Program Overview

Introduction to the Biology, Conservation Biology - Master Programme

The Biology, Conservation Biology - Master Programme at Lund University is a 2-year, 120-credit program designed to provide students with solid expertise in conservation biology, enabling them to work with entire ecosystems and the survival of individual species.

Overview

This program offers global and regional perspectives on problems related to reduced biodiversity, teaching students about the reasons behind species threats and how to save them from extinction. Students will gain an understanding of ecosystem functions, ecosystem services, and their relation to biodiversity. The program also covers modern population ecology, genetics, and various analytical methods within conservation biology.

Teaching and Learning

Teaching takes place on modern premises and in laboratories with advanced equipment. The language of instruction is English, apart from individual elective courses on species knowledge. The program has a recommended study route, but students can also create a personal study plan after consulting with the study advisor and program coordinator.

Program Structure

The program structure 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

• Biology: Population and Community Ecology (compulsory, 15 credits)
• Biology: Processing and Analysis of Biological Data (17.5 credits)
• Biology: Modelling Biological Systems (17.5 credits)
• Biology: Evolutionary Plant Ecology (15 credits)
• Biology: Animal Ecology (15 credits)
• Biology: Conservation Biology (compulsory, 15 credits)
• Biology: Biological Monitoring (15 credits)
• Biology: Ornithology (15 credits)
• Biology: Water Management (15 credits)

Career Prospects

After graduation, students can work in nature conservation in both the public and private sectors, for example, as a municipal ecologist, at county councils, or as a consultant. The knowledge obtained is also needed in silviculture and agriculture.

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. English proficiency is also required, with a course level of 6 (advanced proficiency). 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 for non-EU/EEA citizens are SEK 370,000 for the full program, 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 various scholarships, including the Lund University Global Scholarship program, the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) Scholarship, and the Swedish Institute Scholarship. There are also country-specific scholarships and funding options available.

Frequently Asked Questions

• The program is highly competitive, with admission based primarily on grades and motivation letter.
• There are opportunities for internships or research projects during the program.
• The workload is high, with a focus on scheduled activities, group work, scientific writing, and critical thinking.
• Students can apply for courses in the first semester through the university's admission system.