Program Overview

Ecology and Biodiversity

Introduction

The Ecology and Biodiversity study programme is a second-cycle master's study programme offered by the Department of Biology. The programme aims to educate graduates with fundamental knowledge of ecological science, enabling them to recognize the role of organisms in various levels of an ecosystem, understand processes, and identify changes in nature and the environment.

Programme Structure

The programme provides critical knowledge needed to achieve the objectives of international conventions on nature protection. The study programme learning outcomes include:

• Fundamental knowledge of ecological science
• Understanding of the role of organisms in ecosystems
• Recognition of changes in nature and the environment
• Knowledge of abiotic and biotic factors influencing species and populations
• Understanding of the laws governing energy flow and matter circulation in ecosystems

Mode of Study

The programme is offered in full-time study mode only. Available enrolment slots are:

• 35 for Slovenian and EU citizens
• 4 for non-EU citizens
• 2 for Slovenians without Slovenian citizenship
• 2 for parallel studies

Official Duration and Workload

The programme lasts 2 years (4 semesters) and has a workload of 120 ECTS. Students are required to complete 60 ECTS each year.

Qualification and Title

The programme confers the title of Master of Science (M.Sc.).

Admission Requirements

Access to the programme is granted to candidates who have completed:

• A first-cycle Bologna study programme in biology or a comparable study programme in the field of biology (worth at least 180 ECTS)
• A first-cycle Bologna study programme in other professional fields (worth at least 180 ECTS), provided that the candidates complete additional study requirements (10-60 ECTS) set by the competent Studies Committee
• A pre-Bologna or Bologna professional study programme in biology or other professional fields (worth at least 180 ECTS), with additional study requirements (10-60 ECTS) set by the competent Studies Committee

Selection Criteria

In case of limited enrolment, the following selection criteria apply:

• Average grade for exams during first-level studies (for candidates with a first-cycle Bologna study programme in biology)
• Average grade for exams during first-level studies (50%) and exams that are a condition for enrolment (50%) (for candidates with a first-cycle Bologna study programme in other professional fields)
• Average grade for exams during undergraduate studies (for candidates with a pre-Bologna or Bologna professional study programme in biology or other professional fields)

Advancement Requirements

To progress to Year 2, students must complete 60 ECTS from study obligations of Year 1 by the end of the academic year. The competent Studies Committee may exceptionally approve progression for students who do not meet this requirement, provided that justifiable reasons are given.

Transfer between Study Programmes

Transfers between study programmes are possible if the candidate meets the requirements for enrolment in the new study programme. At least 50% of ECTS from the first study programme must be recognizable (i.e., at least 30 ECTS in the first year of the new study programme).

Presentation Proceedings and Archive

The programme's presentation proceedings and archive are available in PDF format.