Master's Programme in Ethology
This programme offers you a solid grounding in ethology as well as deeper insight into the latest research in the subject. The evolution, genetics and function of behaviour form the foundation. You will gain skills and experience in research methods and analytical techniques, which open up a wide variety of career possibilities.
You will study how animals communicate and solve conflicts, the social structure of animal communities, pair formation and reproduction in animals, and how competition and co-operation can develop. How behaviour develops during the life of the individual and how learning and experience influence patterns of behaviour is discussed. Moreover, the genetic background, evolution (both at the micro- and macroevolutionary scale) and function of behaviour are discussed. Knowledge of ethology is important in many fields of biology. These fields include ecology, evolutionary biology, neurobiology and conservation biology. Ethology also has applications outside of the scientific sphere. For instance, one important application for ethology concerns the requirements of ethical treatment of animals and animal well-being.
Reasons to choose a Master in Ethology
- Broad education in Ethology suitable for diverse carrers involving animal behaviour
- Excellent opportunities for practical studies in the laboratory and at Tovetorp research station
- Flexible programme allows you to create your own direction based on your interests
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Programme overview
The compulsory courses within the Master’s programme in Ethology will give you a strong foundation in ethology, including mate choice, animal cognition and human behaviour. The elective and optional courses create flexibility in the programme allowing you to adapt your studies to your chosen career path. During the compuslory degree project you will apply the knowledge and skills you have developed, in conducting a scientific study within ethology.
You are required to choose 22.5 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
Mate choice
Biological Statistics II
Animal Cognition
Human Behaviour: Biology and Culture
Elective courses
Ecological and evolutionary responses to climatic variation
Interactions in Ecological Communities
Molecular Ecology
Baltic Sea Ecosystem: Applications, Modeling and Management
Year 2
Compulsory courses
Degree project in Ethology
Elective courses
Biodiversity: Patterns and Processes
Biological Statistics III
Evolutionary Ecology
Paleoecology, genetics and human prehistory
Science in Biological Research and Investigation
Systematic Zoology (swe)
Traineeship in Biology
Independent project
Degree projects, which are 30, 45 or 60 credits, are carried out within ongoing research projects at the Department of Zoology, within the current broad research areas: Foraging decisions, Animal personality, Brain evolution, Climate change and behaviour, Collective behaviour, adaptive colouration, Cognition, Sexual selection and Social behaviour. It is also possible to conduct the degree project externally, at a research institute, organisation or company.
Recent degree projects
- Levelling the field: Applying the open field test in situ on voles in the Swedish mountain range
- Investigating traits affecting dominance in domestic fowl: The role of comb size, aggression and age
- The effect of brain size on associative learning and behavioural flexibility in the guppy (Poecilia reticulata)
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How to apply
The Master's programme in Ethology is only open for application in the first round, with deadline for applications in mid-January.
The programme requires a solid background, e.g., a major, in biology as well as a basic understanding in ethology/animal behaviour.
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.
Cover letter/Motivation letter
Recommendation letters and CVs are neither required, nor concidered if included.
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Career opportunities
A Master's degree in Ethology opens up a diverse range of career opportunities. Completion of the Master’s program gives you eligibility for PhD studies.
Beyond being an important academic subject ethology is highly relevant in careers where an understanding of animal behaviour is important, including animal parks and zoos, animal husbandry and within animal welfare and environmental agencies.
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Contact
Student office
More information about our student office
Study Counsellor
Lisa Weingartner
E-mail: elisabet.weingartner@su.se
