Master's Programme in Ecology and Biodiversity, 120 ECTS
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Biological diversity on Earth is under threat and the rapid extinction of species and populations is one of the major problems that mankind face today. Differences between species can be understood in the light of evolution, partly as a result of adaptation to different environments through natural selection, and partly as a result of random events such as climate change. Ecology is the study of which factors affect the distribution and diversity of species, and how species are adapted to the world around them through competition, predation and mutualism. This includes studies of individuals, populations, communities, and ecosystems, in an attempt to understand the complicated networks of relationships between species, their environment and the climate. Humans today influence the conditions for many species and we need to understand factors and processes that cause biodiversity to decrease and be lost. The Master’s Programme in Ecology and Biodiversity provides wide-ranging opportunities for students to tailor their education to obtain the profile desired. A final degree project in ecology is compulsory, as are the courses in Experimental Design and Science in Biological Research and Investigation. These courses are taken in parallel with the degree project. The courses Evolutionary Ecology and Biodiversity: Patterns and Processes are compulsory parts of the programme. The student can choose further courses in, for example, Interactions in Ecological Socities and Molecular Ecology. It is also possible to include courses in, for example, GIS and Environmental Law. The programme can be seen as preparation for students who want to continue to research education with ecological aspects in, for example, ecology, ethology, population genetics, conservation biology and systematics, and it can be an admirable background for, for example, research administration, scientific journalism, work with issues involved with forestry and agriculture, fishing and hunting, and for services for authorities who work with issues of conservation.
Area of interests: Science and Mathematics
Science and mathematics help us understand how the world around us is connected – from the origin and structure of the universe, to the development and function of humanity and all other organisms on earth. Scientific knowledge makes it possible to critically examine the credibility of information in different areas of everyday life, society, and the media. As a scientist or mathematician, you will be attractive on a large job market that covers all parts of society and includes everything from pure technology companies to environment and healthcare, as well as research.
Subject
Biology
Biology means the study of life and living organisms including their structure, function, growth, origin, evolution, distribution, diversity, their interaction with their environment and their presence in time and space. There are many subdivisions and topics within Biology such as: molecular biology, cell biology, microbiology, genetics, botany, zoology, ethology, faunistics, floristics and ecology. An education in biology not only gives you basic knowledge in biology, but also an understanding of relationships between structure and function on various biological levels and it also gives you a grasp of the processes that control the evolution of the organism. Biology is an experimental subject, meaning it alternates theoretical studies with practical exercises such as laboratory work and field trips. Examples of laboratory work include analyzing DNA molecules, producing bacteria or studying preparations of various tissues under a microscope. Dissections and experiments with living organisms are a part of an education in biology, however, an option without animal experiments within the zoology moments is also available. You will be able to study animals and plants in their natural habitats as well as participate in practical ecological field work through different field trips and excursions. Stockholm University has access to three field stations located in interesting nature areas: Tovetorp in Södermanland, Askö in Trosa Archipelago and Tjärnö on the west coast of Sweden.