What is it all about?

In the Applied Environmental Informatics and Earth Observation study program, you will learn to understand and analyze the diverse interactions between humans, nature and technology and to map them using modern digital methods. The subject has a strong interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary character and combines content from environmental sciences, computer science, geosciences, geodesy and remote sensing.

During your studies, you will receive a solid basic education in natural sciences and engineering and at the same time learn about modern tools for data acquisition and evaluation - from geostatistical methods and earth observation measurement methods to the use of current AI technologies for analyzing large amounts of data. Applied environmental informatics plays an important bridging role between various geoscientific and environmental science disciplines.

Practical relevance is a top priority in the program: many courses are supplemented by practical exercises and lab courses accompanying the lectures. In addition to a fixed compulsory area, you can set your own focus by choosing a profile. You can choose between the Geodesy and Geoinformatics, Hydrology and Geoecology or Applied Geosciences profiles.

To get your studies off to a good start, you should enjoy scientific issues and modern digital methods. A good foundation in mathematics, an interest in computer science and data analysis, an understanding of physics and careful work are helpful prerequisites.

Program structure

During your studies, you have various subjects, which consist of one or more modules. A module deals with a specific topic and consists of one or more courses. In the module handbook for your degree program, you will find a description of the modules and their subject assignment as well as a study plan. This gives you an orientation as to which courses you should attend in which semester in order to complete your studies within the standard period of study. It takes into account a balanced distribution of courses over the individual semesters. It also ensures that you are first taught the important basics before moving on to more advanced topics. Your individual course of study may differ from this.

The Applied Environmental Informatics and Earth Observation degree program consists of compulsory subjects (142 CP in total), a compulsory elective area with profiles (26 CP) and the bachelor's thesis (12 CP).

The profiles allow you to focus your studies more strongly on the subjects that interest you in particular, even during your bachelor's degree. In the Applied Environmental Informatics and Earth Observation degree program, you can choose between three profiles, whereby the chosen profile can facilitate your direct connection to a suitable master's program at KIT (see below). Each profile has a scope of 26 credit points (CP):

In the compulsory subjects, you will be taught essential basics of the subject area. These are:

• Basics in Mathematics and Physics (32 CP): Here you will immerse yourself in the world of advanced  mathematics and experimental physics, both essential fundamentals for your further studies.
  
• Environmental Informatics (17 CP): This subject includes the basics of geoinformatics, programming for geodesy and an introduction to the structure and application of geoinformation systems (GIS).
• Data Analysis (19 CP): Here you will deal with essential aspects of geodetic data analysis, learn how to deal with big data and machine learning and their respective use in the context of earth observation
  
• Earth Observation and Geodetic Methods (26 CP): Learning about subject-specific methods is a central component of the degree program. In this subject, you will deal with various geosensors, geodetic reference systems, spatial methods and applications of remote sensing.
• Ecology and Environmental Systems (22 CP): Here you will learn the basics of climatology, geomorphology and soil science, biogeography and vegetation science. You will gain an overview of basic ecosystems and gain an insight into quantitative methods of earth system science. Spatial planning issues also play a role in this module.
• Geoscientific Basics (19 CP): You will receive an introduction to engineering geology and hydrogeology and learn methods of geological data evaluation as well as methods for working in the field.
  
• Interdisciplinary Qualifications (7 CP): In this subject, you will learn soft skills that are essential for your studies, such as working techniques in science, self-management, feedback culture, presentation skills and scientific writing. You will also deal with ethical aspects of the discipline.
  

In the compulsory elective area, you can choose between the following profiles (26 CP):

• Profile: Geodesy and Geoinformatics. Here you will immerse yourself in the world of geodesy. You will take part in the geodetic surveying practical course, deepen your knowledge of geoinformatics, learn the basics of adjustment calculation and statistics and learn more about the representation of the earth's body (photogrammetry and computer vision), its figure and its gravity field.
  
• Profile: Hydrology and Geoecology. In this profile, the element of water in all its facets plays the main role. You will learn about aspects of water management and go on a hydrographic excursion. You will learn the basics of geochemistry and get to know the soils of Europe, including how to read and create geological maps.
  
• Profile: Applied Geosciences. This profile allows you to delve deep into the geology of our earth. You will learn the basics of geochemistry, mineralogy and crystallography. You will also learn how to read and create geological maps and profiles as well as geology in the field. Teaching units on earth history and georesources are also part of this profile.
  

The profile you choose is relevant for the compatibility of your bachelor's degree with potential master's degree program. "Compatibility" means that if you choose the corresponding profile, you automatically meet the admission criteria for the appropriate master's degree program and can therefore continue your studies consecutively. It is possible to change subjects when transferring to a master's degree program, but this should be well prepared.

Master's degree programs that are compatible are:

• Geodesy and Geoinformatics M.Sc. (German, transfer without conditions if the Geodesy and Geoinformatics profile was selected)
  
• Remote Sensing and Geoinformatics M.Sc. (English, transfer without conditions if the Geodesy and Geoinformatics profile was selected)
  
• Applied Geosciences M.Sc. (transfer without conditions if the Applied Geosciences profile was selected)
  
• Water Science and Engineering M.Sc. (transfer without conditions if the Hydrology and Geoecology profile was selected)
  

Due to the relevance of the choice of profile for the options in the master's degree, we strongly recommend that you seek advice in the 3rd semester.

Internship

The study program does not include a compulsory internship. You can complete a voluntary internship during your studies. If it serves the objectives of your studies and covers at least half of the lecture period, you can apply for a semester off (leave of absence). Such an internship offers you valuable experience outside the university and can make it easier for you to start your career later on.

Stays abroad

KIT offers a wide range of options for stays abroad, from individual courses to a year abroad. Especially if you are interested in a longer stay abroad, it is advisable to contact the International Students Office or the KIT Department of Civil Engineering, Geo and Environmental Sciences directly to find out about outgoing options at an early stage.

Bachelor's thesis

At the end of your bachelor's degree, you will complete your bachelor's thesis, an academic paper that allows you to apply and deepen the knowledge and skills you have acquired. It usually deals with a specific topic from your field of study and requires independent research, analysis and writing. The bachelor's thesis takes a maximum of 6 months to complete. The bachelor's thesis can also be completed externally, for example in a company. The bachelor's thesis (12 CP) also includes a presentation of your results.

By integrating scientific principles from the environmental sciences with earth observation measurement methods and their engineering and information science evaluation methods, the curriculum of the degree program prepares you for the requirements of the job market, e.g. for activities in:

• consulting offices and agencies in the field of environmental science planning
  

• municipal (environmental) administration
  

• public authority careers (probably from senior civil service) with an environmental focus
  

• environmental departments in large construction and industrial companies
  

Another focus of the training is the preparation for further, in-depth master's programs at KIT. The interdisciplinary approach provides you with a broadly networked specialist knowledge, which you can deepen in the following master's programs in particular:

• Geodesy and Geoinformatics M.Sc. (German)
  

• Remote Sensing and Geoinformatics M.Sc. (English)
  

• Water Science and Engineering M.Sc. (English)
  

• Applied Geosciences M.Sc. (German and English)
  

• Geoecology M.Sc. (German, transition subject to conditions, the academic advisor for Geoecology should be consulted in advance)
  

Characteristic features of Applied Environmental Informatics and Earth Observation B.Sc. at KIT

• interdisciplinary degree program with engineering and natural science foundations, which provides a holistic understanding of environmental processes and their observation and analysis methods
  

• preparation for various advanced master's degree programs
  

• individual options (so-called profiles) within the degree program
  

• high proportion of practical relevance
  

• mentoring program
  

• program-specific study abroad programs
  

• bachelor's thesis also possible in a company or at another KIT Department

• support in organizing your studies from the academic advisor and the Student Advisory Service
  

What KIT has to offer

• central campus close to the city forest and right next to the city center
  
• 24-hour library offering single and group working places
  
• wide range of inexpensive catering options (dining hall, cafeteria, Koeri and Pizzawerk)
  
• numerous interdisciplinary offers for personal and professional development, e.g. Lernlabor, Schreiblabor and Perspektivenlabor
  
• study abroad, e.g. via Erasmus
  
• excellent university sports facilities with a large selection of sports
  
• comprehensive cultural offerings with university orchestras, choirs and theater groups
  
• extensive support for career entry and self-employment
  
• internationally oriented degree programs and diverse exchange programs
  
• modern laboratories and practical teaching methods
  
• Lernraum app
  
• diverse student initiatives, clubs and opportunities to actively participate in campus life
  
• stay in touch after graduation via the alumni network
  

Higher education entrance qualification (HZB)

Germans and persons of equal status to Germans (i.e. EU/EEA nationals and non-EU/EEA nationals with a German higher education entrance qualification) are entitled to study at KIT if they have one of the following qualifications:

1. General higher education entrance qualification (Abitur)
2. (relevant) subject-restricted higher education entrance qualification (not Fachhochschulreife)
3. Delta examination of the University of Mannheim (for holders of a Fachhochschulreife)
4. recognized advanced vocational training (e.g. master craftsperson) or vocational training, professional experience and aptitude test for those with professional qualifications

For further options, see §58 of the "Landeshochschulgesetz" (State Higher Education Act).

Please note: German nationals with a foreign school-leaving qualification must have the relevant "Regierungspräsidium" (regional authority) certify that their qualification is equivalent to the German Abitur.

For non-EU/EEA nationals with a foreign school-leaving certificate (hereinafter also referred to simply as non-EU/EEA nationals), the school-leaving certificate from some countries is recognized as a direct university entrance qualification in Germany. In many cases, however, in addition to the school-leaving certificate, a university entrance examination and/or a successful year of study in the home country and/or the "Feststellungsprüfung" must be proven with valid documents in order to be allowed to study a bachelor's degree in Germany. You can find the country-specific regulations in the DAAD admissions database or on the Anabin website (in German only) of the "Zentralstelle für ausländisches Bildungswesen" (Central Office for Foreign Education). Further information is available from the International Students Office.

Language requirements and certificates

For the bachelor's degree program in Applied Environmental Informatics and Earth Observation, you need sufficient knowledge of the German language, which corresponds to at least level C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

Important: you must provide proof of the required language skills regardless of your citizenship and by the end of the enrollment period at the latest, but preferably at the time of application.

In what form do I have to provide the language certificates? Please read the following chapters on this website carefully. If you have any further questions, please contact

• Students Office if you are applying as a German, German national or a person with German equivalent status
• the International Students Office if you are a non-EU national

Proof of sufficient German language skills

As proof of your German language skills, your higher education or master's entrance qualification (e.g. Abitur, university degree or a professional qualification that entitles you to study) is sufficient if you have acquired it at a German-speaking institution with German as the language of instruction.

In concrete terms, this means that you do not have to submit additional proof of German if you

• have obtained your Abitur at a German-speaking school in Germany or abroad,
• are a graduate of a bilingual secondary school in Germany or abroad and have passed a bilingual German examination, such as the AbiBac or the Gemischtsprachiges International Baccalaureat (GIB) or
• you graduated from a foreign school, but there is another official agreement with the respective country regarding the recognition of your school-leaving certificate or language certificate as proof of language proficiency for university studies in Germany.

A complete list of foreign school-leaving qualifications and language certificates that are recognized as proof of sufficient German language skills can be found on the website of the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs of the Laender (KMK) in the Federal Republic of Germany.

If you have already completed a German-language degree at a German university, this can also count as proof of German language proficiency - but only if the diploma supplement, transcript of records or degree certificate clearly states that German was the sole language of instruction and examination.

If, on the other hand, you did not obtain your higher education or master's entrance qualification at a German-speaking institution with German as the language of instruction, you must provide proof of German language proficiency at least at DSH-2 level. This corresponds to CEFR level C1.

Only the following certificates are accepted in accordance with the KIT admission and enrollment regulations:

• passed German section of the Feststellungspruefung (assessment test)
• passed German language test for university admission (DSH) with overall result DSH-2
• passed Test of German as a Foreign Language (TestDaF) with level 4 in all four parts of the exam
• German Language Diploma of the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs - second level (DSD II)
• Goethe certificate C1 or higher
• passed telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule exam
• Austrian Language Diploma C1 or higher

Note: The above-mentioned tests are accepted as proof of language proficiency for an unlimited period of time, even if the provider specifies an expiration date.

What if I cannot provide suitable C1 proof of German at the time of application?

If you are unable to provide any of the C1 certificates listed above demonstrating your German language skills by the application deadline, you may still be admitted if you can provisionally demonstrate at least B1 language proficiency. Proof of B1 level is provided by a recognized language certificate or other certification from a language or other educational institution that clearly shows that B1 level has been achieved.

But please don't forget: you still have to submit the C1 certificate by the end of your enrollment period at the latest, which is stated in your admission letter.

Therefore, check early on whether you can provide the necessary language certificates by the deadline and, if necessary, plan to take a recognized language test.

In justified cases, you can apply for an extension of the enrollment deadline to provide proof of your language skills, but this extensvion can only be granted up to the day before the start of the lecture period. Please contact the Student Office or the International Students Office - depending on who is named as your point of contact in your letter of admission.

Additional necessary requirements for enrollment

For Germans and those with German equivalent status, an additional necessary requirement for enrollment is proof of participation in a study orientation test (e.g. www.was-studiere-ich.de) or a study orientation consultation in accordance with §7 of the "Landeshochschulgesetz" (State Higher Education Act), e.g. by the Student Advisory Service (ZSB) of KIT. Non-EU/EEA nationals do not have to provide this proof.

Weitere Ansprechpersonen:

• KIT-Fakultät für Bauingenieur-, Geo- und Umweltwissenschaften
• Fachstudienberatung
• Vorsitzender des Prüfungsausschusses
• Informationen zum Auslandsstudium

• all year round Information events of the Student Advisory Service (ZSB) on your desired degree programs, application and admission as well as starting your studies
• Try out KIT - clarify your interests and support your study decision by taking advantage of the diverse summer offers or participating in taster lectures.
• Campus Day: experience the campus live (together with your family) in spring and make your first personal contacts with the departments and their students
• Studieninformationstag: visit KIT on the state-wide study information day in November and experience the lecture hall feeling for the first time
• topMINT: you don't know yet what you want to study and need to bridge the summer? Take advantage of our orientation semester before you start your studies.
• Use our central online portal studienstart.kit.edu with all the important information and services you need to prepare for your studies and your first semester at KIT. Be it preparatory courses, study-related courses or mentoring programs.
• Orientation phase before the start of lectures - from students for students to get to know KIT, your fellow students and your student council. You will receive specific information on this when you enrol.
• You will be welcomed by KIT with a colorful supporting program at the welcome event for first semester students. You will receive the invitation after your enrollment.

Teaching calendar

Course catalog

• Course catalog current term
• Course catalog current term PDF (English)
• Archive of previous catalogs