Hydrobiology studies the diversity, structure and dynamics of aquatic fauna and flora and the biological processes in water-bodies. Applied hydrobiology focuses on the practical side: management and restoration of water-bodies, aquatic monitoring and the management of aquatic systems in the broader sense of the word.
This speciality aims to teach both scientist and specialists-practitioners. The Centre for Limnology, situated right on the eastern shores of Lake Võrtsjärv, provides the best facilities for concentrating on applied hydrobiology.
Students participate in field trips, gather samples, do scientific experiments and analyse their results. Students get acquainted with different fields of research: surveys of aquatic fauna and flora, different methods of biomonitoring, ecology of Lake Peipsi, Lake Võrtsjärv as well as small water-bodies and flowing waters, nature protection, toxicology, management of water-bodies, fisheries, etc.
Practical training and field trips to different places of Estonia – Lake Peipsi, Võrtsjärv, River Emajõgi and to many other small lakes and rivers – is a must.

What do the students learn?

• water organisms and their ecology;
• environmental physics and chemistry, toxicology;
• marine science, hydrology;
• foreign languages, communication psychology, philosophy;
• Estonian flora and fauna and their ecology;
• environmental policy and environmental management environmental protection;
• foundation of economics and law;
• statistical data analysis;
• different methods of aquatic research.