MSc in
MSc in Applied Ethology and Animal Biology Linköping University
Introduction
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- Start: August 2022
- Place of study: Linköping
- Level: Second cycle
For good animal welfare and husbandry, an understanding of animal behavior and biology from an applied perspective is important. If you are interested in the well-being of animals and want to preserve biodiversity, this program is for you.
Zoo collaboration
The program is conducted in collaboration with Kolmården Wildlife Park, the largest and most renowned zoo in Scandinavia. Several teaching sessions are held at the zoo, where you acquire first-hand knowledge from experienced staff. You will gain an in-depth understanding of the biology of stress and its role in animal welfare, the effects of domestication on animal behavior, the physiology of behavior, problems associated with keeping animals in captivity, and conservation biology.
Animal behavior, interactions with humans
Courses are closely connected to ongoing research performed by teachers on, for example, how various genes influence animal behavior, well-being and personality, the sensory world of mammals, and human-animal interactions. In addition to classroom lectures and seminars, you participate in several hands-on projects.
Wide choices for the degree project
A key part of the program is a one-year degree project (60 ECTS), which allows you to specialize in a subject based on your interests. If you wish, you may perform your degree project at a zoo, government agency, organization, or company, in Sweden or abroad.
Syllabus
Purpose
The Master’s program in Applied Ethology and Animal Biology aims to provide the students with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required for a professional in the field or for further postgraduate studies. The program meets both national and international needs from universities, industry, and society in general. The education intends to provide in-depth knowledge in applied ethology with a specialization towards animal welfare and conservation biology.
Students graduating from the Master’s program in Applied Ethology and Animal Biology shall:
- be prepared for advanced scientific communication with different target groups
- be able to contribute to the sustainable development of society
- be well prepared for further postgraduate studies, but also for advanced positions in the national or international labor market.
Aim
Disciplinary knowledge and reasoning
Graduates from the Master's program in Applied Ethology and Animal Biology demonstrate theoretical knowledge and understanding in ethology, including a broad knowledge of the area and considerable in-depth knowledge in certain parts of the area. The graduates are also acquainted with current research in the field.
The program builds upon a Bachelor's education in Biology, where fundamental knowledge in the area has been acquired. Entry requirements include at least 5 ECTS credits in Physiology.
Graduates from the Master's program in Applied Ethology and Animal Biology have acquired advanced knowledge in animal biology, physiology, zoo biology, and primate ethology. A graduate from the Master's program in Applied Ethology and Animal Biology has gained knowledge of:
- theories for the natural behavior of animals and about the biological meaning and consequence of stress.
- the effect of captivity on both behavioral and physiological responses, especially stress.
- problems associated with keeping animals in captivity, including knowledge in conservation biology, in situ, and ex-situ.
- different methods for recording and quantifying behavioral data and measuring physiological responses, as well as the ability to analyze this data using statistical tools.
- methods for animal handling.
The Master's program in Applied Ethology and Animal Biology is conducted in close collaboration with strong research environments, which gives the students insight into current research and development within the areas of animal biology, physiology, zoo biology, and primate ethology. During the Master's thesis work, the student can work for a full year with a research group, a company, or a public authority, getting very well acquainted with research findings within one of the areas. The graduate student is also able to design a scientific study and is skilled in critically reading relevant research literature.
Personal and professional skills and attributes
Students having graduated from the Master's program in Applied Ethology and Animal Biology have achieved the individual and professional skills and attitudes required to be able to critically and systematically integrate knowledge and to analyze and evaluate complex issues even with limited information. The graduates can also take responsibility at work or during post-graduate studies concerning work ethics, reliability, and respect for the expertise of other professionals. Students from the program can make relevant judgments regarding scientific, social, and ethical aspects.
Interpersonal skills: Teamwork and communication
Students having graduated from the Master's program in Applied Ethology and Animal Biology can collaborate with other people. This requires the ability to actively participate in a project with designated roles, tasks, and responsibilities. The graduates can also initiate, plan, lead, and evaluate larger projects. Students who graduated from the program are skilled in written and oral communication. The students can present information, problems, and solutions in a structured way with relevant techniques, in English or in their native language, to different target groups.
Planning, execution, and presentation of research or development projects with respect to scientific and societal needs and requirements
Students having graduated from the Master's program in Applied Ethology and Animal Biology shall have knowledge about the natural scientist and the role of natural science in society, The graduates also understand the social and economic conditions in the field and in the related research area. They can initiate, conduct, and present advanced development projects with established methods.
Research
Biology
From the genes in cells to animals and plants, and to complete ecosystems. Biology research at LiU covers a broad spectrum and encompasses ecology, zoology, and genetics.
AVIAN - Behavioural Genomics and Physiology group
The AVIAN - Behavioural Genomics and Physiology group at Linköping University studies the genetic basis of behavior and physiology.
Ethology
Ethology is the study of animal behavior and its underlying causes. At LiU, influential research is carried out into how various genes influence animal behavior, well-being, and personality.
Admissions
Curriculum
Semester 1 (Autumn 2022)
Period 1
- NBID70 --- Stress and Animal Welfare --- 7.5
- NBID71 --- Applied Ethology --- 7.5
Period 2
- NBID54 --- Behavioral Neurobiology --- 7.5
- NBID65 --- Behaviour Genetics --- 7.5
Semester 2 (Spring 2023)
Preliminary courses
Period 1
- NBID60 --- Zoo Biology --- 7.5
- NBID78 --- Case studies in conservation and sustainable development --- 7.5
Period 2
- NBID61 --- Primate Ethology --- 9
- NBID72 --- Internship in Ethology --- 15*
- TQXX60 --- Degree project - Master’s Thesis --- 60*
Semester 3 (Autumn 2023)
Preliminary courses
Period 1
- NBID72 --- Internship in Ethology --- 15*
- TQXX40 --- Degree project - Master’s Thesis --- 45*
- TQXX60 --- Degree project - Master’s Thesis --- 60*
Period 2
- TQXX30 --- Degree project - Master’s Thesis --- 30*
- TQXX40 --- Degree project - Master’s Thesis --- 45*
- TQXX60 --- Degree project - Master’s Thesis --- 60*
Semester 4 (Spring 2024)
Preliminary courses
Period 1
- TQXX30 --- Degree project - Master’s Thesis --- 30*
- TQXX40 --- Degree project - Master’s Thesis --- 45*
- TQXX60 --- Degree project - Master’s Thesis --- 60*
Period 2
- NBID43 --- Communicating Science --- 6
- TQXX30 --- Degree project - Master’s Thesis --- 30*
- TQXX40 --- Degree project - Master’s Thesis --- 45*
- TQXX60 --- Degree project - Master’s Thesis --- 60*
Scholarships and Funding
Scholarships
Linköping University (LiU) offers a limited number of scholarships to outstanding international students. For some programs and nationalities, it is also possible to apply for a scholarship through the Swedish Institute. There are also other funding opportunities for studies in Sweden.
LiU International Scholarship
The LiU International Scholarship is aimed at supporting international master's degree students with significant academic potential who are required to pay tuition fees. The tuition fees for a student awarded a LiU International Scholarship are reduced by 25, 50, or 75%. We offer a limited number of these scholarships to new students.
Am I eligible to apply?
Students who have applied for a master’s program at Linköping University and who meet all the following conditions are eligible to apply for a scholarship:
- you applied by the deadline for the first admission round
- you submitted all the required documents by the deadline
- you chose a master’s program at Linköping University as your first priority (ranked as number 1 of 4)
- you have been admitted to your first choice in the First Notification of Selection Results (usually early April)
- you are required to pay tuition fees.
Scholarships for studies in Sweden
Swedish Institute scholarships
The government agency the Swedish Institute (SI) offers a variety of scholarships depending on the level of study, the country where you come from, and the purpose of your studies. The application period for the SI scholarships varies. Read more about the SI scholarships and how to apply on their webpage.
Other scholarships
Many associations, foundations, and other organizations offer scholarships or travel grants for studies in Sweden. The official StudyinSweden.se website has collated a list of resources, where you can look for scholarships open to students of many countries or from your country specifically.
Career Opportunities
Career opportunities
As a graduate, you will be well-acquainted with animal behavior and its underlying mechanisms. Career opportunities include, for example, animal welfare inspector, wildlife conservationist, or advisor for zoos, private businesses, and animal or environmental agencies, to name but a few. You will also be qualified to pursue Ph.D. studies.