Master's Degree Programme in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

Degree title:
Master of Science
Degree program type:
Master's Degree
Credits:
120 cr
Language:
Finnish
Responsible organisation:
Department of Biological and Environmental Science, Faculty of Mathematics and Science
Curriculum periods:
2020-2021, 2021-2022, 2022-2023

Description

In Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, we focus our research and teaching on ecology and evolutionary genetics and the researchers focused on these different subjects cooperate considerately. The research in the division is active, international and of high-quality. A part of the division has been named Centre of Excellence in Biological Interactions Research by the Finnish Academy and many of the workers in EKO -division work in or collaborate with the CoE.

Research within the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology section is broad-based, with approaches at different levels: from the DNA, through organisms and populations to ecosystems. In particular, strong research areas are sexual and aposematic signal evolution, biodiversity and conservation studies, genetics of adaptation and speciation, evolutionary ecology, and life-history evolution. The researchers continue and base the teaching on a strong tradition of empirical research, using state of the art techniques, to investigate and integrate disparate biological fields. Our work is facilitated by a pleasant working environment, with, for example, a well-equipped DNA laboratory, and the Konnevesi Research Station.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge

Graduates

  • will know and be able to apply the theories and knowledge of their field.
  • are able to work as professionals in scientific tasks in the fields of ecology, genetics and evolutionary biology.

Skills

Graduates

  • work in accordance with good scientific practice and following ethical principles
  • can acquire the latest information in their field
  • are able to critically evaluate available knowledge
  • understand scientific texts and are able to engage in scientific discussion
  • fulfill their duties responsibly and respect ethical and work-safety norms
  • have a good knowledge of Finnish nature
  • plan and conduct a research project while working in a research group and communicate their findings both in a written thesis and verbally.
  • are ready to continue post-graduate education in their own field.
  • can recognize their skills and knowledge and relate these to their career goals.
  • value and motivated to continue development of their professional skills.

Interactions

Graduates

  • are able to communicate and work well with others and can communicate their knowledge to others both orally and in writing.
  • are cooperative and motivated to learn and apply their knowledge in order to find creative solutions to problems.  

Structure

Select all (75+ cr)