Master's Programme in Transdisciplinary Studies of Climate, Environment and Energy, STUDY TRACK in Global Change Biology
What role does biodiversity play in addressing the global challenges of environmental change?
Global Change Biology examines the intricate relationships between biodiversity, ecosystems functioning, and environmental change. It delves into the evolutionary history of ecosystems, the impacts of human activity, and strategies for conserving biodiversity in the face of global pressures. This track is designed for students passionate about ecological research and biodiversity conservation, with a focus on global change.
This study track is one of nine available. To learn more about all the study tracks, visit: Master’s Programme in Transdisciplinary Studies of Climate, Environment and Energy
What to expect
This programme offers:
- Ecological insights: Understanding biotic and abiotic interactions and their historical evolution.
- Research skills: Training in biodiversity assessment, statistical modelling, and fieldwork.
- Conservation strategies: Developing approaches to mitigate and adapt to biodiversity loss.
Key modules include Plant Paleoecology, Conservation Strategies, and Applied Micropalaeontology. Field studies and project-based learning are integral.
Participating universities
This track is delivered through a collaboration among:
- Stockholm University (SU, Sweden): Laying the foundation with a transdisciplinary perspective on climate, energy, and environment
- Sapienza University of Rome (SUR, Italy): Specialising in paleoecology and forest resource conservation.
- Aix-Marseille University (AMU, France): Offering expertise in applied ecological research and analysis.
With this programme, students will gain the knowledge and skills to contribute to biodiversity conservation and ecosystem management globally.
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Programme overview
The Master's Programme in Transdisciplinary Studies of Climate, Environment and Energy (TRACEE programme) is a two-year Master's Programme, meaning 4 semesters and totally 120 ECTS.
After the first common semester you continue on your selected study track. Students choose from nine specialised tracks (60 ECTS) offered across the 11 CIVIS member universities. Read more about the programme and all the nine study tracks on the main programme page here. This page describes track 9 out of 9.
In the study track in Global Change Biology students will be prepared through a combination of scientific theory and practical, field-based skills to address complex environmental challenges using cutting-edge methods in biodiversity conservation and ecological analysis. Students will gain a well-rounded skill set in ecological research, statistical modelling, and project management, blending rigorous scientific training with hands-on experience.
Successful students will be awarded multiple or joint degrees from the partner universities (SU, SUR, AMU).
Semester 1, Stockholm University (SU)
In your first semester at Stockholm University, you’ll develop foundational skills through the course Climate, Energy, and Environment – a Transdisciplinary Perspective (30 ECTS). Read more on the course page.
Semester 2, Sapienza University of Rome (SUR)- Global Change Biology (6 ECTS)
- Conservation of Forest Resources (6 ECTS)
- Plant Paleoecology and Evolution (6 ECTS)
- Micropaleontology Applied to Climate Change (6 ECTS)
- Chemiometrics (6 ECTS)
Semester 3, Aix-Marseille University (AMU)
- Biogeography: Past and Present (3 ECTS)
- Biotic Interactions (3 ECTS)
- Ecosystems Functioning: Global Changes and Ecosystem Services (6 ECTS)
- Sampling Strategies and Statistical Modelling of Ecological Systems (3 ECTS)
- Statistical Modelling for Functional and Spatial Ecology (3 ECTS)
- Implementing the Scientific Approach: Collaborative Field Schools (6 ECTS)
- Expert Approach to Ecology (3 ECTS)
- Conditionally Elective course, Professional Tools (1 among 2, 3 ECTS):
- Science Workshop: From State of the Art to Mediation
- Setting Up Projects – Public Procurement - Entrepreneurship
Semester 4, Master Thesis at SU, SUR or AMU
The fourth and last semester is dedicated to the Master's thesis project (30 ECTS). It is registered at SU, SUR or AMU.
Continuous transdisciplinary stream
An extra-curricular transdisciplinary stream runs through the entire programme. The stream will be offered on site during the first semester in Stockholm, and thereafter online. The purpose of the stream is to engage students in learning about transdisciplinarity, and offer support and checkpoints for development of independent projects. It also offers a meeting point for the whole student group throughout the programme.
Ready to start your journey? Download the TRACEE handbook and prepare your application today!
-> Download the handbook (link available soon) -
How to apply
Application is done through universityadmissions.se.
Entry requirement: The Study Track 9 targets students with a Bachelor’s degree in Natural Science or equivalent, especially those specialised in Biology.Please note that you need to apply to a specific study track within the Master's programme (you can apply to several tracks but have to rank your choices as you will be admitted to only one). Read about all the study tracks at the programme page.
Participation cost for the programme:
- EU/EEA/Switzerland students: €9000 for the full programme (€2250/semester)
- Non-EU/EEA/Switzerland students: €18,000/year for the full programme (€4500/semester)
This is the participation cost for the Master's Programme, regardless of chosen study track. The cost is tailored by the uniqe collaboration that is the CIVIS alliance.
Please note that the information regarding Stockholm University tuition fee does not apply here (nor does the link "More information on tuition fees"). -
Contact
FAQ
We have collected the most common questions students have about the TRACEE Master Programme and the answers to them on this site:
Study Coordinators
Couldn't find the answer to your question?
For questions about the TRACEE master programme, please contact our study coordinators.
Email: tracee@aces.su.se
