Master of Science Evolution, Ecology and Systematics (MEES)

Overview This English-taught MSc programme offers advanced training in organismic and evolutionary biology with a strong orientation toward current research. It takes an interdisciplinary approach so students gain in-depth knowledge across ecology, biodiversity (including plant and animal taxonomy), evolutionary biology, palaeontology, systematics and phylogenetics. Organisms are examined at multiple levels—from physiological, anatomical and behavioural traits to their roles in ecosystems—emphasising how these traits represent adaptations shaped by selection.

Teaching and research focus Courses and research carried out within the programme concentrate on the evolutionary origins of biological diversity and the functional importance of that diversity for ecosystems, especially under changing environmental conditions. Students study organism–environment interactions (both biotic and abiotic) up to the complex ecosystem level and use modern investigative methods to explore these relationships.

Learning approach and practical emphasis The curriculum blends fieldwork, experiments and excursions with laboratory work, statistical analysis and computer simulation. Practical, hands‑on experience is central throughout the degree: students begin independent work early and learn experimental design through direct involvement in research projects and practical assignments.

Key expectations and skills developed

• Interdisciplinary competence across ecology, biodiversity, evolutionary biology, palaeontology, systematics and phylogenetics
• Taxonomic familiarity with plants and animals and understanding of organismal traits as adaptations
• Practical experience in fieldwork, field experiments and excursions
• Laboratory skills, experimental design and hands‑on research practice
• Quantitative skills including statistical data evaluation and computer simulations
• Ability to conduct independent research and engage with current organismic and evolutionary biology literature

This two-year, 120 ECTS-credit Master’s curriculum combines a solid core education in evolutionary biology with flexible specialization options and an intensive research year. In the first year you complete five compulsory modules (30 CP) that establish essential skills: Basics in Evolutionary Research; Ecology and Diversity; Species Identification; Experimental Design and Analysis of Biological Data; and the MEES Excursion. Alongside these core courses you select 30 CP of required electives from offerings across the three participating institutes (Zoology and Evolutionary Research; Ecology and Evolution; Biodiversity). The programme supports individual profiling through up to two “wild card” modules (5 CP each) or by taking a single interdisciplinary module from another related master’s programme (for example geosciences or geography). Credits earned at partner institutions abroad are normally recognised and an international study stay is encouraged.

The entire second year is devoted to an independent Master’s thesis (60 CP): 30 CP for practical work (often field- or lab-based) and 30 CP for data analysis and thesis writing. Projects that depend on seasonal fieldwork can start in the summer semester of the first year, and theses may be carried out at any participating university institute or in collaboration with non-university research facilities in Jena or international partners. Graduates leave equipped to design and run research projects, identify species, analyse biological data, and communicate findings—preparing them for research roles at universities, museums, research institutes, public agencies, associations or in the private sector, and for continuation to PhD studies.

Key program components and requirements

• Duration and credits: 2 years, 120 ECTS (credit points, CP)
• Year 1 compulsory modules (total 30 CP): Basics in Evolutionary Research; Ecology and Diversity; Species Identification; Experimental Design and Analysis of Biological Data; MEES Excursion
• Electives (total 30 CP): choose from modules offered by the Institutes for Zoology and Evolutionary Research, Ecology and Evolution, and Biodiversity
• Wild card option: up to two custom modules (5 CP each) combining different courses
• Interdisciplinary option: alternatively take one module (5–30 CP depending on programme rules) from another related master’s programme (e.g., geosciences, geography)
• Mobility: ECTS earned abroad are generally recognised; a study/research stay abroad is encouraged
• Master’s thesis (total 60 CP): 30 CP practical research; 30 CP data evaluation and thesis writing
• Thesis logistics: fieldwork- or season-dependent theses may begin in the first-year summer semester; thesis supervision may be provided by any participating institute or by cooperating non-university research partners in Jena, elsewhere in Germany, or abroad

Learning outcomes emphasized

• Ability to design and conduct hypothesis-driven research in evolution, ecology and systematics
• Proficiency in species identification and biodiversity assessment
• Competence in experimental design, quantitative data analysis and scientific communication
• Experience with field and lab methods, and capacity to carry out independent, interdisciplinary and internationally oriented research projects

Graduates are prepared for research-oriented roles in academia (e.g. as a pathway to PhD programmes), non-university research institutions, museums, public authorities and environmental organisations. The combination of practical field and laboratory skills, taxonomic expertise and data-analysis competence also suits positions in conservation, biodiversity assessment, environmental consulting and the private sector.

Many students continue into doctoral research, while others take up applied roles in government agencies, NGOs or industry where skills in species identification, experimental design and statistical evaluation are required.