ECTS credits earned for the master
thesis. The student receives an ECTS grade, which is a percentile of all final grades given within the
last five years.
- 288 -
§ 13 Retaking Examinations during the Course of Study in Accordance with § 24 of the
Examination Regulations
(1) Final module examinations and partial module examinations for modules with a total of 25 ECTS
credits which are marked with a grade of „unsatisfactory (5.0)“ or which are considered failed may be
retaken twice. A third retake is not permissible.
(2) To retake an examination for the second time, it is generally necessary to retake the entire course.
The second retake should be held at the same time as the first taking of this examination in one of the
following semesters.
(3) The master thesis may not be rewritten twice.
§ 14 Curriculum
(1) The master program in the field „Environmental Governance” includes the following required
modules and elective modules, all of which are included in the composition of the final grade. The
courses in these modules are generally designed as block courses. They may be organized as lecture
courses and/or seminars and/or exercise courses and/or practical courses and/or excursions. The
examinations for these modules may take the form of oral examinations and/or written examinations.
The type and amount of courses included in a module is made known before the beginning of the
course, as well as the type and amount of examination and/or study credits it is worth.
ECTS
Required
Recomme
Credits
(R)
nded
Title of Module
Study
Elective (E) Semester
Sustainability and Governance
5
R
1
Global Environmental Changes
5
R
1
Global Societal Changes
5
R
1
Managing Human-Environment Interactions
5
R
1
Regional Studies (Integrated Case Study I)
5
R
1
Economics, Institutions and Environment
5
R
2
Environmental Policy Analysis
5
R
2
Sociology and Psychology of Environmental Knowledge
5
R
2
Ecosystem Management
5
R
2
Student-Organized Event
5
R
3
Research Skills
5
R
3
Integrated System Design (Integrated Case Study II)
5
R
3
Elective modules under paragraphs 2 and 3
add. 20
E
1 to 3
Elective Course Offerings
(2) The faculty compiles a catalog of elective modules. As a rule, students must take four of these
modules with a total of 20 ECTS credits during the course of study. These elective modules should be
completed in the first to third study semester. The grades for these modules with a total of 20 ECTS
credits are included in the composition of the final grade for the master.
- 289 -
(3) Students may choose between the following elective modules
- Environmental Governance
ECTS
Elective (E) Recomme
Credits
nded
Title of Module
Study
Semester
Knowledge Management and Organizational Learning
5
E
1
Selected Topics in Environmental Governance
5
E
2/3
Environmental Law
5
E
2/3
Environmental Ethics
5
E
2/3
Technology Assessment and Sustainable Development
5
E
2/3
Environmental Conflict Management
5
E
2/3
Corporate Governance
5
E
2/3
Non-Governmental Organizations and Environmental
5
E
2/3
Governance
- Forest Ecology and Management
ECTS
Elective (E) Recomme
Credits
nded
Title of Module
Study
Semester
Forests and Water
5
E
1
Agro Forestry and Farm Forestry
5
E
1
Forests and Climate Change
5
E
1
Tree Structure and Function
5
E
1
Statistics and GIS
5
E
1
Analysis and Management of Tree and Stand Growth
5
E
2
Forest-Atmosphere Interactions
5
E
2
Ecological Modelling
5
E
2
Soil Ecology and Management
5
E
2
Population and Community Ecology
5
E
2
Methods in Ecosystem Analysis
5
E
2
Selected Topics in Forest Ecology and Management
5
E
2/3
Non Timber Forest Products and Bioresources
5
E
3
Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
5
E
3
Conservation Biology
5
E
3
Forest and Resource Inventory
5
E
3
Plantation Forestry
5
E
3
Natural Hazards and Risk Management
5
E
3
Eco-Informatics and Environmental Monitoring
5
E
3
Forest Resources and Wood Production
5
E
- 290 -
Forest Ecology and Management
§ 1 Profile of the Degree Program
The master program Forest Ecology and Management is concentrated on research and is not
consecutive.
§ 2 Prerequisites for Admission
To be admitted to the master program Forest Ecology and Management, it is necessary to have
completed a at least a 3 year initial course of study in an appropriate field at a German or foreign
institution of higher education with at least above average grades. As a rule, appropriate fields are
agricultural and forest sciences, geography, environmental protection and nature conservation,
biology, ecology, and the management of natural resources. The equivalency of other academic
degrees must be determined by the admissions commission in conjunction with departmental
representatives. Details are described in the currently valid version of the admissions regulations for
the degree program.
§ 3 English Master Program
The courses of the program are held in English. As a rule, all examinations are also held in English.
§ 4 Internship
Students of the master program Forest Ecology and Management are required to complete an
internship. It should be completed between the courses of the second and third study semesters and
must have a duration of a least seven weeks. Students earn 10 ECTS credits for completing the
internship. The student must submit valid evidence to have the internship recognized. Details as to the
nature and extent of the internship as well as its recognition on the basis of comparable activities are
described in the currently valid version of the internship regulations.
§ 5 Subject Examination Committee
(1) All duties and tasks described in § 9 of the examination regulations are performed by the subject
examination committee at the Faculty of Forest and Environmental Sciences, which is responsible for
all master degree programs offered at the faculty. Duties of the subject examination committee may be
allocated to the chairperson.
(2) As a rule, the academic dean of the faculty is also the chairperson of the subject examination
committee for the duration of his or her period of office. If further academic deans are appointed, one
of them is generally appointed as the chairperson and the other as the assistant chairperson.
§ 6 Master Examination in Accordance with § 12 of the Examination Regulations
The master examination consists of the examinations during the course of study and the master
thesis. Further examination credits are not required.
- 291 -
§ 7 Related Fields in Accordance with § 15 Paragraph 2 of the Examination Regulations
The master program Environmental Science does not identify any related fields under § 15 paragraph
2 of the examination regulations.
§ 8 Duration of Oral Examinations in Accordance with § 16 Paragraph 2 of the Examination
Regulations
Oral examinations are held as group or individual examinations. They have a duration of at least 15
minutes per candidate, no more than 20 minutes for partial module examinations, and no more than
40 minutes for final module examinations.
§ 9 Duration of Written Examinations in Accordance with § 17 Paragraph 3 of the Examination
Regulations
If a module includes written examination credits in the form of written examinations, they generally
have a duration of at least 60 minutes and no more than 90 minutes for a module worth 5 ECTS
credits and at least 120 minutes and no more than 180 minutes for a module worth 10 ECTS credits.
§ 10 Admission to the Master Thesis
To be admitted to the master thesis, students must be enrolled at least in the 3rd study semester and
have earned at least 70 ECTS credits.
§ 11 The Master Thesis in Accordance with § 20 of the Examination Regulations
(1) The master thesis must be completed within a period of 6 months and is worth 30 ECTS credits.
As a rule, it must be written in English. The subject examination committee decides in individual cases
whether exceptions to this rule are permissible.
(2) The master thesis may also be completed in the form of a group thesis if the individual
contributions of each candidate are clearly identifiable and gradable due to the fact that they are
clearly separated by sections, page numbers, or other objective criteria. Group theses must also fulfill
the requirements described in § 20 paragraph 1 of the examination regulations.
(3) The candidate must submit three bound copies of the master thesis to the examination committee.
Candidates may request permission to submit the thesis in another form. The decision is made by the
subject examination committee in conjunction with the supervisor of the master thesis.
§ 12 Composition of the Final Grade in Accordance with § 21 Paragraph 2 of the Examination
Regulations
The final grade for the master course of study is composed of the weighted average (weighted
arithmetic mean) of the student’s grades on the examinations of each module and his or her grade for
the master thesis. The weights for this final grade are the amount of ECTS credits earned for each
module as described in § 14 of this appendix and the amount of ECTS credits earned for the master
thesis. The student receives an ECTS grade, which is a percentile of all final grades given within the
last five years.
- 292 -
§ 13 Retaking Examinations during the Course of Study in Accordance with § 24 of the
Examination Regulations
(1) Final module examinations and partial module examinations for modules with a total of 25 ECTS
credits which are marked with a grade of „unsatisfactory (5.0)“ or which are considered failed may be
retaken twice. A third retake is not permissible.
(2) To retake an examination for the second time, it is generally necessary to retake the entire course.
The second retake should be held at the same time as the first taking of this examination in one of the
following semesters.
(3) The master thesis may not be rewritten twice.
§ 14 Curriculum
(1) The master program in the field „Forest Ecology and Management “ includes the required modules
and elective modules listed in the following tables, all of which are included in the composition of the
final grade. The courses in these modules are generally designed as block courses. They may be
organized as lecture courses an/or seminars and/or exercise courses and/or practical courses and/or
excursions. The examinations for these modules may take the form of oral examinations and/or written
examinations. The type and amount of courses included in a module is made known before the
beginning of the course, as well as the type and amount of examination and/or study credits it is worth.
ECTS
Required
Recomme
Credits
(R)
nded
Title of Module
Study
Elective (E) Semester
Global Environmental Changes
5
R
1
Managing Human-Environment Interactions
5
R
1
Tree Structure and Function
5
R
1
Statistics and GIS
5
R
1
Soil Ecology and Management
5
R
2
Ecosystem Management
5
R
2
Population and Community Ecology
5
R
2
Methods in Ecosystem Analysis
5
R
“
Natural Hazards and Risk Management
5
R
2
Eco-Informatics and Environmental Monitoring
5
R
3
Forest Resources and Wood Production
5
R
3
Elective modules under paragraphs 2 to 4
add. 20
E
1 to 3
Elective Course Offerings
(2) The faculty compiles a catalog of elective modules. As a rule, students must take five of these
modules with a total of 25 ECTS credits during the course of study. These elective modules should be
completed in the first to third study semester. The grades for these modules with a total of 25 ECTS
credits are included in the composition of the final grade for the master.
- 293 -
(3) Students may choose between the following elective modules
- Environmental Governance
ECTS
Elective (E) Recomme
Credits
nded
Title of Module
Study
Semester
Knowledge Management and Organizational Learning
5
E
1
Sustainability and Governance
5
E
1/3
Global Societal Changes
5
E
1/3
Regional Studies (Integrated Case Study I)
5
E
1/3
Economics, Institutions and Environment
5
E
2
Environmental Policy Analysis
5
E
2
Sociology and Psychology of Environmental Knowledge
5
E
2
Environmental Law
5
E
2/3
Environmental Ethics
5
E
2/3
Technology Assessment and Sustainable Development
5
E
2/3
Environmental Conflict Management
5
E
2/3
Corporate Governance
5
E
2/3
Non-Governmental Organizations and Environmental
5
E
2/3
Governance
Selected Topics in Environmental Governance
5
E
2/3
Student-Organized Event
5
E
3
Research Skills
5
E
3
Integrated System Design (Integrated Case Study II)
5
E
3
- Forest Ecology and Management
ECTS
Elective (E) Recomme
Credits
nded
Title of Module
Study
Semester
Forests and Water
5
E
1
Agro Forestry and Farm Forestry
5
E
1
Forest and Climate Change
5
E
1
Analysis and Management of Tree and Stand Growth
5
E
2
Forest-Atmosphere Interactions
5
E
2
Ecological Modelling
5
E
2
Selected Topics in Forest Ecology and Management
5
E
2/3
Non Timber Forest Products and Bioresources
5
E
3
Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
5
E
3
Conservation Biology
5
E
3
Forest and Resource Inventory
5
E
3
Plantation Forestry
5
E
3
Freiburg, March 31st, 2006
Prof. Dr. Karl-Reinhard Volz
Vice-Rector
Attention Applicants: Restructuring of the Forest Related M.Sc. Programs