Master's in Biology – Specialisation in Ecology (Eco)

Overview The ecology specialisation delivers a rigorous, research-focused education in ecology and evolutionary biology, taught in English. It covers the phenotypic and molecular diversity of microorganisms across all three domains of life and gives students a solid scientific foundation for analysing biodiversity and evolutionary processes.

What you will study You will deepen your understanding of evolution, the functioning and importance of biodiversity, and the drivers behind spatiotemporal distribution patterns of symbiotic communities and populations. Training emphasizes modern, cutting-edge methods and technologies to tackle ecological questions and to analyse patterns at multiple biological levels.

How the programme is structured Teaching combines an in-depth lecture series that builds theoretical knowledge with complementary practical courses designed to strengthen technical and analytical skills. The programme culminates in a research-oriented Master's thesis that develops your ability to carry out independent research, and to write up and present scientific results.

Key features / requirements

• Research-oriented curriculum in ecology and evolution
• Coverage of phenotypic and molecular diversity of microorganisms in all three domains of life
• Training in techniques to investigate spatiotemporal distribution of symbiotic communities and populations
• Use of cutting-edge methods and technologies for multi-level ecological analysis
• Combination of theoretical lectures and hands-on practical courses
• Completion of a Master's thesis demonstrating independent research, scientific writing, and presentation skills

This two-year, research-focused programme is structured around hands-on laboratory and field training, interactive seminars, and an independent research project. Over the course of the degree you earn a total of 120 credit points (CP), combining graded and ungraded coursework to build both theoretical understanding and practical competence in ecology. The curriculum balances taught modules (lectures and reading courses) with extensive practical work and a substantial master’s thesis.

You begin with a warm-up meeting and project presentations that introduce current research themes and develop your presentation skills. The taught component includes four interactive lecture-and-reading courses and a two-part lecture on modern methods, which together emphasize critical reading of the literature, scientific discussion, and familiarity with contemporary experimental and analytical approaches used in ecological research. Several graded advanced practicals give you intensive, supervised laboratory or field experience.

Practical training is a major focus: two advanced practicals (graded) and a research practical (graded) train you to plan and carry out experiments, analyse data, and report results. There is also the option of an advanced practical or an industrial internship (ungraded) to gain applied experience in a non-academic setting. The programme culminates in a 30 CP graded master’s thesis in which you conduct independent research and demonstrate your ability to design, execute, and communicate a research project. Elective credits allow you to tailor parts of your training, including soft skills and other theoretical or practical courses.

Key modules and credit breakdown (requirements)

• Warm-up meeting and research project presentations — 6 CP (ungraded)
• Four interactive Lecture and Reading Courses — 4 × 3 CP = 12 CP (graded)
• Two-part lecture “Modern Methods in Biology” — 2 × 3 CP = 6 CP (graded)
• Two advanced practicals — 2 × 12 CP = 24 CP (graded)
• Advanced practical or industrial internship — 12 CP (ungraded)
• Courses of choice (self-selected theoretical/practical and soft skills) — 15 CP (ungraded)
• Research practical — 15 CP (graded)
• Master’s thesis — 30 CP (graded)

Learning outcomes you can expect

• Ability to critically evaluate ecological literature and participate in scholarly discussion.
• Proficiency with current experimental, analytical and methodological tools used in ecology.
• Practical experience in planning and executing laboratory or field studies and in handling data.
• Experience in communicating research results orally and in writing, culminating in an independent master’s thesis.
• Flexibility to pursue applied or industrial experience through an internship and to tailor coursework via electives.

Graduates are prepared for research-oriented careers in universities and research institutes, where the programme's emphasis on modern methods and independent projects is excellent preparation for PhD studies. The practical and internship components also make graduates attractive to biotech and environmental companies, consultancies, government agencies, and NGOs involved in biodiversity, conservation, and ecosystem management.

The combination of molecular, ecological and analytical training supports roles in laboratory science, field-based environmental assessment, data-driven ecological consulting, and applied research positions in industry or policy organisations. Students who wish to pursue an academic career can progress to doctoral programmes.