Study programme
2025-2026
Model path: two year programme
In general, the Oceans & Lakes programme puts strong emphasis on acquiring skills, both in marine and lacustrine research and management. It requires full-time attendance and active participation in lectures and practical exercises, visits to marine research centers, field trips and excursions.
The course programme consists of 6 parts:
1. Foundation courses (for 27 ECTS) with compulsory courses covering disciplines which are considered as essential knowledge for a marine and lacustrine scientist
2. Toolbox professional skills (23 ECTS), including Monsoon School and Internship
3. Toolbox supporting skills (6 ECTS)
4. Toolbox research skills (10 ECTS), including field courses
5. One major (24 ECTS) to choose out of 4 specialisations:
- Major 1: Global Change Impacts on Ecology and Biodiversity
- Major 2: Conservation Biology and Ecosystem Management
- Major 3: Environmental Impact and Remediation
- Major 4: Marine and Lacustrine Geosciences
You can only choose the major 4 'Marine and Lacustrine Geosciences' if you have a Bachelor of Science in Geology!
6. The master thesis stands for 30 ECTS and consists of a a literature review (3 ECTS) and of an individual research project (27 ECTS) related to ongoing research in one of the associated research groups.
An internship period of 3-4 weeks (or 7-8 weeks with the 11 ECTS variant) allows the student to get professional experience in marine and lacustrine related fields. In addition to classes, fieldwork is an essential part of the programme.
Foundation courses - year 1
	You follow all courses from the list below.
You follow these courses in year 1.
Analysis of Biological Data
- Bram Vanschoenwinkel
 
Estuarine and Coastal Systems
- Stijn Temmerman
 - Jean-Philippe Belliard
 - Tom Van der Stocken
 
Fundamental Oceans and Lakes Biology
- Marleen De Troch
 - Han Asard
 - Kristien Brans
 
Oceanography
- Griet Neukermans
 - Natacha Brion
 
Environmental modelling
- Karoline Soetaert
 - Dries Bonte
 
Law and Ethics on Conservation of Aquatic Systems
- An Cliquet
 
- Dirk Verschuren
 - Wim Vyverman
 
Toolbox professional skills - year 1
	You follow all courses from the list below.
You follow these courses in year 1.
Governance and Policy in Development and Cooperation Part I
- N. Koedam
 - Jean Hugé
 - Karolien Van Puyvelde
 
Governance and Policy in Development and Cooperation Part II
- Karolien Van Puyvelde
 - Jean Hugé
 
Seminars: case studies on biodiversity management
- Karolien Van Puyvelde
 
You also choose 3 ECTS from the list below.
Environmental Impact Assessment
- Steven Degraer
 - Vera Van Lancker
 
Science communication
Toolbox professional skills - year 2
	In this module you need to follow 11 ECTS-credits.
The Internship of 11 ECTS is only possible if you don't take up Monsoon School or Summer School.
Monsoon School is mandatory for VLIR-UOS scholars.
You follow these courses in year 2.
Monsoon school
- Jean Hugé
 - Gudrun De Boeck
 - Diana Di Nitto
 - N. Koedam
 - Karolien Van Puyvelde
 
Summer school
- Gudrun De Boeck
 - Jean Hugé
 - Karolien Van Puyvelde
 
Internship 5 ECTS
- Jean Hugé
 - Karolien Van Puyvelde
 
Internship 11 ECTS
- Jean Hugé
 - Karolien Van Puyvelde
 
Toolbox supporting skills - year 1
	From the courses listed below, you must choose 6 ECTS-credits.
You follow these courses in year 1.
Tracer Isotope Biogeochemistry
Applied Geomorphology
- Matthieu Kervyn De Meerendre
 
Introduction to GIS
- Frank Canters
 
Methods of Scientific Diving
- Alain Norro
 - Marc Kochzius
 - Sven Van Haelst
 - Valérie Woit
 
Natural Risk management
- Matthieu Kervyn De Meerendre
 
Toolbox research skills - year 1
	You follow all courses from the list below.
You follow these courses in year 1.
Integrated marine coastal ecology field course
- Marc Kochzius
 - Thimo Groffen
 
In-situ and Remote Sensing Tools in Aquatic Sciences
- Vera Van Lancker
 - - NNB
 
You also choose 3 ECTS from the list below.
Integrated Estuarine field Course
- Natacha Brion
 
Integrated field course at sea
- Jan Vanaverbeke
 - Ann Vanreusel
 
Integrated limnological field course
- Marc De Batist
 - Dirk Verschuren
 - Wim Vyverman
 
Majors
	In year 2, you choose one major out of 4 specialisations, consisting of 24 ECTS of compulsory courses. You can only choose the major 4 'Marine and Lacustrine Geosciences' if you have a Bachelor of Science in Geology!
Major 1 - Global Change Impacts on Ecology and Biodiversity
Aquatic Food Web Ecology
- Marleen De Troch
 
Aquatic Genomics
- Olivier De Clerck
 - Sofie Derycke
 
Aquatic microbial ecology
- Wim Vyverman
 - Koen Sabbe
 - Elie Verleyen
 
Marine Extreme Systems
- Ann Vanreusel
 
Lacustrine Systems
- Wim Vyverman
 - Elie Verleyen
 
	Major 2: Conservation Biology and Ecosystem Management
You follow all courses from the list below and choose one additional free course of 3 ECTS (to be approved by head of exam committee of Oceans and Lakes)
Freshwater Ecology and Management
Integrated Coastal Zone Management
- Farid Dahdouh-Guebas
 
Law of the Sea and Protection of Oceans
- Klaas Willaert
 
Conservation Genetics
- Marc Kochzius
 
Marine Fisheries Management
- Marc Kochzius
 
Major 3: Environmental Impact and Remediation
Ecosystem Based Adaptation to Global Change
Aquatic ecotoxicology and environmental monitoring
- Lieven Bervoets
 - Adrian Covaci
 - Kayawe Valentine Mubiana
 - Victor Wepener
 
Global Change Physiology
Freshwater Ecosystem Functioning
- Jonas Schoelynck
 - Tomasz Okruszko
 - Bart Slootmaekers
 
Integrated Practicals
- Kayawe Valentine Mubiana
 - Lieven Bervoets
 - Gudrun De Boeck
 - Niko Celis
 - Tom Maris
 
	Major 4: Marine and Lacustrine Geosciences
Only accessible for students with a Bachelor of Science in Geology!
Paleoclimatology and Climate Change
- Marc De Batist
 - Dirk Verschuren
 
Advanced sedimentology
- Maarten Van Daele
 - Inka Meyer
 
Integrated offshore exploration
- David Van Rooij
 
Micropaleontology and paleoenvironmental reconstruction
- Stephen Louwye
 
Master thesis
Literature Review
- Karolien Van Puyvelde
 - Bram Vanschoenwinkel
 
Master Thesis
- Karolien Van Puyvelde
 - Bram Vanschoenwinkel
 
2024-2025
Model path: two year programme
In general, the Oceans & Lakes programme puts strong emphasis on acquiring skills, both in marine and lacustrine research and management. It requires full-time attendance and active participation in lectures and practical exercises, visits to marine research centers, field trips and excursions.
The course programme consists of 6 parts:
- Foundation courses (for 27 ECTS) with compulsory courses covering disciplines which are considered as essential knowledge for a marine and lacustrine scientist
- Toolbox professional skills (23 ECTS), including Monsoon School and Internship
- Toolbox supporting skills (6 ECTS)
- Toolbox research skills (10 ECTS), including field courses
- One major (24 ECTS) to choose out of 4 specialisations:
- The master thesis stands for 30 ECTS and consists of a a literature review (3 ECTS), and of an individual research project (27 ECTS) related to ongoing research in one of the associated research groups.
An internship period of 3-4 weeks (or 7-8 weeks with the 11 ECTS variant) allows the student to get professional experience in marine and lacustrine related fields. In addition to classes, fieldwork is an essential part of the programme.
Foundation courses
	From the compulsory courses listed below, students must obtain 27 ECTS-credits.
You follow these courses in year 1.
Fundamental Oceans and Lakes Biology
- Marleen De Troch
 - Han Asard
 - Kristien Brans
 
Oceanography
- Ann Vanreusel
 - Natacha Brion
 
Limnology
- Dirk Verschuren
 - Wim Vyverman
 
Estuarine and Coastal Systems
- Stijn Temmerman
 - Jean-Philippe Belliard
 - Tom Van der Stocken
 
Law and Ethics on Conservation of Aquatic Systems
- An Cliquet
 
Environmental modelling
- Karoline Soetaert
 - Dries Bonte
 
Analysis of Biological Data
- Bram Vanschoenwinkel
 
Toolbox professional skills year 1
You follow these courses in year 1.
Governance and Policy in Development and Cooperation Part I
- N. Koedam
 - Jean Hugé
 - Karolien Van Puyvelde
 
Governance and Policy in Development and Cooperation Part II
- Ann Vanreusel
 - Karolien Van Puyvelde
 
Seminars: case studies on biodiversity management
- Ann Vanreusel
 - Karolien Van Puyvelde
 
Environmental Impact Assessment
- Steven Degraer
 - Vera Van Lancker
 
Electives: choose 3 ECTS
Environmental Impact Assessment
- Steven Degraer
 - Vera Van Lancker
 
Science communication
Toolbox professional skills year 2
	In this module the student needs to follow 11 ECTS-credits.
The Internship of 11 ECTS is only possible if a student does not take up Monsoon School or Summer School.
Monsoon School is mandatory for VLIR-UOS scholars.
Internship 5 ECTS
Internship 11 ECTS
Monsoon school
- Ann Vanreusel
 - Gudrun De Boeck
 - N. Koedam
 - Karolien Van Puyvelde
 
Summer school
- Ann Vanreusel
 - Gudrun De Boeck
 - N. Koedam
 - Karolien Van Puyvelde
 
Toolbox supporting skills
	From the courses listed below students must choose 6 ECTS-credits or they can choose free elective courses (2x3 ECTS or 1x6 ECTS).
Choice must be approved by head of exam commission, prof. Marc Kochzius. When approved, fill out this form: https://form.jotform.com/222663056398362 and attach the approval email to the form (deadline 15 October).
Introduction to GIS
- Frank Canters
 
Methods of Scientific Diving
- Alain Norro
 - Marc Kochzius
 - Sven Van Haelst
 - Valérie Woit
 
Stable Isotope Biogeochemistry
Conservation Genetics
- Marc Kochzius
 
Analysis of Biological Data
- Bram Vanschoenwinkel
 
Applied Geomorphology
- Matthieu Kervyn De Meerendre
 
Natural Risk management
- Matthieu Kervyn De Meerendre
 
Scientific Presentation Skills and Career Planning
- Farid Dahdouh-Guebas
 
Integrated marine coastal ecology field course
- Marc Kochzius
 - Thimo Groffen
 
In-situ and Remote Sensing Tools in Aquatic Sciences
- Vera Van Lancker
 - - NNB
 
Integrated field course at sea
- Jan Vanaverbeke
 - Ann Vanreusel
 
Integrated limnological field course
- Marc De Batist
 - Dirk Verschuren
 - Wim Vyverman
 
Integrated Estuarine field Course
- Natacha Brion
 
Majors
	In year 2, you choose one major, consisting of 24 ECTS-credits compulsory courses. 
You can only choose the major 4 'Marine and Lacustrine Geosciences' if you have a Bachelor of Science in Geology!
Major 1: Global Change Impacts on Ecology and Biodiversity
Aquatic Food Web Ecology
- Marleen De Troch
 
Aquatic microbial ecology
- Wim Vyverman
 - Koen Sabbe
 - Elie Verleyen
 
Major 2: Conservation Biology and Ecosystem Management
Freshwater Ecology and Management
Marine Fisheries Ecology and Management
- Marc Kochzius
 
Law of the Sea and Protection of Oceans
- Klaas Willaert
 
Conservation Genetics
- Marc Kochzius
 
Major 3: Environmental Impact and Remediation
Aquatic ecotoxicology and environmental monitoring
- Lieven Bervoets
 - Adrian Covaci
 - Kayawe Valentine Mubiana
 - Victor Wepener
 
Ecosystem Based Adaptation to Global Change
Global Change Physiology
Integrated Practicals
- Kayawe Valentine Mubiana
 - Lieven Bervoets
 - Gudrun De Boeck
 - Niko Celis
 - Tom Maris
 
Freshwater Ecosystem Functioning
- Jonas Schoelynck
 - Tomasz Okruszko
 
	Major 4: Marine and Lacustrine Geosciences
Please note: it is only possible to follow this major if you have a Bachelor of Science in Geology.'
Advanced sedimentology
- Maarten Van Daele
 - Inka Meyer
 
Paleoclimatology and Climate Change
- Marc De Batist
 - Dirk Verschuren
 
Integrated offshore exploration
- David Van Rooij
 
Micropaleontology and paleoenvironmental reconstruction
- Stephen Louwye
 
Master thesis
Literature Review
- Marc Kochzius
 - Karolien Van Puyvelde
 
Master Thesis
2023-2024
Model path: two year programme
The programme consists of 6 parts:
1. Core courses: 45 ECTS-credits
2. Broadening courses: 12 ECTS-credits
3. Supporting courses: 9 ECTS-credits
4. One major (24 ECTS-credits) to choose of 4 specialisations
5. The master thesis: 30 ECTS-credits
Core courses: compulsory courses + Field courses (choice 1) + choice 2
	In this module the student needs to finish all the compulsory courses.The compulsory courses cover disciplines which are considered as essential knowledge for a marine and lacustrine scientist.
From the compulsory courses listed below, students must obtain 36 ECTS-credits.
From the field courses (Choice1) listed below students must choose 3 ECTS-credits.
From Choice 2: the student can choose the Monsoon School for 6 ECTS-credits or can follow a summer school for 6 ECTS-credits or chooses to follow 6 ECTS-credits from any master programme offered by a Belgian university, (subject to approval by the chairman of the examination board).
Fundamental Oceans and Lakes Biology
- Marleen De Troch
 
Oceanography
- Ann Vanreusel
 - Natacha Brion
 
Limnology
- Dirk Verschuren
 - Wim Vyverman
 
Estuarine and Coastal Systems
- Stijn Temmerman
 - Jean-Philippe Belliard
 - Tom Van der Stocken
 
Law and Ethics on Conservation of Aquatic Systems
- An Cliquet
 
Environmental modelling
- Karoline Soetaert
 - Dries Bonte
 
Analysis of Biological Data
- Bram Vanschoenwinkel
 
Broadening courses (12 ECTS-credits)
	The broadening courses are compulsory.
From the courses listed below, students must obtain 12 ECTS-credits
Governance and Policy in Development and Cooperation Part I
- N. Koedam
 - Jean Hugé
 - Karolien Van Puyvelde
 
Governance and Policy in Development and Cooperation Part II
- Ann Vanreusel
 - Karolien Van Puyvelde
 
Seminars: case studies on biodiversity management
- Ann Vanreusel
 - Karolien Van Puyvelde
 
Environmental Impact Assessment
- Steven Degraer
 - Vera Van Lancker
 
Internship 5 ECTS
Internship 11 ECTS
Monsoon school
- Ann Vanreusel
 - Gudrun De Boeck
 - N. Koedam
 - Karolien Van Puyvelde
 
Summer school
- Ann Vanreusel
 - Gudrun De Boeck
 - N. Koedam
 - Karolien Van Puyvelde
 
Supporting courses (9 ECTS-credits)
	Based on student's background and after approval of the chairman of the examination board students must choose 9 ECTS-credits from the courses listed below. At least the level of 'Advanced Applied Statistics' must be reached.
From the courses listed below, students must obtain 9 ECTS-credits.
Introduction to GIS
- Frank Canters
 
Methods of Scientific Diving
- Alain Norro
 - Marc Kochzius
 - Sven Van Haelst
 
Stable Isotope Biogeochemistry
Conservation Genetics
- Marc Kochzius
 
Analysis of Biological Data
- Bram Vanschoenwinkel
 
Integrated marine coastal ecology field course
- Marc Kochzius
 - Lieven Bervoets
 
In-situ and Remote Sensing Tools in Aquatic Sciences
- Vera Van Lancker
 - - NNB
 
Integrated field course at sea
- Jan Vanaverbeke
 - Ann Vanreusel
 
Integrated limnological field course
- Marc De Batist
 - Dirk Verschuren
 - Wim Vyverman
 
Integrated Estuarine field Course
- Natacha Brion
 
Major Global change impacts on ecology and biodiversity
Non-biologists should follow the supporting course 'Introduction to Marine and Lacustrine Biology' in the first master year. From the courses listed below, students must obtain 24 ECTS-credits.
Aquatic Food Web Ecology
- Marleen De Troch
 
Aquatic Genomics
- Olivier De Clerck
 
Marine Extreme Systems
Lacustrine Systems
Aquatic microbial ecology
- Wim Vyverman
 - Koen Sabbe
 - Elie Verleyen
 
Major Conservation Biology and ecosystem Management
Non-biologists should follow the supporting course 'Introduction to Marine and Lacustrine Biology' in the first master year. From the courses listed below, students must obtain 24 ECTS-credits.
Freshwater Ecology and Management
Marine Fisheries Ecology and Management
- Marc Kochzius
 
Law of the Sea and Protection of Oceans
- Klaas Willaert
 
Conservation Genetics
- Marc Kochzius
 
Major Environmental Impact and Remediation
	Non-biologists should follow the supporting course 'Introduction to Marine and Lacustrine Biology' in the first master year. The Integrated Practicals is part of the second year.
From the courses listed below, students must obtain 24 ECTS- credits.
Aquatic ecotoxicology and environmental monitoring
- Lieven Bervoets
 - Adrian Covaci
 - Kayawe Valentine Mubiana
 - Victor Wepener
 
Ecosystem Based Adaptation to Global Change
Global Change Physiology
Integrated Practicals
- Kayawe Valentine Mubiana
 - Lieven Bervoets
 - Gudrun De Boeck
 - Niko Celis
 - Tom Maris
 
Freshwater Ecosystem Functioning
- - NNB
 - Tomasz Okruszko
 - Jonas Schoelynck
 
Major Marine and Lacustrine Geosciences
	Only available for students with a good geological background, subject to approval by the chairman of the examination board.
From the courses listed below, students must obtain 24 ECTS-credits.
Advanced sedimentology
- Maarten Van Daele
 - Inka Meyer
 
Paleoclimatology and Climate Change
- Marc De Batist
 - Dirk Verschuren
 
Integrated offshore exploration
- David Van Rooij
 
Micropaleontology and paleoenvironmental reconstruction
- Stephen Louwye
 
Master thesis (30 ECTS-credits)
the master thesis stands for 30 ECTS-credits and consists of an individual research project related to ongoing research in one of the associated research groups. Here students choose a subject related to their major.
Literature Review
- Marc Kochzius
 - Karolien Van Puyvelde
 
Master Thesis
2022-2023
Model path: two year programme
The programme consists of 6 parts:
1. Core courses: 45 ECTS-credits
2. Broadening courses: 12 ECTS-credits
3. Supporting courses: 9 ECTS-credits
4. One major (24 ECTS-credits) to choose of 4 specialisations
5. The master thesis: 30 ECTS-credits
Core courses: compulsory courses + Field courses (choice 1) + choice 2
	In this module the student needs to finish all the compulsory courses.The compulsory courses cover disciplines which are considered as essential knowledge for a marine and lacustrine scientist.
From the compulsory courses listed below, students must obtain 36 ECTS-credits.
From the field courses (Choice1) listed below students must choose 3 ECTS-credits.
From Choice 2: the student can choose the Monsoon School for 6 ECTS-credits or can follow a summer school for 6 ECTS-credits or chooses to follow 6 ECTS-credits from any master programme offered by a Belgian university, (subject to approval by the chairman of the examination board).
Oceanography
- Ann Vanreusel
 - Natacha Brion
 
Estuarine and Coastal Systems
- Patrick Meire
 - Stijn Temmerman
 - Tom Ysebaert
 
Law and Ethics on Conservation of Aquatic Systems
- An Cliquet
 
In-situ and Remote Sensing Tools in Aquatic Sciences
- Vera Van Lancker
 - - NNB
 
Environmental modelling
- Karoline Soetaert
 - Dries Bonte
 
Integrated marine coastal ecology field course
- Marc Kochzius
 - Lieven Bervoets
 
Freshwater Ecology
- - NNB
 - Iris Stiers
 
Limnology
- Dirk Verschuren
 - Wim Vyverman
 
Seminars: case studies on biodiversity management
- Ann Vanreusel
 - Karolien Van Puyvelde
 
Integrated field course at sea
- Jan Vanaverbeke
 - Ann Vanreusel
 
Integrated limnological field course
- Marc De Batist
 - Dirk Verschuren
 - Wim Vyverman
 
Integrated Estuarine field Course
- Natacha Brion
 
Monsoon school
- Ann Vanreusel
 - Gudrun De Boeck
 - N. Koedam
 - Karolien Van Puyvelde
 
- Ann Vanreusel
 - Gudrun De Boeck
 - N. Koedam
 - Karolien Van Puyvelde
 
Broadening courses (12 ECTS-credits)
	The broadening courses are compulsory.
From the courses listed below, students must obtain 12 ECTS-credits
Governance and Policy in Development and Cooperation Part I
- N. Koedam
 - Jean Hugé
 - Karolien Van Puyvelde
 
Governance and Policy in Development and Cooperation Part II
- Ann Vanreusel
 - Karolien Van Puyvelde
 
Internship
- Ann Vanreusel
 
Supporting courses (9 ECTS-credits)
	Based on student's background and after approval of the chairman of the examination board students must choose 9 ECTS-credits from the courses listed below. At least the level of 'Advanced Applied Statistics' must be reached.
From the courses listed below, students must obtain 9 ECTS-credits.
Introduction to GIS
- Frank Canters
 
Introduction to data mining
- Marc Elskens
 
Biogeochemistry
- Marc Elskens
 
Data and Information Management
- Tim Deprez
 
Introduction to Marine and Lacustrine Biology
- Marleen De Troch
 
Advanced Applied Statistics
- Ann Vanreusel
 - Koen Sabbe
 
Analysis of Biological Data
- Bram Vanschoenwinkel
 
Conservation Genetics
- Marc Kochzius
 
Stable Isotope Geochemistry
- Steven Goderis
 
Water Quality
- Marc Elskens
 
Applied Geomorphology
- Matthieu Kervyn De Meerendre
 
Natural Risk Management
- Matthieu Kervyn De Meerendre
 
Methods of Scientific Diving
- Alain Norro
 - Marc Kochzius
 - Sven Van Haelst
 
Major Global change impacts on ecology and biodiversity
Non-biologists should follow the supporting course 'Introduction to Marine and Lacustrine Biology' in the first master year. From the courses listed below, students must obtain 24 ECTS-credits.
Marine Genomics
- Sofie Derycke
 - Olivier De Clerck
 
Marine Food Web Ecology
- Marleen De Troch
 
Ecology of Coastal Seas
- Marleen De Troch
 
Lacustrine Systems
- Wim Vyverman
 - Elie Verleyen
 
Aquatic microbial ecology
- Wim Vyverman
 - Koen Sabbe
 - Elie Verleyen
 
Marine Extreme Systems
- Ann Vanreusel
 - David Van Rooij
 
Major Conservation Biology and ecosystem Management
Non-biologists should follow the supporting course 'Introduction to Marine and Lacustrine Biology' in the first master year. From the courses listed below, students must obtain 24 ECTS-credits.
Integrated coastal zone management
- Farid Dahdouh-Guebas
 
Tropical Marine Ecology and Restoration
- N. Koedam
 
Conservation Genetics
- Marc Kochzius
 
Environmental Impact Assessment
- Steven Degraer
 - Vera Van Lancker
 
Law of the Sea and Protection of Oceans
- Klaas Willaert
 
Marine Biodiversity
- Marleen De Troch
 - Marc Kochzius
 
Marine Fisheries Ecology and Management
- Marc Kochzius
 
Major Environmental Impact and Remediation
	Non-biologists should follow the supporting course 'Introduction to Marine and Lacustrine Biology' in the first master year. The Integrated Practicals is part of the second year.
From the courses listed below, students must obtain 24 ECTS- credits.
Environmental Impact Assessment
- Steven Degraer
 - Vera Van Lancker
 
Physiology of Aquatic Organisms
Aquatic ecotoxicology and environmental monitoring
- Lieven Bervoets
 - Adrian Covaci
 - Kayawe Valentine Mubiana
 - Victor Wepener
 
Ecosystem based adaptation to global change
Integrated Practicals
- Kayawe Valentine Mubiana
 - Lieven Bervoets
 - Gudrun De Boeck
 - Niko Celis
 - Tom Maris
 
Major Marine and Lacustrine Geosciences
	Only available for students with a good geological background, subject to approval by the chairman of the examination board.
From the courses listed below, students must obtain 24 ECTS-credits.
Advanced sedimentology
- Maarten Van Daele
 - Inka Meyer
 
Paleobiology of Micro-organisms
- Stephen Louwye
 
Paleoclimatology and Climate Change
- Marc De Batist
 - Dirk Verschuren
 
Integrated offshore exploration
- David Van Rooij
 
Master thesis (30 ECTS-credits)
the master thesis stands for 30 ECTS-credits and consists of an individual research project related to ongoing research in one of the associated research groups. Here students choose a subject related to their major.
Master's thesis
2021-2022
Model path: two year programme
The programme consists of 6 parts:
1. Core courses: 45 ECTS-credits
2. Broadening courses: 12 ECTS-credits
3. Supporting courses: 9 ECTS-credits
4. One major (24 ECTS-credits) to choose of 4 specialisations
5. The master thesis: 30 ECTS-credits
Core courses: compulsory courses + Field courses (choice 1) + choice 2
	In this module the student needs to finish all the compulsory courses.The compulsory courses cover disciplines which are considered as essential knowledge for a marine and lacustrine scientist.
From the compulsory courses listed below, students must obtain 36 ECTS-credits.
From the field courses (Choice1) listed below students must choose 3 ECTS-credits.
From Choice 2: the student can choose the Monsoon School for 6 ECTS-credits or can follow a summer school for 6 ECTS-credits or chooses to follow 6 ECTS-credits from any master programme offered by a Belgian university, (subject to approval by the chairman of the examination board).
Oceanography
- Ann Vanreusel
 
Estuarine and Coastal Systems
- Patrick Meire
 - Stijn Temmerman
 - Tom Ysebaert
 
Law and Ethics on Conservation of Aquatic Systems
- An Cliquet
 
In-situ and Remote Sensing Tools in Aquatic Sciences
- Vera Van Lancker
 - - NNB
 
Environmental modelling
- Karoline Soetaert
 - Dries Bonte
 
Integrated marine coastal ecology field course
- Marc Kochzius
 - Lieven Bervoets
 
River and Lake Ecology
- L. Triest
 
Limnology
- Dirk Verschuren
 - Wim Vyverman
 
Seminars: case studies on biodiversity management
- N. Koedam
 - Karolien Van Puyvelde
 
Integrated field course at sea
- Jan Vanaverbeke
 - Ann Vanreusel
 
Integrated limnological field course
- Marc De Batist
 - Dirk Verschuren
 - Wim Vyverman
 
Integrated Estuarine field Course
- Natacha Brion
 - Karolien Van Puyvelde
 
Monsoon school
- N. Koedam
 - Gudrun De Boeck
 - Karolien Van Puyvelde
 - Ann Vanreusel
 
Broadening courses (12 ECTS-credits)
	The broadening courses are compulsory.
From the courses listed below, students must obtain 12 ECTS-credits
Governance and Policy in Development and Cooperation Part I
- N. Koedam
 
Governance and Policy in Development and Cooperation Part II
- N. Koedam
 
Internship
- Ann Vanreusel
 
Supporting courses (9 ECTS-credits)
	Based on student's background and after approval of the chairman of the examination board students must choose 9 ECTS-credits from the courses listed below. At least the level of 'Advanced Applied Statistics' must be reached.
From the courses listed below, students must obtain 9 ECTS-credits.
Introduction to GIS
- Frank Canters
 
Introduction to data mining
- Marc Elskens
 
Biogeochemistry
- Marc Elskens
 
Data and Information Management
- Tim Deprez
 
Introduction to Marine and Lacustrine Biology
- Marleen De Troch
 
Advanced Applied Statistics
- Ann Vanreusel
 - Koen Sabbe
 
Analysis of Biological Data
- Bram Vanschoenwinkel
 
Conservation Genetics
- L. Triest
 
Stable Isotope Geochemistry
- Steven Goderis
 
Water Quality
- Marc Elskens
 
Applied Geomorphology
- Matthieu Kervyn De Meerendre
 
Natural Risk Management
- Matthieu Kervyn De Meerendre
 
Methods of Scientific Diving
- Alain Norro
 - Marc Kochzius
 - Sven Van Haelst
 
Major Global change impacts on ecology and biodiversity
Non-biologists should follow the supporting course 'Introduction to Marine and Lacustrine Biology' in the first master year. From the courses listed below, students must obtain 24 ECTS-credits.
Marine Genomics
- Sofie Derycke
 - Olivier De Clerck
 
Marine Food Web Ecology
- Marleen De Troch
 
Ecology of Coastal Seas
- Marleen De Troch
 
Lacustrine Systems
- Wim Vyverman
 - Elie Verleyen
 
Aquatic microbial ecology
- Wim Vyverman
 - Koen Sabbe
 - Elie Verleyen
 
Marine Extreme Systems
- Ann Vanreusel
 - David Van Rooij
 
Major Conservation Biology and ecosystem Management
Non-biologists should follow the supporting course 'Introduction to Marine and Lacustrine Biology' in the first master year. From the courses listed below, students must obtain 24 ECTS-credits.
Integrated coastal zone management
- Farid Dahdouh-Guebas
 
Tropical Marine Ecology and Restoration
- N. Koedam
 
Conservation Genetics
- L. Triest
 
Environmental Impact Assessment
- Steven Degraer
 - Vera Van Lancker
 
Law of the Sea and Protection of Oceans
- Klaas Willaert
 
Marine Biodiversity
- Marleen De Troch
 - Marc Kochzius
 
Marine Fisheries Ecology and Management
- Marc Kochzius
 
Major Environmental Impact and Remediation
	Non-biologists should follow the supporting course 'Introduction to Marine and Lacustrine Biology' in the first master year. The Integrated Practicals is part of the second year.
From the courses listed below, students must obtain 24 ECTS- credits.
Environmental Impact Assessment
- Steven Degraer
 - Vera Van Lancker
 
Physiology of Aquatic Organisms
Aquatic ecotoxicology and environmental monitoring
- Lieven Bervoets
 - Adrian Covaci
 - Kayawe Valentine Mubiana
 - Victor Wepener
 
Ecosystem based adaptation to global change
Integrated Practicals
- Kayawe Valentine Mubiana
 - Lieven Bervoets
 - Gudrun De Boeck
 - Niko Celis
 - Tom Maris
 
Global change physiology
- Gudrun De Boeck
 - Han Asard
 - Vyshal Delahaut
 
Major Marine and Lacustrine Geosciences
	Only available for students with a good geological background, subject to approval by the chairman of the examination board.
From the courses listed below, students must obtain 24 ECTS-credits.
Advanced sedimentology
- Maarten Van Daele
 - Inka Meyer
 
Paleobiology of Micro-organisms
- Stephen Louwye
 
Paleoclimatology and Climate Change
- Marc De Batist
 - Dirk Verschuren
 
Integrated offshore exploration
- David Van Rooij
 
Master thesis (30 ECTS-credits)
the master thesis stands for 30 ECTS-credits and consists of an individual research project related to ongoing research in one of the associated research groups. Here students choose a subject related to their major.
Master's thesis
2020-2021
Model path: two year programme
The programme consists of 6 parts:
1. Core courses: 45 ECTS-credits
2. Broadening courses: 12 ECTS-credits
3. Supporting courses: 9 ECTS-credits
4. One major (24 ECTS-credits) to choose of 4 specialisations
5. The master thesis: 30 ECTS-credits
Core courses
	In this module the student needs to finish all the compulsory courses.The compulsory courses cover disciplines which are considered as essential knowledge for a marine and lacustrine scientist.
From the core courses listed below, students must obtain 36 ECTS-credits.
From the field courses (Choice1) listed below students must choose 3 ECTS-credits.
From Choice 2: the student can choose the Monsoon School for 6 ECTS-credits or can follow a summer school for 6 ECTS-credits or chooses to follow 6 ECTS-credits from any master programme offered by a Belgian university, (subject to approval by the chairman of the examination board).
Oceanography
- Ann Vanreusel
 
Estuarine and Coastal Systems
- Patrick Meire
 - Stijn Temmerman
 - Tom Ysebaert
 
Law and Ethics on Conservation of Aquatic Systems
- Hendrik Schoukens
 - An Cliquet
 
In-situ and Remote Sensing Tools in Aquatic Sciences
- Vera Van Lancker
 - - NNB
 
Environmental modelling
- Karoline Soetaert
 - Dries Bonte
 
Integrated marine coastal ecology field course
- Marc Kochzius
 - Lieven Bervoets
 
River and Lake Ecology
- L. Triest
 
Limnology
- Dirk Verschuren
 - Wim Vyverman
 
Seminars: case studies on biodiversity management
- N. Koedam
 - Karolien Van Puyvelde
 
Integrated field course at sea
- Jan Vanaverbeke
 - Ann Vanreusel
 
Integrated limnological field course
- Marc De Batist
 - Dirk Verschuren
 - Wim Vyverman
 
Monsoon school
- N. Koedam
 - Gudrun De Boeck
 - Karolien Van Puyvelde
 - Ann Vanreusel
 
Broadening courses (12 ECTS-credits)
	The broadening courses are compulsory.
From the courses listed below, students must obtain 12 ECTS-credits
Governance and Policy in Development and Cooperation Part I
- N. Koedam
 
Governance and Policy in Development and Cooperation Part II
- N. Koedam
 
Internship
- Ann Vanreusel
 
Supporting courses (9 ECTS-credits)
	Based on student's background and after approval of the chairman of the examination board students must choose 9 ECTS-credits from the courses listed below. At least the level of 'Advanced Applied Statistics' must be reached.
From the courses listed below, students must obtain 9 ECTS-credits.
Introduction to GIS
- Frank Canters
 
Introduction to data mining
- Marc Elskens
 
Biogeochemistry
- Marc Elskens
 
Data and Information Management
- Tim Deprez
 
Introduction to Marine and Lacustrine Biology
- Marleen De Troch
 
Advanced Applied Statistics
- Ann Vanreusel
 - Koen Sabbe
 
Analysis of Biological Data
- Bram Vanschoenwinkel
 
Conservation Genetics
- L. Triest
 
Stable Isotope Geochemistry
- Steven Goderis
 
Water Quality
- Marc Elskens
 
Applied Geomorphology
- Matthieu Kervyn De Meerendre
 
Natural Risk Management
- Matthieu Kervyn De Meerendre
 
Major Global change impacts on ecology and biodiversity
Non-biologists should follow the supporting course 'Introduction to Marine and Lacustrine Biology' in the first master year. From the courses listed below, students must obtain 24 ECTS-credits.
Marine Genomics
- Sofie Derycke
 - Olivier De Clerck
 
Marine Food Web Ecology
- Marleen De Troch
 
Ecology of Coastal Seas
- Marleen De Troch
 
Lacustrine Systems
- Wim Vyverman
 - Elie Verleyen
 
Aquatic microbial ecology
- Wim Vyverman
 - Koen Sabbe
 - Elie Verleyen
 
Marine Extreme Systems
- Ann Vanreusel
 - David Van Rooij
 
Major Conservation Biology and ecosystem Management
Non-biologists should follow the supporting course 'Introduction to Marine and Lacustrine Biology' in the first master year. From the courses listed below, students must obtain 24 ECTS-credits.
Integrated coastal zone management
- Farid Dahdouh-Guebas
 
Tropical Marine Ecology and Restoration
- N. Koedam
 
Conservation Genetics
- L. Triest
 
Environmental Impact Assessment
- Steven Degraer
 - Vera Van Lancker
 
Law of the Sea and Protection of Oceans
- Andrew Serdy
 
Marine Biodiversity
- Marleen De Troch
 - Marc Kochzius
 
Marine Fisheries Ecology and Management
- Marc Kochzius
 
Major Environmental Impact and Remediation
	Non-biologists should follow the supporting course 'Introduction to Marine and Lacustrine Biology' in the first master year. The Integrated Practicals is part of the second year.
From the courses listed below, students must obtain 24 ECTS- credits.
Environmental Impact Assessment
- Steven Degraer
 - Vera Van Lancker
 
Physiology of Aquatic Organisms
Aquatic ecotoxicology and environmental monitoring
- Lieven Bervoets
 - Adrian Covaci
 - Kayawe Valentine Mubiana
 - Victor Wepener
 
Ecosystem based adaptation to global change
Integrated Practicals
- Kayawe Valentine Mubiana
 - Lieven Bervoets
 - Gudrun De Boeck
 - Niko Celis
 - Tom Maris
 
Global change physiology
Major Marine and Lacustrine Geosciences
	Only available for students with a good geological background, subject to approval by the chairman of the examination board.
From the courses listed below, students must obtain 24 ECTS-credits.
Advanced sedimentology
- Maarten Van Daele
 
Paleobiology of Micro-organisms
- Stephen Louwye
 
Paleoclimatology and Climate Change
- Marc De Batist
 - Dirk Verschuren
 
Integrated offshore exploration
- David Van Rooij
 
Master thesis (30 ECTS-credits)
the master thesis stands for 30 ECTS-credits and consists of an individual research project related to ongoing research in one of the associated research groups. Here students choose a subject related to their major.
Master's thesis
2019-2020
Model path: two year programme
The programme consists of 6 parts:
1. Core courses: 45 ECTS-credits
2. Broadening courses: 12 ECTS-credits
3. Supporting courses: 9 ECTS-credits
4. One major (24 ECTS-credits) to choose of 4 specialisations
5. The master thesis: 30 ECTS-credits
Core courses
	In this module the student needs to finish all the compulsory courses.The compulsory courses cover disciplines which are considered as essential knowledge for a marine and lacustrine scientist.
From the core courses listed below, students must obtain 36 ECTS-credits.
From the field courses (Choice1) listed below students must choose 3 ECTS-credits.
From Choice 2: 6 ECTS-credits from the list below or students can choose to follow a summer school for 6 ECTS-credits or to follow 6 ECTS-credits from any master programme offered by a Belgian university, (subject to approval by the chairman of the examination board).
Oceanography
- Ann Vanreusel
 
Estuarine and Coastal Systems
- Patrick Meire
 - Stijn Temmerman
 - Tom Ysebaert
 
Law and Ethics on Conservation of Aquatic Systems
- An Cliquet
 
In-situ and Remote Sensing Tools in Aquatic Sciences
- Vera Van Lancker
 - - NNB
 
Environmental modelling
- Karoline Soetaert
 - Dries Bonte
 
Integrated marine coastal ecology field course
- Marc Kochzius
 - Lieven Bervoets
 
River and Lake Ecology
- L. Triest
 
Limnology
- Wim Vyverman
 - Dirk Verschuren
 
Seminars: case studies on biodiversity management
- N. Koedam
 - Karolien Van Puyvelde
 
Integrated field course at sea
- Jan Vanaverbeke
 - Ann Vanreusel
 
Integrated limnological field course
- Maarten Van Daele
 - Wim Vyverman
 
Monsoon school
- N. Koedam
 - Gudrun De Boeck
 - Karolien Van Puyvelde
 - Ann Vanreusel
 
Broadening courses (12 ECTS-credits)
	The broadening courses are compulsory.
From the courses listed below, students must obtain 12 ECTS-credits
Governance and Policy in Development and Cooperation Part I
- N. Koedam
 
Governance and Policy in Development and Cooperation Part II
- N. Koedam
 
Internship
- Ann Vanreusel
 
Supporting courses (9 ECTS-credits)
	Based on student's background and after approval of the chairman of the examination board students must choose 9 ECTS-credits from the courses listed below. At least the level of 'Advanced Applied Statistics' must be reached.
From the courses listed below, students must obtain 9 ECTS-credits.
Geographic Information Systems
- Frank Canters
 
Introduction to data mining
- Marc Elskens
 
Biogeochemistry
- Marc Elskens
 
Data and Information Management
- Tim Deprez
 
Introduction to Marine and Lacustrine Biology
- Marleen De Troch
 
Advanced Applied Statistics
- Ann Vanreusel
 - Koen Sabbe
 
Analysis of Biological Data
- Bram Vanschoenwinkel
 
Conservation Genetics of Aquatic Populations
- L. Triest
 
Stable Isotope Geochemistry
- Steven Goderis
 
Major Global change impacts on ecology and biodiversity
Non-biologists should follow the supporting course 'Introduction to Marine and Lacustrine Biology' in the first master year. From the courses listed below, students must obtain 24 ECTS-credits.
Marine Genomics
- Sofie Derycke
 - Olivier De Clerck
 
Marine Food Web Ecology
- Marleen De Troch
 - Olivier De Clerck
 
Ecology of Coastal Seas
- Marleen De Troch
 
Lacustrine Systems
- Wim Vyverman
 - Elie Verleyen
 
Microbial Ecology
- Wim Vyverman
 - Koen Sabbe
 - Elie Verleyen
 
Marine Extreme Systems
- Ann Vanreusel
 - David Van Rooij
 
Major Conservation Biology and ecosystem Management
Non-biologists should follow the supporting course 'Introduction to Marine and Lacustrine Biology' in the first master year. From the courses listed below, students must obtain 24 ECTS-credits.
Integrated coastal zone management
- Farid Dahdouh-Guebas
 
Tropical Marine Ecology and Restoration
- N. Koedam
 
Conservation Genetics of Aquatic Populations
- L. Triest
 
Environmental Impact Assessment
- Steven Degraer
 - Vera Van Lancker
 
Law of the Sea and Protection of Oceans
- Frank Maes
 
Marine Biodiversity
- Marleen De Troch
 - Marc Kochzius
 
Marine Fisheries: ecology and management
- Marc Kochzius
 
Major Environmental Impact and Remediation
	Non-biologists should follow the supporting course 'Introduction to Marine and Lacustrine Biology' in the first master year. The Integrated Practicals is part of the second year.
From the courses listed below, students must obtain 24 ECTS- credits.
Environmental Impact Assessment
- Steven Degraer
 - Vera Van Lancker
 
Physiology of Aquatic Organisms
Aquatic ecotoxicology and environmental monitoring
- Lieven Bervoets
 - Adrian Covaci
 - Kayawe Valentine Mubiana
 - Victor Wepener
 
Ecosystem based adaptation to global change
Integrated Practicals
- Kayawe Valentine Mubiana
 - Lieven Bervoets
 - Gudrun De Boeck
 - Niko Celis
 - Tom Maris
 
Major Marine and Lacustrine Geosciences
	Only available for students with a good geological background, subject to approval by the chairman of the examination board.
From the courses listed below, students must obtain 24 ECTS-credits.
Advanced sedimentology
- Sébastien Bertrand
 
Paleobiology of Micro-organisms
- Stephen Louwye
 
Paleoclimatology and Climate Change
- Dirk Verschuren
 - Marc De Batist
 
Integrated offshore exploration
- David Van Rooij
 
Master thesis (30 ECTS-credits)
the master thesis stands for 30 ECTS-credits and consists of an individual research project related to ongoing research in one of the associated research groups. Here students choose a subject related to their major.