Master's Programme in Ecology and Biodiversity
This programme will give you essential knowledge to understand nature’s complex connections and the relationships between species, their environment and climate. Evolutionary ecology and experimental design are important aspects of a programme where you will have opportunities to study empirical ecology in both the field and laboratory.
Reasons to choose a Master in Ecology and Biodiversity
- Increasingly seminar based teaching provides many opportunities for interaction and discussions
- Broad training integrating evolutionary theory with experimental and analytical skills
- Flexibility to shape your studies to your own interests and career aspirations
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Programme overview
The Master’s program in Ecology and Biodiversity includes courses covering Evolutionary Ecology, Biodiversity, Experimental Design, and Science in Biological Research and Investigation. There is plenty of space within the programme to allow you to choose from a selection of additional elective and optional courses so you can pursue a programme adapted to your chosen interests and career aims.
You are required to choose 7.5 credits of courses from the list of elective courses (updated each year). You can also include at least 15 credits of optional courses, these can be in other subjects.
Year 1
Compulsory courses
Biodiversity: Patterns and Processes
Science in Biological Research and Investigation
Elective courses
Animal Diversity - Vertebrates
Ecological and evolutionary responses to climatic variation
Interactions in Ecological Communities
Management of Aquatic Resources in the Tropics
Plant diversity and evolution - a global perspective
Year 2
Compulsory courses
Degree project in Ecology and Biodiversity
(instructions apply for all degree projects at the department)Elective courses
Animal Diversity - Invertebrates
Marine microbial ecology: from genomes to biomes
Animal Social and Sexual Behaviour
Independent project
Degree projects are carried out within ongoing research projects at either the Department of Zoology or Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences. It is also possible to conduct the degree project externally, at a research institute, organisation or company.
Recent degree projects
- Screening for the amphibian Chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis in southern Swedish amphibian populations
- Effectiveness of buffer strips for the protection of vascular flora in riparian areas in Boreal forests of Central Sweden
- Genetic rescue in an inbred arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus) population
- Habitat suitability as a predictor for occurrence of the saproxylic beetles Osmoderma eremita and Elater ferrugineus
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How to apply
The Master's programme in Ecology and Biodiversity is only open for application in the first round, with deadline for applications in mid-January.
The Ecology and Biodiversity programme requires a solid background in Biology, and a deaper understanding in Ecology and/or Evolution. Specifically we expect the equivalent of a Bachelor in Biology, including Ecology or Evolution with at least some continuation/in-depth courses building on previous studies in the subject.
Selection process
Additional eligibility criteriaApplicants that meet the eligibility requirements are ranked based on their merit rating. Only students with the highest merit ratings are selected for our programmes. The merit rating is based on the following four selection criteria, with equal weight:
- relevance of previous studies in relation to the programme
- grades of academic courses
- motivation letter
- research ideas
Required supporting documentation
To submit your motivation letter and research ideas you must use our cover letter form. Note! Must be submitd by the supporting documentation deadline.
Cover letter/Motivation letter
The form is only available during the application period, up to the supporting documentation deadline.Recommendation letters and CVs are neither required, nor concidered if included.
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Career opportunities
A Master’s degree in Ecology and Biodiversity opens up many career possibilities within academia or the public sector. On completion of this programme you will be eligible to apply for PhD studies. The programme gives a sound background for work concerning conservation and ecology, in for example, forestry and agriculture, fishing and hunting or within administrative authorities working with nature conservation issues.
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Contact
Student office- Visiting address
Arrheniuslaboratory, E315
Svante Arrhenius väg 20C
- Office hours
Mon-Wed: 10.00-15.00 (lunch 12.30-13.30)
Thur-Fri: 10.00-12.30
- Irregular office hours
Summer opening hours
June 27th - August 19th
10.00 - 12.00 Monday- Thursday (closed Fridays)
Study counsellor at master's level
- Visiting address
Arrheniuslaboratory, E315c
Svante Arrhenius väg 20 C
- Office hours
By request
