ECT+ EMJMD has been designed as a Research Master, with students expected to continue on into a PhD programme. However, particular attention is paid to providing a sufficiently applied background, such that students can apply directly for employment, having completed the MSc. In view of the needs analysis and future career prospects (both academic and non-academic), the learning outcomes prepare students to undertake integrated, multidisciplinary research. ECT+EMJMD graduates will be able to integrate into multidisciplinary teams; contributing expertise in a given environmental discipline or at the overlap of distinct disciplines within the field. Students must be able to communicate with environmental scientists and technologists of diverse expertise, facilitate communication between co-workers (e.g. lawyers, civil engineers and ecotoxicologists) and promote synergies. They must be able to accomplish transverse research (from nm/µm scale to km phenomena/data; from sec/min scale to decades). The general learning outcomes are summarised below. Details on specific competences and skills, corresponding to the diverse components of the coursework and research, are given in the Module Description Book.

Competences. Having completed successfully the ECT+ EMJMD programme, the student will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of a wide range of topics:

  • Fundamentals of pollution and its biological consequences with the viewpoint of core disciplines (e.g. Biogeochemistry, Environ. Analytical Chemistry, Toxicology, Ecotoxicology, Ecology, Risk Assessment).
  • Main processes of chemical pollution and its biological consequences at different temporal and spatial scales.
  • The terminology, nomenclature and classification systems used in environmental sciences.
  • Theory, practice, acquisition, analysis and interpretation of data, across a range of environmental applications.
  • The value and need for multi-disciplinary approaches in advancing knowledge.
  • Application of chemical and biological knowledge to contribute to sustainable environmental management
  • Wide selection of cutting-edge research topics, together with specialised techniques used to investigate them.

Subject specific skills. Having completed successfully the ECT+ EMJMD programme, the student will be able to put into practice the following subject specific skills:

  • Understanding scientific processes.
  • Recognise and use of theories, paradigms, concepts and principles to design and undertake primary research in environmental contamination and toxicology.
  • Critically analyse, synthesise, interpret and summarise complex scientific information.
  • Collect, record, and analyse chemical and biological data of environmental significance (field/lab), using state-of-the-art techniques and equipment.
  • Read, use and reference the published work of others, in an appropriate manner.

General and transferable skills. Having completed successfully the ECT+ EMJMD programme, the student will possess various general and transferable skills:

  • Apply and further develop computing, statistical and mathematical skills.
  • Appreciate statistical issues of sampling and data recording and analysis in the field and in the laboratory.
  • Prepare, process and present data, using appropriate qualitative and quantitative techniques and computer software packages, and solve numerical problems using computer and non-computer-based techniques.
  • Develop, where appropriate, advanced skills in computer programming.
  • Collect and integrate several lines of evidence, to formulate and test hypotheses.
  • Apply knowledge and understanding, to address familiar and unfamiliar problems.
  • Design, implement and report on scientific research projects, including a major research project at the forefront of knowledge in environmental contamination and toxicology.
  • Undertake field and laboratory investigations in a responsible and safe manner, paying due attention to risk assessment, rights of access, relevant health and safety regulations and sensitivity to the impact of investigations on the environment and stakeholders.
  • Critically use the Internet as a mean of communication and data dissemination, and as a source of information.
  • Identify individual and collective goals, take responsibilities and perform in an appropriate manner.
  • Recognise and respect the views of other team members.
  • Evaluate performance as an individual and as a team member.
  • Understand the roles of individuals in teams and how individuals learn in team groups.
  • Continue to develop the skills necessary for self-managed and life-long learning.
  • Identify and work towards targets for personal, academic and career development.
  • Develop an adaptable and flexible approach to study and work.
  • Appreciate ethical issues in science research.

Soft skills. Having completed successfully the ECT+ EMJMD programme, the student will acquire diverse soft skills:

  • Use of English as lingua franca in science but recognise worldwide diversity in the use of English, which will enhance her/his communication skills
  • Be aware that other languages are used in Europe and recognise the value of cultural diversity; as such will be able to enhance language proficiency in some of them: e.g., French, Norwegian, Portuguese, Spanish and Basque language courses (mainly introductory) are offered in parallel to the ECT+ EMJMD programme
  • Be aware of cultural diversity (both at European level, through mobility amongst Partners, and at worldwide level, through being exposed to a multicultural international atmosphere with classmates and visiting scholars)
  • Respect to gender equality by experiencing study and working activities with mates of both sexes and distinctsexual conditions.
  • Identify themselves as open- minded citizens of the world.