Prospective Students

What makes an IPCS student?

Holistic understanding of climate change, environmental issues, and sustainable development

Climate change and other complex global environmental issues are related to nearly every industry and discipline. IPCS students, regardless of background, have a comprehensive understanding of the anthropogenic causes and widespread impacts of climate change, and recognize its relevance to their respective fields. They are highly interested in researching environmental issues in a variety of contexts, understanding that effective solutions towards sustainable development must involve multiple sectors and stakeholders.

Diverse academic and cultural backgrounds

IPCS students are atmospheric scientists, marine biologists, social scientists, entomologists,  geoscientists, engineers, political scientists, coders, artists, and many more. They come from many different countries and cultures, bringing a wide range of perspectives and experiences. Since 2016 we have about 66 students from 12 countries.

Practical experience in various relevant fields

Prior or current work experience is important for IPCS students to develop the perspectives that inform their research. Many of our students have been or are simultaneously working professionals in environmental, industrial, or governmental fields. Even full-time students, whether in the Academic or Practical Track, typically do internships or become research assistants during the program in order to immerse themselves in their respective fields.

Skilled communicators, presenters, and collaborators

Although environmental issues are based on complex scientific studies, they are primarily public issues, and thus it is crucial for all IPCS students to be clear communicators of their research. Being in an interdisciplinary program, they must be able to present information in a way that is understandable to non-experts. Furthermore, IPCS students collaborate on many projects throughout the program, so they must be good leaders, team players, and listeners.

Well-rounded, respectful individuals

IPCS students are deeply interested in the world around them. Outside of the classroom, many students are involved in activism, community activities, sports, and creative hobbies. They are constantly learning together with their peers, whether it be new languages, new skills such as scuba diving, and new cultural and social experiences in Taiwan’s dynamic environment. They are respectful and kind to one another and to the environment, and are always willing to help out where needed.

Academic disciplines

Current students in IPCS can be divided into these three fields, and the following introduction will focus on them, but we also welcome students outside these three fields!

Methods

In this part, some specific methods will be introduced and corresponded to related fields.

You can take this introduction as a reference, or if you still have some questions about the method, you can contact us by email.

Laboratory sciences

The environment where observations are usually made in the laboratory, such as controlling the temperature to simulate possible warming situations under climate change, and observe changes in biological behavior.

Thesis example from IPCS student: Link

Data and model sciences

This method usually uses the numerical model composed of physical processes and parameters, and design experiments to simulate more complex scientific problems.

For example, using atmospheric numerical models to simulate changes in atmospheric circulation after deforestation.

In addition, we will also use computer programs to do statistical calculations through different data to find possible trends.

Thesis example from IPCS student: Link

Field sciences

For earth sciences and life sciences, environmental monitoring instruments are most often used to measure variables such as humidity and temperature to confirm the impact of the environment.

In social sciences, it usually visit individual case to obtain information about individual cases, or do field investigations to understand the trends and changes in the society.

Thesis example from IPCS student: Link


IPCS International Degree Program in Climate Change and Sustainable Development Admissions Brochure (2021)