What Maria says about the Master's in Biology, Animal Ecology
Maria from Colombia
About the programme and the teaching style
How did you find out about your programme and why did you choose it?
"I found this programme because there was a professor who worked on the things I have been interested in since my Bachelor’s degree. I came here looking for experience in that field of research. I also had recommendations from previous Bachelor’s colleagues that worked with her and that told me she was a good supervisor if I wanted to do a project with them."
What do you think about your programme so far?
"The programme is more intense than I thought it would be in terms of lectures. Also, the system of teaching is different from what I was used to. So far, it has been a journey of discovery and adaptation, but it was the best choice I could have made! In terms of the thesis project, it has been a challenge, but in the best way possible. The project is something that interests me and that is giving me the tools to replicate some methods in my home country and with the species that intrigue me the most."
What is the best thing about your programme?
"The best thing is the possibility to learn first-hand protocols and methods from the professors that have been working on it from the beginning. The possibility of learning and innovating hand-to-hand with pioneers in the field is incredible!"
What do you think of the teaching style at Lund?
"It is really different from the one I was used to. On one hand, in the beginning, I was surprised that I did not feel as challenged with the lectures and the exams in some courses as I might have at home. On the other hand, the structure of teaching in Lund gives you time to actually learn and study without pressure for grades or time, which is absolutely amazing. Besides, there is no vertical hierarchy in the teaching system, which allows you to reach any professor at any time you want and ask them whatever questions you might have."
Why should prospective students choose this programme?
"If you want to learn about biological methodologies from researchers that have been pioneers in some study fields, and if you want to work with equipment for huge research questions and discuss with the person who introduced the research field, then this Master’s programme is for you!"
Have you been able to gain any practical experience during your studies so far?
"Yes, I have been able to have some paid work taking care of birds in the animal facility and the wind tunnel (the place where all the animals for experiments are). In the lectures, we had field trips to perform small experiments on basic research questions. Currently, I am also doing my thesis project and I have the opportunity to perform experiments and collect data on a field trip in Skåne."
How international is your programme (in terms of nationalities) and what is it like to study in that kind of environment?
"The programme is very international. There are people from many nationalities and several continents. It is amazing to study with people from so many places. You get to know different cultures and points of view, as well as many marvellous examples from animals that you haven't heard from."

"It’s very flexible and everyone is very accessible"
Amandine from the USA