The general aim of the training programme "Master of Sciences in Physical Land Resources" is to form experts who can must be able to answer questions such as "what is a soil" and "how was the soil formed and how will it evolve"; "what factors and properties determine soil quality for both agricultural and non-agricultural goals and how are these established"; "how can the soil be improved for specific applications"; "how to handle soil degradation and desertification"; "how to manage and protect the soil"; "what is the impact of the soil on the dynamics of natural ecosystems and how can these data be applied in nature management", "what does the soil teach us about environmental issues"; "how can the soil-water management be improved, considering sustainable agriculture"; how can poor water supplies be used more efficiently".