ISATEC - International Studies in Tropical Aquatic Ecology

ISATEC is a two-year international Master of Science study programme in tropical aquatic ecology at the University of Bremen (UB). It is conducted in collaboration with the associated Center for Tropical Marine Ecology (ZMT). The programme aims at the joint education and specialisation of German and foreign students in the field of tropical aquatic ecology. Students receive a broad knowledge in theoretical and applied ecology, with emphasis on concepts and methodologies for sustainable utilisation and conservation of tropical aquatic ecosystems. Thus, general ecology, as well as fisheries biology, aquaculture sciences, ecological economics, environmental law, and social sciences relevant to coastal planning and management will be one part of this study programme. Participants of ISATEC are trained to become experts in the field of tropical aquatic ecology and its application to the conflict between utilisation and conservation of aquatic ecosystems. They are qualified to join or conduct multidisciplinary teams working in the investigation and management of tropical coastal zones or freshwater systems as well as to continue university studies (PhD) in areas related to aquatic ecosystem research or integrated coastal zone management. Potential employers are national and international organisations involved in research and nature conservation projects, governmental institutions dedicated to coastal systems and resource management, consulting agencies involved in environmental evaluations, universities, and organisations dedicated to developmental aid and technical cooperation (GTZ, DAAD, DED, CIM etc.).

Aims & Objectives of ISATEC

The main objectives of the ISATEC-study programme are to provide: I. The essentials for understanding the structure and function of aquatic ecosystems in the tropics. II. Theoretical concepts and methods for resource assessment and valuation. III. Approaches for coastal planning and management. These objectives are met through 6 modules extending over 4-5 weeks each taught within the first two terms (see program structure).

I) Fundamentals of aquatic ecology Essential base for the understanding of ecosystem function: The basic structure of aquatic ecosystems is described and their most important functional groups (primary producers, consumers, decomposers), as well as the chemical and hydrological characteristics of aquatic systems are introduced. Approaches and methods for the modeling of flows of energy and matter are described and modern concepts regarding ecosystem maturity, stability, and resilience are discussed. Methods and concepts for the investigation of populations and species assemblages: Knowledge of the species composition, trophic structure, and the population dynamics of target species is essential for experts working in tropical ecology and coastal zone management. In lectures and exercises students learn to adequately interpret and process scientific data in the investigation of population dynamics and species community structures using modern analytical methods, including relevant computer software. Knowledge about tropical aquatic habitats and their living communities: A description of the typical physical and bio-geo-chemical environment of tropical aquatic habitats and their associated species (i.e. mangrove estuaries, mud flats, coral reefs, sandy and rocky beaches, lagoons, riverine and lake systems) will be given. Knowledge about the utilisation and economic value of aquatic ecosystems and their resources: Detailed information on the economic goods and services of marine and freshwater habitats, which are the resource base for human populations, is provided. The different ways in which tropical ecosystems are utilised and exploited (i.e. recreation in terms of conventional or eco-tourism, fishing, aquaculture, wood processing, mining in coral reefs, extraction of pharmaceutically important substances / species etc.) and possible impacts for the species or communities are discussed. (II) Fundamentals for the evaluation & management of aquatic resources Concepts and methods for resource assessment and sustainable yield calculations: Students are introduced to fisheries biology and resource assessment theory. Yield models are constructed using pocket calculators and computer programmes. The inclusion of relevant socio-economic variables into fishery models is demo nstrated. Knowledge about aquaculture systems / rearing techniques and their effects on natural ecosystems: Aquaculture systems for fish, shrimps, molluscs, and other invertebrates as well as algae are described along with the impact of certain culturing techniques on the natural environment.

Understanding of the complex process of decision making in environmental management: Students are introduced to the complex process of decision making in coastal zone management. Steps needed to adequately evaluate management options in terms of their environmental, social and economic implications are explained. (III) General skills Ability to study independently and to work and co-operate as a team member: The participants learn how to address and solve complex problems studying in teams as well as alone. Their written and oral proficiency is stimulated by essay writing and oral presentations, which are important elements of the study programme. Use of modern information sources, such as data banks specific for tropical ecology and coastal zone management: The adequate interpretation of data in different scientific fields (i.e. fisheries biology, ecology, economy, and demography) is essential for experts involved in coastal zone management. The students learn where to locate and access the necessary information resources and how to process the obtained data. Knowledge of different approaches for ecosystem modelling, the ability for analysis of complex problems and capacity for oral and written communication: The use of modelling becomes an increasingly important tool for ecological investigations and the deve lopment of management strategies. Ecosystem, bio-economic or demographic models provide the basis for decision making in environmental management and are important tools of communication between members of a team and non-experts. However, the correct analysis and interpretation of data is only one part that ensures successful management of natural resources. Equally important are skills to present the results in an adequate and convincing manner, both in written and oral presentations. Training this is an essential part of the study programme.

Why is ISATEC at Bremen University?

The MSc programme is an integral part of the training in aquatic ecology at Bremen University and its affiliate, Center for Tropical Marine Ecology (ZMT). Courses in tropical aquatic ecology were made part of the biology curriculum when the ZMT began to operate in 1991. In addition, the implementation of specialised international courses of two weeks duration, thus has provided the staff the opportunity to gain experience in teaching German and foreign postgraduates together. Bremen University and its affiliated institutes provide excellent research infrastructure, several modern libraries of books and journals on aquatic ecology and numerous lecturers of international reputation.

Study contents of the ISATEC program

ISATEC-Programme Structure The programme is taught in English. It is comprised of two years (four terms) and includes the submission of a written thesis. German language courses run parallel to the main programme and are available to all students at no cost. The third term is spent at a tropical partner institution of the ZMT/Bremen University. The first two terms consist of six thematic teaching modules, each of which is composed of weekly block courses. The more fundamental courses are offered primarily to ensure that students from different backgrounds receive the necessary training before proceeding with the more advanced courses. Each module is assessed by a written examination at the end of the respective term. In addition, the participants in the first academic year must present an oral presentation (WS) and a scientific essay (SS) that will be graded and contribute to the final MSc grade. During the third term, participants are required to study at one of the partner institutions of the ZMT/UB. There they must complete 20 course hours per week (equivalent to 30 EC) on topics related to problems of the management of aquatic resources and environments, sampling strategies, field excursions etc. During this, students must also carry out their field work and data collection for their MSc thesis. 1st (winter) term at the University of Bremen Module I: AQUATIC ECOLOGY M1-01 Concepts of aquatic ecology M1-02 Aquatic flora M1-03 Aquatic fauna M1-04 Living communities in tropical systems M1-05 Marine Microbiology Module II: RESOURCE USE & ASSESSMENT M2-01 Fisheries biology M2-02 Economic valuation of natural resources I M2-03 Tropical aquaculture and its physiological basics M2-04 Tropical fisheries & catching methods

Module III: FUNDAMENTALS OF SCIENTIFIC WORK M3-01 Data exploration & statistical analysis M3-02 Planning & design of ecological studies M3-03 Introduction to system analysis M3-04 Scientific writing 2nd (summer) term at the University of Bremen Module IV: THE ABIOTIC ENVIRONMENT M4-01 Fundamentals in physical oceanography & hydrology M4-02 Water chemistry M4-03 Aquatic pollution M4-04 Coastal geomorphology & coastal processes Module V: COMPUTER USE & MODELLING M5-01 Population dynamics & stock assessment M5-02 Trophic modelling of ecosystems M5-03 Modelling spatiol-temporal dynamics M5-04 Modelling in conservation biology Module VI: APPROACHES FOR COASTAL PLANNING & MANAGEMENT M6-01 Economic valuation of natural resources II M6-02 Participatory techniques & stakeholder analysis M6-03 Interdisciplinarity between natural and social sciences in coastal management M6-04 GIS applied to coastal management M6-05 Environmental law 3rd (winter) term at a tropical partner institution Field work and data collection for MSc-thesis 4th (summer) term at the University of Bremen Thesis seminar Completion of thesis The MSc thesis is based on a research project conducted under the supervision of a member of the academic staff of ISATEC. Students, who prior to joining ISATEC have been involved

in a research project at their home institution, are encouraged to carry out their thesis work within this project, should the opportunity exist. The Masters thesis must to be written in English. In addition to the submission of the written thesis, each student must present an oral seminar of his/her thesis work. A board of examiners will assess this.

Entry Requirements & Application Procedure

Deadline for application to the ISATEC programme: July 15 the same year Deadline for DAAD scholarship application: October 15, one year in advance!!!! As a general rule, students wishing to participate in the ISATEC programme must have completed their undergraduate studies and hold a Bachelor of Science (B. Sc.) in biological/environmental sciences with excellent results. Furthermore, they are expected to state their motives for participation in a letter of motivation to be submitted with the application. Non-native speaker should also be able to demonstrate a fair knowledge of the English language by taking an internationally recognised English proficiency test (TOEFL, minimum score of 550 points in the written and 213 points in the electronic test; Cambridge Proficiency Certificate, Oxford Higher Certificate or International Certificate Conference ICC stage 3). Letters of recommendation from at least two renown scientists of in the specific field of the applicant should be submitted with the application. It is advisable for foreign students to have some basic knowledge of the German language. This makes the arrival to Germany and the adjustment to life outside the campus much easier. The University of Bremen does not rise tuition fees for ISATEC. Most study materials are provided free of charge. In some cases where the course is of a special nature (like excursions), the costs have to be partially met by the participants. The membership of a students organisation (Studentenwerk Bremen) is obligatory (~ DM 180 per term). Foreigners are encouraged to apply for a scholarship in their home country to cover living expenses and travel costs. Admission to the ISATEC Programme does not include a scholarship or any other financial support for living costs. The minimum living costs in Bremen amount to approximately DM 1200 (600 EURO) per month, including accommodation, meals and health care. The purchase of study materials (books, photocopying, excursions etc.) may amount to DM 1000 (500 EURO) annually.

Applications must be sent to ISATEC. Only complete applications will be considered. They have to include: A completed ISATEC application form (download from the ISATEC webpage www.isatec.uni-bremen.de) a letter of motivation written by the applicant, explaining the interest for enrolment in the ISATEC study, how it fits in past experience and what future perspectives it would open a detailed curriculum vitae, certificate of English proficiency for non-native speakers (TOEFL minimum score of 550 points in the written or 213 points in the electronic test), certified copy of BSc degree, including final grade and grading scheme(explaining minimum and maximum grades of the applied grading system), university transcripts, including a list of courses and practicals completed at the home university with the duration and final grades, Copies of original certificates must be validated. Certificates in languages others than German or English must be translated into German or English. The translation has to be certified. Please do not send originals. two letters of recommendation from renowned scientists/lecturers of your field.

An e-mail or letter will confirm all applications received. Confirmation and acceptance of admission to ISATEC should be made before September 1, 2002. If for any reason you require an advance decision of admission prior to this date (e.g. for scholarship applications), please contact the programme co-ordinator. In your request, you should state the reason for requiring an earlier decision of admission. Please send complete applications to: ISATEC Center for Tropical Marine Ecology (ZMT) Fahrenheitstr. 6 28 359 Bremen, Germany The courses are open to eligible candidates with personal financial resources, those who are funded by their government, or who are recipients of financial support from international sponsoring organisations. A limited number of DAAD-scholarships is available.

Scholarships
The ISATEC program is supported by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) which provides some scholarships under the special grant Postgraduate Courses for Professionals with Relevance to Developing Countries. There are partial and full scholarships available. Chances to obtain a partial scholarship are higher so applicants are requested to seek for supplementary funds. Please note that the deadline for scholarship applications is October 15th one year prior to the start of the ISATEC program. Applicants to a DAAD scholarship are requested to fill in both, the ISAETC application form and the DAAD application form and send these together with the above listed required documents to the ISATEC office. Candidates are also encouraged to look for other scholarship possibilities in their home country. Applicants have to meet all of the above criteria to be accepted to ISATEC as well as the following further requirements to be eligible to a DAAD scholarship: Age limit: 36 years of age at the time of application (for some courses 32 years) Academic degree and at least two years of professional experience Confirmation of employment from the candidate's employer in the home country and where possible, a guarantee of re-employment upon his/her return to the home country.

DAAD scholarship applications should be send to the ISATEC office: ISATEC Center for Tropical Marine Ecology (ZMT) Fahrenheitstr. 6 28 359 Bremen, Germany

Contact and further information:

More detailed information can be found at the ISATEC webpage www.isatec.uni-bremen.de

To contact the office: ISATEC Center for Tropical Marine Ecology (ZMT) Fahrenheitsstr. 6 D-28359 Bremen Phone: ++49-(0)421-23 800 42 Fax: ++49-(0)421-23 800 30 e-mail: isatec@uni-bremen.de