Evolution, Ecology and Systematics (Master of Science)

Overview

This English-language MSc combines advanced coursework with hands-on research across evolution, ecology and systematics. You will study a wide range of topics — including population biology, genetics, phylogenetics, population genetics, behavioural ecology, theoretical biology, molecular evolution, human evolution, botany, zoology, limnology, marine biology and bioinformatics — while taking part in research activities that anchor learning to current scientific questions.

The programme emphasizes practical exposure: students can complete several lab rotations in different research groups and are expected to join seminars and conferences to present and discuss work. You will also build transferable skills essential for a research career, such as scientific and grant writing, giving presentations and leading discussions, and performing statistical analyses. Teaching and supervision come from internationally recognised researchers and award-winning instructors, and research is conducted in excellent facilities at the modern “Biocenter,” located on the university’s HighTechCampus. The curriculum is organised into topic-related modules (lectures, seminars and practical courses) with a strong focus on embedding education in ongoing research projects. For a detailed overview of current research areas and the programme structure, see: https://www.bio.lmu.de/en/study/for-students/master-programs/ees/.

Key expectations / requirements for students

• Study and research in evolution, ecology and systematics through advanced coursework and project work
• Complete several lab rotations in different laboratories
• Participate actively in seminars and conferences
• Engage in topic-related modules combining lectures, seminars and practical courses closely linked to research projects
• Develop skills in scientific and grant writing, presentation and discussion leadership, and statistical analysis

Overview This accredited international Master's programme is run jointly by the university’s Biology and Geosciences faculties together with the Max Planck Institute for Biological Intelligence (Seewiesen) and the Bavarian Natural History Collections (zoological and botanical state collections). The course is governed by a coordination team, admissions committee, curriculum committee and a board of directors, and is structured over four semesters. Every semester combines hands‑on research with targeted skills training.

Semester structure and core components

• First semester (Basic Training): students cover the programme’s central topics—evolution, ecology and systematic data and evidence—while completing their first Individual Research Project (IRT). Parallel skills modules focus on scientific writing (Skills I) and presentation (Skills II). The interdisciplinary seminar centers on “Species Concepts, Adaptation and Speciation.”
• Second semester (Specialisation): students undertake a second IRT, learn poster design (Skills III), take a statistics course, and join an ecology‑led field excursion. The semester seminar is on “Global Change.”
• Third semester (Specialisation continued): students complete remaining compulsory courses and their final required IRT. Skills training emphasizes grant writing (Skills IV), and the seminar explores “Hot Topics in Evolution, Ecology and Systematics.”
• Fourth semester (Master’s Module): a 24‑week period is devoted to researching, writing and defending the Master’s thesis, supplemented by a research seminar and a colloquium.

Key modules and components

• Evolution, ecology and systematic data & evidence
• Individual Research Projects (IRTs) in each semester
• Skills sequence: scientific writing, presentation, poster design, grant writing (Skills I–IV)
• Thematic interdisciplinary seminars: Species Concepts/Adaptation/Speciation; Global Change; Hot Topics in EES
• Statistics course and an ecology field excursion
• 24‑week Master’s thesis with research seminar and colloquium

Learning outcomes (what you will be able to do)

• Conduct independent, responsible research and lead a substantial Master’s thesis project
• Critically analyse evolutionary, ecological and systematic data and evidence
• Communicate scientific results effectively in writing, oral presentations and poster formats
• Design and justify research approaches, including statistical analyses and grant proposals
• Engage with interdisciplinary issues such as speciation, adaptation and global change and present findings in seminars and a defence session

This structure is designed to prepare graduates for research careers (academic and applied) by combining laboratory/field projects, methodological training and professional skills development.

Graduates are prepared to pursue research careers (including PhD programmes) in evolutionary biology, ecology and systematics, or to work in research institutions, natural history collections and museums. The programme’s emphasis on independent projects, statistical analysis and scientific writing also suits roles in environmental consultancies, conservation organisations, governmental and non-governmental agencies, and industry positions that require bioinformatics or ecological expertise.

In addition to research and academic paths, skills developed in grant writing, science communication and data analysis can be applied in science policy, education/outreach and technical positions in biotech or environmental monitoring.