Master's Programme in Ecology and Biodiversity

This program gives you essential knowledge to understand nature’s complex connections and the relationships between species, their environment and climate. You will learn fundamental aspects of community and evolutionary ecology and have opportunities to develop your research skills in ecology both in the field and the laboratory.

• Programme overview

  The Master’s program in Ecology and Biodiversity includes courses covering the breadth of ecological research, including courses developing your methodological skills. Community ecology, Evolutionary ecology, Conservation biology and Species responses to environmental changes are important aspects of the programme. There is plenty of space within the programme for 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 15 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

  Statistics for biologists II

  Evolutionary Ecology

  Science in Biological Research and Investigation

  Elective courses (spring term)

  Animal Diversity - Vertebrates

  Conservation of populations: project

  Conservation of populations: theory

  Ecological and evolutionary responses to climate change

  Interactions in Ecological Communities: project

  Interactions in Ecological Communities: theory

  Management of Aquatic Resources in the Tropics

  Paleogenetics

  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 (autumn term)

  Animal Diversity - Invertebrates

  Animal Social and Sexual Behaviour

  Marine Ecosystem Dynamics

  Marine Fish Biology and Fisheries

  Marine microbial ecology: from genomes to biomes

  See also Year 1 for elective courses offered spring term.

  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

  • Host preference and performance in two ecotypes of Polygonia c-album
  • It’s getting hot out here: Cerastium fontanum responses to a soil temperature gradient in Hengill, Iceland 
  • Genetic rescue in an inbred arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus) population
  • Large-scale flooding shapes arthropod populations: Disentangling the community responses of spider and beetle assemblages in a wetland ecosystem 

   

• 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 deeper 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 criteria

  Applicants 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 (updated yearly, only latest version accepted).

  Cover letter/Motivation letter
  Note! Must be submitted by the supporting documentation deadline. 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.

  Read our step-by-step guide on how to apply

• 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.

• Contact
  Department of Biology Education

  Student office

  info.big@su.se

  08-16 40 69

  

  • 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)

  Department of Biology Education

  Study counsellor at master's level

  Ann-Christin Lindås

  ann.christin.lindas@su.se

  08-16 19 98

  

  • Visiting address

  • Arrheniuslaboratory, E315c

  • Svante Arrhenius väg 20 C

  • Office hours

  • By request