Biodiversity: Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation (M.Sc.)

The four-semester master’s program offers research-oriented studies in ecology (animals, plants), evolution, and conservation biology. It typically follows a BSc degree in biology/biological sciences or related areas. The course is organized in a modular way and based in large on three-week block courses including lab and field courses as well as excursions. Weekly lectures and seminars complement these courses. There are opportunities for individual, practice-oriented studies at the university or research institutions within and outside Göttingen. Students have access to a broad spectrum of modules across faculties for further scientific specialization. The acquisition of “soft skills” is also part of the curriculum. In the fourth semester, students write the Master’s thesis as an independent piece of academic work. They work on a current academic topic, which is usually embedded in a third-party-funded project.

The cross-cutting module Species identification and natural history provides the students with a toolbox to identify species from various taxonomic groups both in the field and in collections. Students will be familiar with important survey methods and advanced tools such as AI-aided online identification.

The MSc degree in Biodiversity qualifies students to pursue a scientific career (e.g., a PhD in Biological Diversity and Ecology at the University of Göttingen) or follow a profession with, e.g., governmental authorities, inter/national environmental organisations or educational institutions.

Optionally, students have the possibility to pursue a ‘Double-Degree’ in the IMABEE program at one of the partner universities Amsterdam (NL) or Rennes I (F). The first year is spent at the home university (60 C) whereas the second year (60 C) is completed at one of the partner universities, including the Master thesis (30 C).