Introduction
The general academic Master’s degree studies Ecology and Evolution are addressed to English-speaking undergraduate students who seek specialist education in contemporary ecological and evolutionary issues. Our experienced staff, familiarized with the international, cross-cultural academic environment, imparts deepened and always updated theoretical and applicable knowledge with putting stress upon teamwork, developing problem-solving skills and planning field, and experimental research.
The unique, interdisciplinary study program provides a large number of practical activities in well equipped, modern laboratories.
The student gains a broad understanding of ecological and evolutionary principles and enters a path to become a successful scientist who can publish results of self-conducted research in recognized international scientific journals. He/she acquires adaptive social and managerial competencies along with a design mindset—so as to utilize ecological knowledge in practical environmental conservation and resources management.
Knowledge
The graduate knows and understands:
the complexity of ecological processes and phenomena on the basis of empirical evidence found in various disciplines
methodology of biological sciences with a special focus on ecology and evolutionism; they can critically analyze data using relevant mathematical and statistical methods
issues in biological sciences necessary to understand relations, dependencies and functioning of the organism in the environment
issues in ecology, evolutionism and selected specializations in biological sciences, thanks to which they notice the relations and dependencies on different levels of functioning of the natural environment
current and new global threats to the natural environment
the complexity of dependencies and mechanisms of evolution
current and significant research achievements and developmental trends in ecology, evolutionism and molecular biology
basic and advanced methods of modeling the occurrence of phenomena and biological processes using mathematic, statistical and computational methods
principles of planning research, verifying research hypotheses, as well as research techniques and aids used in ecology and molecular biology
rules of acquiring and settling academic and developmental projects in the field of biological sciences
basic work safety regulations and the principles of ergonomics
principles of intellectual property protection and copyrights
general principles of encouraging and developing individual entrepreneurship, using knowledge of ecology
dynamic development of biological sciences and the rise of new programs of study and research fields
Skills
The graduate is able to:
use advanced research techniques and tools specific for various fields of ecology
search for and use scientific data in English obtained from various sources
use specialist English terminology in ecology and biology
critically analyze and select information, especially obtained from electronic sources
plan and carry out research tasks or expertise work under the guidance of an academic supervisor
use advanced statistical tools and numerical techniques relevant for solving problems in ecology and related sciences
use specialist knowledge to interpret and collect empirical data and to draw appropriate conclusions
correctly formulate conclusions and judgments on the basis of collected empirical data
prepare an academic presentation using various verbal and multimedia techniques
write a research paper in English that would present their own research and scientific findings
communicate freely in English and deliver a presentation on detailed issues in ecology, evolutionism and related fields
uses language skills in the field of biology following the requirements set for the B2+ level by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages
independently plan their professional or academic career
Social competences
The graduate is ready to:
work in a team, assuming different roles, planning their tasks especially in terms of taking up different responsibilities and managing time
listen to, accept or reject proposals offered by other team members
appropriately define priorities related to the tasks assumed by themselves or by others
identify and solve dilemmas related to their job following ethical principles
realistically evaluate the dangers resulting from the applied research techniques and set up a safe work environment paying attention to the principles of ergonomics
think and act in the spirit of entrepreneurship, taking into consideration the principles of sustainability
take advantage of lifelong learning, inspire and organize the process of learning of others
apply self-criticism and draw conclusions on the basis of self-analysis
consistently apply and popularize the rules of a strictly empirical interpretation of biological phenomena and processes in research and practice
use well-established sources of academic information and apply the principles of critical thinking in solving practical problems
Graduate’s profile
Graduates become effective scientists able to set up experiments and research (including field research/work) using appropriate and modern methods, analyze obtained results, write scientific papers and reports and prepare their spoken or graphic presentations. The accomplishment of two-year studies allows employment either in dynamically evolving public or private sectors worldwide: laboratories, public administration, governmental agencies, various types of research units as well as non-governmental and private organizations.
Professional status
A graduate has acquired knowledge as well as practical skills within the scope of natural science, particularly concerning those which are useful in solving contemporary ecological issues, and in evolutionary research. Active knowledge of the English language enables graduates to undertake third-cycle programs at leading foreign universities and research centers. Thanks to abilities acquired in a laboratory and fieldwork a graduate are able to prepare both a field and experimental research, knowledge of statistics enables a graduate to apply proper tests and analyze obtained results. A graduate can critically select information, as well as perform a reliable analysis of a studied issue, with the appliance of general knowledge. He/she is able to work in a team, as well as presents competencies needed in order to work in various positions and various levels of professional responsibility. Thanks to high professional qualifications a graduate may be employed in institutions of a state and EU administration, as well as non-governmental organizations and agencies.
Structure
First semester
Evolution
Experimental design, data analysis, and presentation
Practical aspects of environmental conservation - part 1
Progress in ecology and evolution
Social and economic aspects of nature conservation
BHK, Health, and Safety
Foreign language at level B2+
Ecology of fungi
Grant writing in environmental studies (course canceled in 2019/20)
Island biogeography
Molecular Ecology
Practical Protozoology
Practice in Environmental Science
The Baltic Sea Region – Nature and Man
The ecology and conservation of Carnivora
Second semester
Ecosystem ecology
Ecosystem ecology-practice
Methods of secondary data analysis on society and environment
Practical aspects of environmental conservation - part 2
Seminar
Master Project in ecology and evolution
Foreign language at level B2+
Biology of amphibians
Climate Change
Diversity and evolution of plants
Effective research communication
Ethical aspects of genetic and cell manipulations
Host-parasite interaction – ecology and application in biological control
Malaria - global problem exemplified practically on the avian model system
Tropical ecology-field course
The need to select at least one course from the group
Behavioral Ecology
Evolutionary and Physiological Animal Ecology
Third semester
Master Project in ecology and evolution
Seminar
Ecology of fungi
Grant writing in environmental studies
Island biogeography
Molecular Ecology
Practical Protozoology
Practice in Environmental Science
The Baltic Sea Region – Nature and Man
The ecology and conservation of Carnivora
Fourth semester
Master Project in ecology and evolution
Seminar
Biology of amphibians
Climate Change
Diversity and evolution of plants
Effective research communication
Ethical aspects of genetic and cell manipulations
Host-parasite interaction – ecology and application in biological control
Malaria - global problem exemplified practically on the avian model system
Tropical ecology-field course
The Jagiellonian University in Krakow
Join us at Jagiellonian University, the best and the most prestigious university in Poland, with a very rich tradition of academic excellence that dates back to the fourteenth century.
Live and study at the academic heart of Central Europe, the home of excellent researchers in many disciplines, including the humanities, social sciences, medicine, mathematics, and natural sciences. The University has many international partners, and our students benefit from various forms of study exchange, shared virtual classrooms, visits of guest professors, and many other aspects of international co-operation. The Faculty of International and Political Studies, which will be your home department, is widely recognized for its research on areas and countries, politics, international relations, and intercultural studies.
Entry requirements
Persons eligible to apply for the program are the holders of a higher education diploma (at least undergraduate) in social sciences, humanities, and other relevant fields.
The additional formal requirement is documented command of the English language at least on the B2 level specified by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. At the same time, we accept a number of recognized language certificates. English native speakers or graduates from study programs where English was the language of instruction are exempted from the requirement of the certificate.
Candidates are placed on the ranking list in the order established on the basis of the final result, expressed on a scale from 0 to 100, calculated as follows:
assessment of the motivation letter was written in English (preliminary thesis project will also be assessed as part of the motivation letter) – maximum of 50 points;
points awarded for reference letters – a maximum of 50 points.
Testimonials
Jacob Wilkerson (United States): "The Ecology and evolution program manages to be both fun and challenging. It has a lot of hands-on and practical courses both in the lab and out in the field nearby campus and into the mountains and forests. As it's an international program you get to work with other students from a wide range of cultures and backgrounds, learn about environmental and world issues from perspectives you otherwise wouldn't hear. It really allows for a great setting to grow as a person. The program itself much like the subject matter is extremely varied, you'll have the ability to learn a wide variety of subjects while focusing on the subject matter that you care about.
Krakow is an excellent city, it's large enough that it's never difficult to find something new and fun to do but it's not so big that you start feeling out of place. The people are welcoming and kind, as is the comfortable feel of the city. Also, you won't have much issue finding good places to eat."
Aleksandra Błażejowska (Poland): "I am studying Ecology and Evolution because my supervisor encouraged me to start it. What is more, EcoEvo was more suited to my expectations and the leading English is definitely an advantage. The first year was a little bit hard, but I think it was worth it because I've learned more than in my previous study. However, students also should have the possibility to take Polish facultative courses if they want, and more classes in the laboratory will be ok, too. For me Krakow is one of the best cities to live in Poland, it offers many opportunities both for development, meeting people, and for some entertainment; Krakow lives all days and nights."
Failasuf Aulia Nugroho (Indonesia): "Studying at Jagiellonian University is something good for me. Almost all the teachers have a good reason to explain to me the complexity of biology especially from an evolution point of view. Deep learning in ecology and evolution program, this program provides me quite a lot of practical works, and surely a lot of theory. I am happy when I have the opportunity to attend a lecture in the mountain area, national park, riverside, and others. This university has its own museum, which is very useful and enables us to learn the history of the globe from an evolutionary perspective.
Krakow is a beautiful city with a lot of attractions and tourism objects. A lot of libraries are there which can be used freely by students, even by foreigners."
Fees
Application fee
The application fee is 100 PLN.
Tuition fee
Polish citizens: none
Foreigners: 9500 PLN for the first year and 8500 PLN for the second year (18000 PLN/program, approximately 4200 EUR/program)
Tuition is paid in the amount for one semester. Candidates admitted to the first year are obliged to pay the first installment no later than within 7 days from enrollment.
