Biology, Conservation Biology - Master Programme

This Master’s programme provides you with both global and regional perspectives on problems related to reduced biodiversity. You will learn about issues in conservation biology related to why certain species are threatened and how they can be saved from extinction, as well as gain understanding for how ecosystem functions and ecosystem services are related to biodiversity. You will learn how to use modern population ecology and genetics, in addition to various analytical methods within conservation biology. You will obtain concrete tools for managing and recreating natural ecosystems and for mapping the loss of species variety.

Excursions and field projects are included in many of the courses. Field instruction is an important part of the programme and is provided at no cost to the student. Elective courses allow you to specialise in tracheophytes, mosses, larvae, fungi, birds or insects (some of these courses are given in Swedish. The programme also provides you with specialised knowledge on experimental design and statistics, as well as training in analysing and interpreting biological data. You will practice both oral and written presentations and obtain ample experience in working in groups. Teaching takes place on modern premises and in laboratories with advanced equipment.

The Master’s programme has a high proportion of scheduled lessons, and the interaction with teaching staff and course assistants is relaxed. The programme has strong ties with research. All of the teaching staff are researchers, and as a result the courses are continuously adapted based on current research. The Department of Biology has several world-leading research teams and conducts both basic research and applied research in, for example, conservation biology and ecosystem services. The language of instruction is English, apart from individual elective courses on species knowledge.

Programme structure

The programme has a recommended study route, but you can also make a personal study plan after consultation with the study advisor and programme coordinator. You will initially take a course on population and community ecology, which also includes statistics and experimental design. Thereafter you can select courses on modelling and advanced statistics or animal ecology, for example. During the spring semester you will attend a compulsory course on specialised theory and modelling within nature conservation and conservation biology. You will also study more applied aspects of nature conservation during a course on either biological monitoring or water management.

During the programme you can also take courses on geographic information systems (GIS) or species identification, for example. The degree project is worth 30, 45 or 60 credits and is generally conducted in a research team, but it can also be conducted in cooperation with a public authority or a company. The Master’s programme offers the option of doing an internship, which can provide valuable contacts.

Career prospects

After graduation, you can work in nature conservation in both the public and private sectors, for example as a municipal ecologist, at county councils or as a consultant. The knowledge you obtain is also needed in silviculture and agriculture. Among other things, your work duties could include environmental monitoring, taking species inventory, field sample collection, offering advice as well as assessing and implementing biodiversity measures. If you are interested in research within conservation biology, there are good opportunities to continue your studies at a higher education institution.