Biological Sciences: Ecology and Evolution – (M.Sc.)

Contents

Students in this track begin the programme with some coursework on cutting-edge topics in Ecology and Evolution, by the second semester they willacquire hands-on research experience in their first research projects. Indeed, most of the track's two years are devoted to developing the necessary research skills in projects of your own choosing, within the University of Amsterdam or abroad. A thesis completes the curriculum.

Based on their background and interests, students may specialise in one of six majors, teaching state-of-the-art insights into both fundamental and applied ecology and evolutionary biology. It is by no means necessary to pursue such specialisation - the majors described below also serve to showcase the foci of particular expertise in Ecology and Evolution available in the research institute IBED.

Students benefit from a tailor-made individual study programme in which they focus on topics of personal interest, choose from a variety of courses and a wide array of research projects that are carried out in Amsterdam or abroad (for examples please do have a look in our digital database of research projects).

The six majors are:

• Ecological and Evolutionary Dynamics
• Spatial Ecology
• Paleo-ecology and Global Change
• Systematic and Evolutionary Biology
• Tropical Ecology
• Computational Geo-Ecology

Professional specialization within the Master’s programme

In general, Master’s students are trained to become independent researchers. But at the UvA Faculty of Science you can also choose to complete your Master’s programme with a professional specialization, that focuses on other skills than doing research.

There are three professional specializations available:

• Science Communication (in Dutch)
• Teaching (in Dutch)
• Management, Policy Analysis & Entrepreneurship.

Degree requirements

A Master of Science in Biological Sciences is awarded upon successful completion of the core courses in the curriculum (19 EC), elective courses (up to 11 EC), at least two independent research projects (in total at least 80 EC) and a written thesis (10 EC). This translates into a total of 120 ECTS credits.

Accreditation

Accredited by: NVAO in: Netherlands

Funding details

Scholarships / Grants:

The University of Amsterdam:
The University of Amsterdam provides a limited number of full and partial scholarships for excellent students from outside the European Economic Area. The Amsterdam Merit Scholarships have specifically been designed to offer talented, ambitious and dedicated students the opportunity to pursue a Mast
For additional information: Website

:
Students from Columbia can apply for this scholarship through their website.
For additional information: Website