Trying out different directions with environmental sciences

"We get a very good basic education," says Anna Beugel, who is currently studying for a Bachelor's degree in Environmental Sciences at RPTU: "In addition to the natural sciences, we also have courses in socio-economics, for example."She sees her professional future in the field of environmental management.

Anna Beugel, who was born in Haßloch, graduated from high school in March 2020. It was an uncertain time back then, she remembers, with coronavirus causing a lot of confusion. "I didn't know exactly what I was going to study back then. But I was sure that it would be something in the natural sciences." Landau was an obvious choice as she could live further away from home - and wanted to commute. "That's how I came across environmental sciences." The subject appealed to her in terms of content: "All the natural sciences are covered. It was a perfect fit for me."

"We get a very good basic education"

To this day, she is "super happy with this decision", as she says. The course is challenging, of course - but fun at the same time. What is special about her subject? "That so many subject areas are covered." In addition to chemistry, physics, geography, biosciences and environmental sciences, the curriculum also includes subjects such as socioeconomics, statistics and environmental informatics. Anna Beugel: "We get a very good basic education. We are not experts in one subject afterwards, but have a good basis for many things."

Of course, there is a lot to learn. In addition to lots of theory in the lectures, there is also plenty of practice: "We work in the lab and go on excursions." This includes examining the soil profile in the wild - and seeing how different locations adapt to the climate. And what's more: "Even on the Bachelor's degree course, there are smaller elective options." Anna Beugel has chosen an elective module in business administration and one in environmental management. "I'm drawn towards environmental economics," she says, describing her area of interest.

What is so challenging about the Environmental Sciences degree course? "The fact that we are so broadly based is sometimes both a blessing and a curse. Because there are one or two subjects that are a little more difficult for everyone." For some, it's physics and chemistry. For others, it might be mathematics and statistics. You then have to invest time, work and energy to get ahead. Anna Beugel: "I didn't have any chemistry or physics in the sixth form, for example. Then you have to be honest with yourself and get stuck in, especially with those subjects." But it's all doable. "You can also join a study group."

Bachelor's degree in environmental economics

Anna Beugel is currently writing her Bachelor's thesis in the field of environmental economics. "It's about the valuation of ecosystem services provided by forests." What does this mean to a layperson? "Trees, for example, consolidate the soil in the forest with their roots. Or the forest cleans the air." Such "services" can be valued in monetary terms: forests can be attributed a value of several billion euros a year in this way. "I'm researching this topic in my Bachelor's thesis. I'm looking at what already exists, with a focus on Europe."

Environmental management in industry or environmental law in public authorities

Later on, she can imagine working in the field of environmental management: "In industry, for example." What activities would she then pursue? "It's about helping a company to improve its environmental performance. For example, if less carbon dioxide is to be emitted. Or reducing energy consumption." Anna Beugel has already gained experience in industry as a working student.

In turn, she completed a work placement at a nature conservation authority: "I worked there on agricultural well drilling and its approval. Among other things, they assess the extent to which water extraction affects the environment." And beyond that? What other directions could a degree in environmental sciences take you? "You can become a climate manager, maybe be employed by a city." Because in times of climate change, more and more cities are asking themselves what can be done to combat the high temperatures inside residential areas in summer. Research is also a possible field of activity: "You can stay at the university, do a doctorate. And work as a research assistant." Environmental communication is also a career option. "Or even politics. You can work as a politician yourself - or in an advisory capacity."

"The whole course broadens your horizons"

What does Anna Beugel recommend to prospective students? "Bring an interest in science and perseverance. And you should be aware that studying can be challenging." Ideally, you should also have the ability to link different topics together: "You have to be able to see the whole network and not just individual aspects." And you should be able to question things critically. "But you also learn all these skills during your studies." And then she adds: "I also developed personally during my studies." The identification courses are a good example of this, i.e. the correct recognition of animals and plants. "I would never have thought before that I would be so interested in beetles or plants." The whole course broadens horizons. "Because we are so broadly based, everyone finds their passion."

And who might be interested in the course? "For anyone who doesn't want to commit one hundred percent to just one natural science during their studies. With environmental sciences, you can try out different directions." For Anna Beugel, the extensive acquisition of knowledge continues after her Bachelor's degree: "I'm staying in Landau and adding on a Master's degree." There are two further Master's courses to choose from: "Environmental Sciences" and "Environmental Pollution Management" - "I opted for Environmental Sciences."

Text:Christine Pauli