Ecology, Evolution and Conservation | Master
In this master's degree program, you will learn about the state of the art in the various specialized fields of ecology, evolutionary research and scientific nature conservation. The program is research-oriented and concentrates on a broad spectrum of modern research methods, with a supplementary focus on application aspects.
| Name | Ecology, Evolution and Conservation |
| Degree | Master of Science |
| Standard time for completing the degree | 4 semesters |
| Credit points | 120 |
| Language of instruction | English |
| First semester in which studies can begin | Summer or winter semester |
| Campus | Maulbeerallee & Golm |
| Fees & Charges | Semester fees and charges: yes Tuition fees: no |
- PROGRAM FLYER (PDF 654KB)
Student„The degree program offers you an opportunity to specialize in several different directions. Excursions and practical exercises get you out of the lecture hall and into the field, where you can do some practical work. The instructors provide great supervision and accompany you throughout your studies. This all creates an atmosphere in which studying is highly enjoyable.“
Program Content
This research-oriented master’s degree program focuses on organismic biology, meaning “entire” organisms, their reciprocal interactions, and their relationship to the abiotic environment. A broad array of module courses range from the theoretical foundations of ecology and evolution to their application in such fields as sustainability research or species conservation. The courses within a module (lectures, seminars, tutorials, internships) cover the entire spectrum from aquatic and plant ecology, to animal ecology and biodiversity research, to molecular and organismic evolutionary biology, to scientific nature conservation. Your education will focus on learning the current state of knowledge in the various fields of specialization, as well as a broad spectrum of methodologies in the laboratory, in field studies, and computer-supported modeling. Small learning groups enable early and individualized contact to our broadly skilled instructors.
Program Objective and Future Fields of Work
The objective of this master's degree program is to teach you how to think as a scientist and to help you master the latest methods in ecology, evolutionary research, and nature conservation. Furthermore, you will acquire the scientific foundations that will enable you to recognize both correlations and mechanisms of action, and to apply them in interdisciplinary ways.
The degree program offers ideal preparation for the professional world, or for the continuation of your academic education with a doctoral degree. The master’s degree in Ecology, Evolution and Conservation qualifies you for independent work in academic research, in national and international agencies and administrative institutions, in companies and organizations in the field of applied ecology, including in planning offices or environmental associations, or as a freelancer.
Graduate„After my Bachelor studies I felt the urge to strengthen my mathematical skills to be able to address research questions in Biology and Ecology from a different angle. In this Master I found the perfect opportunity to specialize in ecological modeling from scratch and, at the same time, deepen my knowledge in the fields of ecology I'm most interested in. I recommend it as a solid base for a successful start into a scientific career - not only to people who love to go into the field, but also to those who strive for qualification in analytical thinking and programming languages like Python and C/C++.“
Prerequisites for Master's Studies
Applying for a master’s degree generally requires you to hold an undergraduate degree, such as a bachelor’s degree. Your first degree should be in mathematics, biosciences or natural sciences, or in a scientifically oriented subject in environmental, agricultural, forestry or geosciences. You must have English language skills at least at the B2 level. Applicants must also provide evidence of German language skills at least at level A2 (CEFR), e.g. through a German university entrance qualification or other evidence, which you can find here.
You can read more about the subject-specific admission requirements in the respective Admission Regulations.
Program Structure
In the four-semester master’s program, you earn a total of 120 credit points, consisting of the following modules and your master’s thesis. Building on the foundation of two mandatory modules (see below), we offer elective modules in a wide range of subjects that can be selected according to your individual interests. Our graduates are therefore able to complete very specialized degrees, for example in aquatic ecology, terrestrial plant ecology, or molecular evolutionary biology. As needed, students can add strategically meaningful modules from the Faculty of Science, for example from the geosciences or bioinformatics.
For additional information, please consult the subject-specific Degree Regulations or the Departmental Advisory Office.
Modules | Credit points |
|---|---|
| Mandatory Module 1: State of the art in ecology, evolution and conservation | 6 CP |
| Mandatory Module 2: Experimental design and data analysis | 6 LP |
| Elective Modules A, B: Can be selected from courses offered by the Department of Biochemistry and Biology (A) and the Faculty of Science (B) | each 6 CP for a total of 66 CP |
| Advanced Module: Work on a project in a working group of your choice, e.g., situated within the Institute of Biochemistry and Biology | 12 CP |
| Master's thesis | 30 CP |
| Total | 120 CP |
Advantages at a Glance
Internships and diverse working groups give you insights into practical research. Teaching and internships are oriented towards modern concepts and cutting-edge research, including applied projects.
Our numerous professorships and their working groups at the Institute of Biochemistry and Biology, as well as our close relationships to extramural research institutions such as the Leibniz Center for Agricultural Research (ZALF), the Institute for Aquatic Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB), the Institute for Zoo and Wild Animal Research (IZW), the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) and the Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar Research (AWI) enable you to make contacts early on with leading global research units, which you will benefit from in your later career.
Application
Have you decided to study for a master’s degree in Ecology, Evolution and Conservation at the University of Potsdam? Then take the next step and get more information about the current application and enrollment procedures at the application website.
Kontakt
Department of Biochemistry and Biology
PD Dr. Thilo Heinken | Departmental Advisory Office
This description is based in part on the information provided in the program-specific rules and regulations for the Master's degree program Ecology, Evolution and Conservation at the University of Potsdam, dated February 13, 2019 (AmBek No. 4/19, p. 100).