Human-Environment Interactions
Within the specialisation Human-Environment Interactions you can choose among several courses and two different thesis tracks.
More about the specialisation
Are you aware that us humans and our activities are an integral component of the climate system? We do not only drive climate change but are also affected by them. In the specialisation Human-Environment Interactions, students learn to understand these human-environment interactions and determine the trends, impacts and possible solutions to mitigate the impact they have on the earth’s climate.
To understand these human-environment interactions, we need knowledge of the biophysical and the societal processes that are involved in climate change. But we also need the knowledge of their interactions, e.g., feedbacks, trade-offs and synergies. To enhance such understanding, many dimensions and dynamic processes have to be integrated and quantified into consistent scenarios for the future.
With this knowledge, students research questions like:
- How effective and acceptable are nature-based adaptation and mitigation options?
- Can we transform uncertainties in scenarios in decision-making processes?
- How can we integrate climate policies with other sustainable development goals?
Students in this specialisation are interested in the framing, concepts and tools that are used in the natural, social, behavioural and engineering sciences concerning human-environment interactions and climate change.
Student can learn more about the education and research related to this specialisation by visiting the website of the Environmental Systems Analysis Group and Water Systems and Global Change Group.
The following subjects are part of the MSc programme Climate Studies when selecting the specialisation Human-Environment Interactions. Next to these thesis specific courses, you will follow courses from the common part and electives as summarised in the programme outline. For more information visit the study handbook or contact the study adviser.
Specialisation-related subjects
Compulsory
Restricted Optional: Select (at least) one*
| Subject | Code |
|---|---|
| Biogeochemical Cycles and Climate Change Mitigation | SOC36306 |
| Climate governance | ENP36306 |
Restricted Optional: Select (at least) two*
| Subject | Code |
|---|---|
| Environmental Systems Analysis: Methods and Applications | ESA22806 |
| Integrated Water Management | WSG33806 |
| Modelling Future Water Stress | WSG35306 |
| Environmental Assessments of Nutrient and Pollution Management | ESA31806 |
| Engaging and Modelling with Stakeholders | ESA32306 |
| Climate Change Adaptation in Water Management | WSG34806 |
| Regional Environmental Management | ESA31306 |
Restricted Optional: Select one
| Subject | Code |
|---|---|
| MSc Thesis Environmental Systems Analysis | ESA80436 |
| MSc Thesis Water Systems and Global Change | WSG80436 |
*To be selected in consultation with your study adviser and in preparation for your thesis subject.
In order to prepare well for your thesis track, you can additionally choose supporting courses. These courses focus, for example on quantitative and data sciences. You can find the exact list in the study handbook at the section "Restricted Optionals (2) in Common part".
This course overview is based on the Wageningen University study handbook, where you can find a more detailed course and programme description. The study handbook is guiding in case of any discrepancy.
Below you can see an example how your schedule can look like when following this specialisation:
