Master in Ecology
Umeå University - Faculty of Science and Technology
Key Information
Campus location
Umeå, Sweden
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
2 years
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
SEK 142,800 / per year *
Application deadline
Request info
Earliest start date
02 Sep 2024
* total fee 285,600SEK
Introduction
Master's Programme in Ecology
The Master’s Programme in Ecology gives you a deeper knowledge of how fishing, forestry, river regulations, pollution and climate changes affect biodiversity and ecosystem function in forests, lakes, mountains and sea. You learn how to identify and characterize ecological problems and plan and execute research and analysis. The programme has a special profile in nature conservation.
As a master's student in ecology at Umeå, you will develop your skills for individual integration and application of knowledge. You also develop the ability to handle complex phenomena, problems and situations, as a preparation for research practice or other jobs that have high demands of self-dependence.
Profile in nature conservation
For the first course, you can choose between Forest Ecology or Aquatic Ecosystems Ecology and Aquatic Ecosystems. You will also study Ecological Dynamics or Molecular Ecology and Evolution, and Analyses of Field Data. The programme has a special profile in nature conservation. This profile includes courses in the field of environmental science focusing on relevant legislation, and management of different habitats and species, which could be important in dealing with nature conservation issues in authorities and companies.
Close proximity to research
The education is closely linked to the research conducted at the Department of Ecology and Environmental Science. Most of the practical exercises have their focus on northern ecosystems. The education received the highest ratings in the latest evaluation by the Swedish Higher Education Authority.
Choose your thesis project
In addition to the above-mentioned courses, you will choose between a number of different ecological courses at the advanced level and up to 30 ECTS in other subjects. For example, in earth science, natural geography and environmental health protection. There are also courses in geographical information systems and geoecology. You can also choose to take a project course of 7,5 or 15 ECTS in close proximity to a research group or other functions outside the university.
A mix of theory and practice
The programme combines theoretical studies of ecology with practical work. Lectures are mixed with group work, laboratory work, seminars, excursions and independent project work, including the planning of field and laboratory exercises. During the second year, you will complete your thesis comprising of 30 or 60 ECTS.
Develop critical and independent thinking
The programme gives you the skills to identify and characterize ecological problems, plan and execute investigations and determine and study biological material. You will also learn how to analyse data statistically and how to present and interpret the results in a report. The programme provides an understanding of the advanced ecological theory necessary to execute and evaluate both research and nature preservation measures.
Curriculum
Profile in nature conservation
For the first course, you can choose between Forest Ecology or Aquatic Ecosystems Ecology and Aquatic Ecosystems. You will also study Ecological Dynamics and Analyses of Field Data. The programme has a special profile in nature conservation. This profile includes courses in the field of environmental science focusing on relevant legislation, and management of different habitats and species, which could be important in dealing with nature conservation issues in authorities and companies.
Close proximity to research
The education is closely linked to the research conducted at the Department of Ecology and Environmental Science. Most of the practical exercises have their focus on northern ecosystems. The education received the highest ratings in the latest evaluation by the Swedish Higher Education Authority.
Alumni interview: Sherry works with snow leopards
Choose your thesis project
In addition to the above-mentioned courses, you will choose between a number of different ecological courses at the advanced level and up to 30 ECTS in other subjects. For example, in earth science, natural geography and environmental health protection. There are also courses in geographical information systems and geoecology. You can also choose to take a project course of 7,5 or 15 ECTS in close proximity to a research group or other functions outside the university.
A mix of theory and practice
The programme combines theoretical studies of ecology with practical work. Lectures are mixed with group work, laboratory work, seminars, excursions and independent project work, including the planning of field and laboratory exercises. During the second year, you will complete your thesis comprising of 30, 45 or 60 ECTS.
Gallery
Program Outcome
Develop critical and independent thinking
The programme gives you the skills to identify and characterize ecological problems, plan and execute investigations and determine and study biological material. You will also learn how to analyse data statistically and how to present and interpret the results in a report. The programme provides understanding of the advanced ecological theory necessary to execute and evaluate both research and nature preservation measures.
Career Opportunities
Degree and career
The Master's Programme in Ecology gives you knowledge and skills for advanced work in governments, companies and is an excellent base for PhD studies. The profile in nature conservation provides especially good competence for future work with nature and environmental issues in authorities and companies.
Following your Master's degree you can take further courses on advanced level or enter PhD studies.