Master's Programme in Ecology and Biodiversity
This programme will give you essential knowledge to understand nature’s complex connections and the relationships between species, their environment and climate. Evolutionary ecology and experimental design are important aspects of a programme where you will have opportunities to study empirical ecology in both the field and laboratory.
Reasons to choose a Master in Ecology and Biodiversity
- Increasingly seminar based teaching provides many opportunities for interaction and discussions
- Broad training integrating evolutionary theory with experimental and analytical skills
- Flexibility to shape your studies to your own interests and career aspirations
Information for admitted students autumn 2024
Congratulations! You have been admitted at Stockholm University and we hope that you will enjoy your studies with us.
In order to ensure that your studies begin as smoothly as possible we have compiled a short checklist for the beginning of the semester.
Follow the instructions on whether you have to reply to your offer or not.
universityadmissions.se
Checklist for admitted students
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Activate your university account
The first step in being able to register and gain access to all the university's IT services.
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Register at your department
Registration can be done in different ways. Read the instructions from your department below.
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Read all the information on this page
Here you will find what you need to know before your course or programme starts.
IMPORTANT
Your seat may be withdrawn if you do not register according to the instructions provided by your department.
Information from the department - programmes
Welcome to the Department of Biological Education! We are happy to be part of your student experience and contribute to your future success.
In order to get you off to a good start, we have gathered the important things you need to know here. Read through carefully and if you have any questions, please contact us.
Admitted
We send letters, about once a month, to all admitted student with important information for preparing for your Master's studies with us. Please ensure that you get these by whitelisting info.big@su.se in your e-mail client, and if necessary regularly checing your spam-box.
If you have not studies with us before (and maybe even if you have) we recommend that you read our information for New students. By carefully reading on our webpages and contacting us if you have questions that are not answered there, you will help us to better help more students :)
Information for new students at BIG
All those admitted to the programme are invited to an introductory week, where you learn more about the programme, meet your classmates and all you need to have a smooth start on the programme.
Introduction to Master's programmes
Register before the deadline
You must registered for the courses in order to start the programme and attend classes. By registering, you accept your place.
Online registration is open August 5th and closes on the 21st. It is your responsibility to make sure you register. If you do not register before the online registration closes, you may lose your place on the programme. If you have problems registering, it is important that you contact the student office latest August 21st.
Reserve place
If you have been given a reserve place you may be admitted if someone declines their place. In which case you must confirm that you want the place by attending the reserve roll call for the programme. In some cases reserves may be offered a place before the reserve roll call (Note! make sure you receive our e-mails by whitelisting and/or checking your spam folder regularly).
More information about your studies with us
On our website you will find more information about your studies with us.
Welcome activities
Stockholm University organises a series of welcome activities that stretch over a few weeks at the beginning of each semester. The programme is voluntary (attendance is optional) and includes Arrival Service at the airport and an Orientation Day, see more details about these events below.
Your department may also organise activities for welcoming international students. More information will be provided by your specific department.
Find your way on campus
Stockholm University's main campus is in the Frescati area, north of the city centre. While most of our departments and offices are located here, there are also campus areas in other parts of the city.
Read more
For new international students
Reasons to choose a Master in Ecology and Biodiversity
- Increasingly seminar based teaching provides many opportunities for interaction and discussions
- Broad training integrating evolutionary theory with experimental and analytical skills
- Flexibility to shape your studies to your own interests and career aspirations
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Programme overview
The Master’s program in Ecology and Biodiversity includes courses covering Evolutionary Ecology, Biodiversity, Experimental Design, and Science in Biological Research and Investigation. There is plenty of space within the programme to allow you to choose from a selection of additional elective and optional courses so you can pursue a programme adapted to your chosen interests and career aims.
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
Biodiversity: Patterns and Processes
Science in Biological Research and Investigation
Elective courses (spring term)
Animal Diversity - Vertebrates
Conservation of populations: project
Conservation of populations: theory
Ecological and evolutionary responses to climate change
Interactions in Ecological Communities: project
Interactions in Ecological Communities: theory
Management of Aquatic Resources in the Tropics
Plant diversity and evolution - a global perspective
Year 2
Compulsory courses
Degree project in Ecology and Biodiversity
(instructions apply for all degree projects at the department)Elective courses (autumn term)
Animal Diversity - Invertebrates
Animal Social and Sexual Behaviour
Marine microbial ecology: from genomes to biomes
See also Year 1 for elective courses offered spring term.
Independent project
Degree projects are carried out within ongoing research projects at either the Department of Zoology or 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
- Screening for the amphibian Chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis in southern Swedish amphibian populations
- Effectiveness of buffer strips for the protection of vascular flora in riparian areas in Boreal forests of Central Sweden
- Genetic rescue in an inbred arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus) population
- Habitat suitability as a predictor for occurrence of the saproxylic beetles Osmoderma eremita and Elater ferrugineus
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How to apply
The Master's programme in Ecology and Biodiversity is only open for application in the first round, with deadline for applications in mid-January.
The Ecology and Biodiversity programme requires a solid background in Biology, and a deeper understanding in Ecology and/or Evolution. Specifically we expect the equivalent of a Bachelor in Biology, including Ecology or Evolution with at least some continuation/in-depth courses building on previous studies in the subject.
Selection process
Additional eligibility criteriaApplicants 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 neither required, nor concidered if included.
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Career opportunities
A Master’s degree in Ecology and Biodiversity opens up many career possibilities within academia or the public sector. On completion of this programme you will be eligible to apply for PhD studies. The programme gives a sound background for work concerning conservation and ecology, in for example, forestry and agriculture, fishing and hunting or within administrative authorities working with nature conservation issues.
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Contact
Student office- 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)
Study counsellor at master's level
- Visiting address
Arrheniuslaboratory, E315c
Svante Arrhenius väg 20 C
- Office hours
By request
