International Studies in Aquatic Tropical Ecology ISATEC

Course Overview

Graduates of the International Studies in Aquatic Tropical Ecology ISATEC MSc course at the University of Bremen are experts in the field of tropical aquatic ecosystem research and its application to the conflicting areas of utilisation and conservation of aquatic ecosystems in the tropics. They are equipped 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 the areas of aquatic ecology or integrated coastal zone management. Employment may be found with 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 approval work, universities and with organisations dedicated to developmental aid (GIZ, DAAD, DED, CIM etc.). Main objectives of ISATECT are: To understand the structure and function of aquatic ecosystems in the tropics, to learn about theoretical concepts and methods for resource assessment and evaluation, to learn approaches for coastal planning and management. Since the start of 1999, more than 250 students from 54 countries of all continents have graduated from ISATEC. Many of those are now working in important labour positions in their home countries and several of them have stayed in close collaboration with the ZMT and the University of Bremen. Less than 4% of the beginners have not made it to graduation. An important proportion of the graduates (about 25-30%) have continued with Ph.D. studies either in Bremen or elsewhere.