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Ecology and Evolution – (M.Sc.)
University of Groningen
Faculty of Mathematics & Natural Sciences| Application Deadline: | September: EU/EEA: 1 June; Non-EU/EEA: 15 April; February: EU/EEA: 1 December; Non-EU/EEA: 15 October | ||
| Annual Tuition Fee: | ≈ € 1,713 ≈ € 9,600 (non-EEA) | ||
| Location: | Groningen / Netherlands / View location on map ▾ Hide location on map ▴ | ||
| Duration: | 24 months | Start Date: | February, September |
| Educational Form: |
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| Credits (ECTS): | 120 | ||
| Languages: | English | ||
Location of University of Groningen
Will the otter be able to recover? How do plants settle in new areas? Why do geese always travel south at exactly the same time? How do different species of plants and animals live together in a habitat? If you are interested in questions like these, then the Master´s degree programme in Ecology in Groningen is the place for you.
The Master´s degree programme in Ecology takes two years and is offered by the research institute CEES (Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Studies). You will design most of your study programme yourself. Ecology is an internationally oriented field and the degree programme has a strong focus on research. You will conduct one or two independent research projects in your field. Instead of the second research project, you can also choose to do an internship. In addition, you will follow optional modules, learn to present your research results and write a Master´s thesis.
Ecology graduates often find jobs as research assistants at a university or an institution for applied research, but you can also become a project officer, consultant, policy officer or teacher.
Contents
The modules in the Ecology & Evolution programme are taught by the seven research groups, `Theoretical Biology´, `Animal Ecology´, `Community and Conservation Biology´, `Evolutionary Genetics´, `Plant Ecophysiology´, Microbial Ecology´, `Marine Benthic Ecology & Evolution´ and `Ocean Ecosystems´.
During a two-year period you must complete a number of research internships, present a literature study (colloquium), write a thesis and follow a number of modules. You decide the focus of your study programme: you can specialize in plants or animals, focus more on evolution, include more theory or more field work... it´s up to you. You will also have to follow a number of compulsory modules. The modules in the Master´s degree programme focus on the practical side of research. Current Themes, for example, is a series of lectures and tutorials with different themes to choose from. The topics vary from very broad subjects, such as philosophy of science, to very specific ones, such as a lecture series in which recent developments in a field that is very topical at that moment are discussed by means of recent publications. The module Advanced Statistical
Techniques discuss specific techniques that are very useful for ecological research. In addition, there is a GIS module that will introduce you to the possibilities of displaying and analysing spatial information in software packages, as well as modules such as
Advanced evolutionary ecology and Phylogenetics and Genomics in Ecology.
Field of Research
During the Master´s degree programme you will conduct one or two independent research projects under the supervision of experienced researchers. The CEES research institute conducts research in the following four main areas:
>Evolutionary Ecology & Genetics. A central issue in evolutionary biology concerns the importance of genetic variation: how do genetic variation and natural selection result in reproductive systems, adaptation of organisms to their environment and the emergence of new species? We will try to answer this question by means of an experimental, molecular approach (genomics) and via model-based studies.
>Behavioural Ecology & Ecophysiology. Both the morphology and physiology of an organism and its behaviour are formed by selection. Behaviour - for example the timing of reproduction, partner choice and time and route of bird migration - and physiology - for example the degree of plasticity to regulate energy use and temperature - are products of evolution. Theoretical models are paired with experimental ones to study these issues, both in the field and in the laboratory.
>Conservation Biology. Small populations are threatened with extinction because their habitat is fragmented. Whether these populations will indeed die out depends on their genetic structure, demography, dynamics of distribution, etc. This type of research is important, for example, for the restoration of nature reserves or the development of sustainable fishery. Examples of research projects include the effects of genetic erosion in fruit flies and the seed dispersal of plants in the Wadden area.
>Community Ecology. Species and individuals living in the same area interact with each other and with their environment. Processes of physiological adaptations and restrictions, competition, grazing, predation and succession can change a group of individuals into a community. Combining field observations, laboratory experiments and theoretical models can give us a better understanding of the mechanisms that are active in nature.
IELTS
You are normally required to take an English Proficiency Test.
Most European Universities recognise the IELTS test.
Take testRequirements
Requirements for admission to the Master´s degree programme in Ecology and Evolution include:
* A Dutch Bachelor´s degree in Biology with a specialization in Ecology or Marine Biology.
* If you have a different degree, the Board of Examiners will decide whether or not you can be admitted to the Master´s programme.
* Sufficient English proficiency is required. Language requirements include an IELTS test score of 6.5 or a TOEFL test score of 580 (paper-based), 237 (computer-based) or 92 (internet-based, iBT).
Additional Requirements
| Minimal degree required: | Bachelor's degree |
| Minimal amount of work experience | Not specified |
Language Proficiency
| IELTS Band: | 6.0 |
| TOEFL Paper-based: | 580 |
| TOEFL Computer-based: | 237 |
| TOEFL Internet-based: | 92 |
Accreditation
Accredited by the Dutch Government
Ask a Question
You can contact A.F. Bos to ask a question about Ecology and Evolution at University of Groningen.
Relevant Links
- Programme website
- Programme website 2
- University homepage
- Homepage of the municipality
- StudyinHolland.nl : Information on why and what to study in The Netherlands.
- Student Experiences about The Netherlands - STeXX.eu
- StudyinHolland Youtube Channel
- Nuffic - Netherlands organisation for international cooperation in higher education
- Nuffic Grand Finder
- Nuffic Study Finder
- Holland Alumni network
Contact
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