Conservation Biology and Applied Ecology

Overview

This English-language Master's programme brings together core and applied topics in animal ecology, conservation biology, tropical biology, and global change biology. It introduces students to fundamental ecological and evolutionary principles while covering applied themes such as biodiversity research, climate-change biology, ecosystem services, and the ecology of a wide range of systems (forest, agroecological, alpine, tropical) and organisms (including insects and social insects).

Curriculum and skills

Coursework spans theoretical and practical subjects — for example: ecological theory and modelling, macroecology, evolutionary and behavioural ecology, animal–plant interactions, soil and chemical ecology, biological conservation, and pollination or biocontrol services. Methodological training includes remote sensing, animal census techniques, statistical data analysis, and the development of conservation strategies and programmes. Additional training in statistics and scientific writing is provided. Students may also take related modules offered in other departments and centres, such as geography (remote sensing), the Centre for Computational and Theoretical Biology (CCTB), or the Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Data Sciences (CAIDAS).

Structure and research experience

Students choose two topic areas; each chosen topic comprises two theory modules and one practical course unit. The programme includes targeted research training in selected fields, and students participate in ongoing research projects. They learn to independently plan and carry out theoretical, experimental, and observational studies and to summarise and critically discuss their findings in a Master’s thesis.

Key requirements/components

• Two selected topics, each consisting of two theory modules plus one practical unit
• Methodological training: remote sensing, animal census techniques, statistical data evaluation
• Coursework across broad ecological and conservation subjects (examples listed above)
• Opportunities to take relevant modules in geography, CCTB, and CAIDAS
• Training in statistics and scientific writing
• Active involvement in research projects and completion of an independent Master’s thesis

Graduates gain practical and analytical skills applicable to roles in biodiversity conservation, ecological research, and natural resource management. Typical employers include conservation NGOs, environmental consultancies, protected-area and reserve management bodies, government environmental agencies, and international organisations focusing on biodiversity and climate impacts.

The programme also provides a strong foundation for academic research or doctoral studies, due to its emphasis on experimental design, statistical analysis, remote sensing and independent thesis work. Graduates are well positioned for careers in applied conservation, ecological monitoring, ecosystem-service assessment, and policy advisory roles that require both fieldwork competence and quantitative data-analysis skills.