TrafU
Transformative Environmental Research
With the new STEM specialisation Transformative Environmental Research (TrafU) in the Master's programme in Geography, we are creating a future-oriented integration of Geoinformatics, Physical Geography, and transformative competencies – also known as future skills.
Objective
TrafU provides a robust STEM foundation and equips students for the demands of professional careers in both research and applied fields. The specialisation includes both existing and newly developed courses on topics such as Earth and environmental monitoring, as well as climate and environmental change, and is distinguished by its strong linkage between theory and practice. The new qualification profile also embraces inter- and transdisciplinary approaches, for instance, by addressing socio-economic dimensions and incorporating perspectives from business, government, and civil society. A key component of the project is the development of freely accessible digital learning materials as Open Educational Resources (OER), which can also be used in other STEM programmes to support the implementation of transformative approaches.
TrafU Videos
An insight into the research conducted by the working groups at the Institute of Geography at Heidelberg University, and at HeiGIT gGmbH.
Credits: The videos were produced by Onkel Lina GbR in the context of the Transformative Environmental Research (TrafU) project in which the new STEM specialization with the same name is created in Geography's Master's program at Heidelberg University. The project is funded by the Ministry of Science, Research and Arts Baden-Württemberg. Program: Attraktives MINT-Studium; Förderlinie Curriculumentwicklung
Digital Learning Material
What to expect from the digital learning material
Transformative Environmental Research (TrafU) Specialization in the Masters of Science Geography program
If a student earns more than 60 CP within a defined specialization in the master’s program in Geography (Master of Science, 100%), they may apply to have a corresponding notation added to their transcript and master’s diploma. It is mandatory that the master’s thesis is in thematic alignment with the requested specialization, and participation in the small research group within the specialization is recommended.
For information on the structure and the obligatory coursework as prerequisites for applying for the Transformative Environmental Research (TrafU) specialization, please refer to the document available for download on this page. At this time, the document is available only in German.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the head of the specialization, Dr. Nicole Aeschbach, at any time.
Information on the structure and required course work for the TrafU specialization
Funding
Funded by the Ministry of Science, Research and Arts Baden-Württemberg
Program: Attraktives MINT-Studium
