The Masters in Infrastructure Planning is a two year post-graduate course open to civil engineers, architects and town planners from developing or threshold countries. The course is designed to promote knowledge and skills for practical planning of infrastructure projects, taking into account socio-economic viability and ecological compatibility.

During each of the first three semesters students are required to take the core course: Ecological Aspects of Planning. (Course Outline)

The MSc in Water Resources Engineering and Management is open to both German and foreign students with a first degree or pre-Diplom qualification in civil engineering or other relevant subject. The course offers an integrated approach to hydro-engineering and management in which students have the option to take the courses in ecological aspects of planning. (Course Outline)

Ecological Aspects of Planning I:
Aims to provide an introduction to environmental factors, such as geology, soils, groundwater, surface water, climate and biodiversity and the methods used to transform basic ecological data into planning criteria. The topics are discussed using case studies from different countries (climatic zones), urban and rural areas and at different planning levels.

Ecological Aspects of Planning II:
Discusses the potential and actual impacts of current land use systems on environmental factors. Sectoral environmental factors and interactions in ecosystems are also investigated and compared with integrated evaluation ecosystem approaches as methods of impact analysis and priority analysis. Tools and methods used for predicting future situations and for measuring alternatives are discussed. An introduction to the implementation of responsibilities in the planning procedures of different countries and at various levels and sectors are also presented.

Ecological Aspects of Planning III:
Focusses on the process of Environmental Impact Assessment as a means to identify, describe and assess the direct and indirect effects of a project on the environment, on material assets and the cultural heritage. Case studies, such as "Locating a solid waste plant" or "Evaluating the impacts of a high speed train in the Swabian Jura", are discussed and evaluated.

Ecological Aspects of Planning IV:
Students have the option to take an elective in which they have the opportunity to write an independent report on an aspect of environmental planning. This often forms the basis of their future Master thesis.