Master's Programme in Marine Biology

On our Master’s programme in Marine Biology you will learn about the rich marine ecosystems in the Baltic sea and oceans beyond. The programme aims to provide an in-depth theoretical background in marine ecology along with applied practical training, to give you a range of skills and a competetive edge.

• Programme overview

  The Master’s programme in Marine Biology offers broad training within a range of subjects including ecosystem dynamics and marine conservation ecology, spanning systems from the Baltic to the tropics.

  There is space within the programme for you to choose from a selection of additional elective or optional courses so you can create a programme adapted to your chosen career path. 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

  Marine Ecosystem Dynamics

  Statistics for biologists II

  Marine microbial ecology: from genomes to biomes

  Marine Fish Biology and Fisheries

  Elective courses

  Baltic Sea Ecosystem: Applications, Modeling and Management

  Management of Aquatic Resources in the Tropics

  Year 2

  Compulsory courses

  Degree project in Marine Biology
  (instructions apply for all degree projects at the department)

  Independent project

  Master’s degree projects, which are 30, 45 or 60 credits, are carried out within ongoing research projects at the 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

  • Unravelling the effect of meio- and macrofauna bioturbation on methanotrophic activity
  • Opposing latitudinal patterns on coral reef browsing rates and related fish assemblages in two subtropical bays with low functional redundancy
  • Investigating epifauna community assembly in shallow bays using traits

   

• How to apply

  The Master's programme in Marine Biology is only open for application in the first round, with deadline for applications in mid-January.

  The Marine Biology programme requires a solid background in Biology, and a basic understanding in Ecology as well as species knowledge. Specifically we expect the equivalent of a Bachelor in Biology in Biology, including half a semester in total of Ecology, Floristics and Faunistics.

  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 not concidered.

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

• Career opportunities

  The Master’s degree in Marine Biology opens career possibilities both in academic research or a future career working with aquatic environmental questions within for example, an environmental agency, county administrative and local district administrative authorities or consulting firms.

• 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