Program Overview

Introduction to the Biology, Animal Ecology - Master Programme

The Biology, Animal Ecology - Master Programme at Lund University is a 2-year, 120-credit program designed for students with a special interest in animals and their ecology, evolution, behavior, and functional adaptations. This program provides a solid foundation for doctoral studies as well as professions outside of academia.

Overview

The Animal Ecology Master's programme has strong ties with research, with the Department of Biology featuring several research teams active at the highest international level. The program's content is continuously adapted based on current research results, ensuring students receive the most relevant and up-to-date education. All teaching staff are researchers, many of whom are world-leading in their fields, including animal migration, sensory biology, evolutionary biology, behavioral ecology, and molecular ecology.

Teaching and Learning

Teaching takes place on modern premises and in laboratories with advanced equipment. The courses have a high proportion of scheduled lessons, and the interaction with teaching staff and course assistants is relaxed. The language of instruction is English. The program has a recommended study route, but students can also create a personal study plan after consultation with the study advisor and program coordinator.

Course Structure

During the first semester, students study population and community ecology and then animal ecology. In the spring semester, they can choose between molecular ecology and evolution or conservation biology. At the end of the spring semester, options include studying ornithology or evolutionary biology, doing a project, or starting the degree project. The third semester offers opportunities to take courses in evolutionary biology, sensory biology, or modeling and advanced statistics.

Career Prospects

For those passionate about research, there are good opportunities to continue studies at a higher education institution. Just over half of the students in the Animal Ecology Master's program continue to doctoral studies at a university in Sweden or another country in Europe or beyond. Graduates can also work in professions outside of academia, such as in nature conservation, ecology, and environmental management as consultants or within the public sector as municipal ecologists.

Requirements and Selection

Prerequisites for the program include a Bachelor's degree of at least 180 credits, with 90 credits in science, including 5 credits in statistics and 60 credits in biology comprising cell biology, genetics, ecology, and zoology, or the equivalent. English proficiency at an advanced level (English course 6) is also required. Selection criteria are based on grades from previous academic courses, a statement of purpose, and qualifications from research or work relevant to the study program.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees apply to citizens of countries outside the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland. The full program tuition fee is SEK 370,000, with the first payment being SEK 92,500. There are no tuition fees for citizens of the EU, EEA, and Switzerland.

Scholarships and Funding

Lund University offers several scholarship programs, including the Lund University Global Scholarship program, which is merit-based and selective, targeting top academic students from countries outside the EU/EEA. Other scholarships include the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) Scholarship and the Swedish Institute Scholarship for global professionals and pioneering women in STEM fields.

Programme Structure

The structure of the program is flexible, allowing students to tailor their studies to their interests. Students can include up to 30 credits of free-choice courses in their degree, enabling them to do an extended degree project or take courses in biology or other subjects.

Course Overview

• Year 1:
  • Biology: Population and Community Ecology
  • Biology: Animal Ecology
  • Biology: Conservation Biology
  • Biology: Molecular Ecology and Evolution
  • Bioinformatics: Bioinformatics and Sequence Analysis
  • Biology: Evolutionary Biology - Methods and Applications
• Year 2:
  • Optional courses at BSc or MSc level, or a longer MSc thesis
  • Biology: Processing and Analysis of Biological Data
  • Biology: Evolutionary Biology - Patterns and Processes
  • Biology: Modelling Biological Systems
  • Biology: Sensory Biology
  • Biology: Master's Degree Project

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Differences between Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology: The two specializations are very similar, with almost identical courses.
2. Admission Competitiveness: The program is highly competitive, admitting about 15 students per year, with selection based on previous academic grades and motivation letter.
3. Workload and Independence: The program has a high amount of scheduled activities, emphasizing group work, scientific writing, and critical thinking.
4. Internship and Research Opportunities: Students can do their thesis project in a research group, and internships are highly recommended for valuable professional contacts.
5. Course Application: Students are admitted to courses in the first semester, and for subsequent semesters, they apply via the university admissions website.