Biodiversity Sciences (Master of Science (M.Sc.) – 120 LP)

Allgemeine Informationen

Charakteristik und Ziele

The international master's programme MSc Biodiversity Sciences aims to scientifically convey how the state and changes of biodiversity can be quantified across space and time, what evolutionary and ecological processes underlie them and what consequences arise from biodiversity changes for humans. Biodiversity forms the foundation for all ecosystem functions and human well-being on Earth. While the study programme is based on the fundamentals of the natural sciences, it has a strong interdisciplinary component. In the last decades, we have encountered a dramatic loss in and restructuring of biodiversity. As biodiversity and its change are strongly linked to society, the programme has a strong interdisciplinary component, addressing the options of how biodiversity can be maintained and integrated into the management of our planet’s resources. To achieve these goals, various disciplines are engaged in the master's programme, from organismic to molecular biology, biogeochemistry, landscape ecology, natural resource management and bioinformatics to interfaces with socio-ecological sciences.

Students acquire the skills to collect, statistically analyze and visualize biodiversity data themselves. They will gain an understanding of the different levels of biodiversity, which includes genetic diversity as well as the diversity of species, habitats and functions. This is achieved, on the one hand, by teaching theories and data analysis, and, on the other hand, through laboratory practicals, field studies and excursions. The expertise acquired includes a profound knowledge of species, which also enables in-depth specialization in certain species groups, and, in addition, the ability not only to present the research results of biodiversity research scientifically, but also to communicate them to political decision-makers, interest groups and the public and to implement them in practice.

The consecutive study programme has a strong research orientation enabling students to work systematically and scientifically and to conduct independent scientific research. Other important study goals are interdisciplinary knowledge as well as communication and teamwork skills. The international character of scientific research is taken into account by conducting the study programme, i.e. the lectures and examinations, entirely in English.

Darum Halle!

German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig - Hotspot in Biodiversity Science

“The central problem in understanding and measuring biological diversity is that we still have a lot of work to do. And while we are taking inventory, the shelves are already being cleared.”  - iDiv Speaker Christian Wirth in the iDiv film

iDiv is a DFG research centre (DFG: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft) with more than 350 employees and members based primarily in Halle, Jena and Leipzig. Here, researchers from 30 nations establish the scientific basis for the sustainable management of our planet’s biodiversity.

Biodiversity refers to the diversity of life - not only species diversity but also genetic diversity, diversity of functions, interactions and ecosystems. We know that our actions dramatically change this diversity: species become extinct, genetic information and entire ecosystems are lost. At the same time, we know little about the extent of these changes, the underlying processes and consequences for humanity.

In the face of this urgent problem, a consortium of eleven research institutions joined forces to establish iDiv in 2012. In order to better understand the complex phenomenon of biodiversity, the iDiv researchers are working on five overarching research areas.

In this context, the international master's programme Biodiversity Sciences 120 CP promotes cooperation between the various master's programmes in the field of biodiversity sciences at the universities of the Halle-Jena-Leipzig university network. Participation in modules in the corresponding study programmes is encouraged and can be recognised.

Berufsperspektiven

The MSc Biodiversity Sciences 120 CP qualifies for positions in the following areas:

• Basic research on all aspects of biodiversity
• Subject-specific teaching tasks
• International development cooperation on biodiversity conservation
• Private sector: consulting, management and planning
• Public sector: biodiversity monitoring and administration
• Political consultancy

The programme also qualifies for PhD positions. 

Akkreditierung

This study programme is accredited (details).

Struktur des Studiums

The study programme is structured as follows:

• Compulsory modules (45 CP)
• Elective modules (45 CP)
• Master's thesis (30 CP)

Studieninhalt

Compulsory modules ( 75 CP)

Project modules (Elective modules) (45 CP) 

Praktika

Forschungsgruppenpraktika und Projektstudie: Vertiefung bestimmter Fachrichtungen als Vorbereitung auf die Masterarbeit unter Anleitung und im Team. Im Mittelpunkt stehen die theoretische und experimentelle Bearbeitung eines komplexen Biodiversitätsthemas (Forschungsgruppenpraktika) sowie die Aufarbeitung der zugrunde liegenden internationalen Literatur (Projektstudie).

Praktika: Erlernen praktischer Arbeitstechniken und Vertiefung bzw. Ergänzung des Vorlesungsstoffs. Dazu gehört die Planung, Durchführung, Auswertung und Dokumentation von Experimenten und Beobachtungsstudien sowie das Erlernen grundlegender Labor- und Feldmethoden.

Zulassungsvoraussetzungen

Applicants for the MSc Biodiversity Sciences must

• hold a bachelor's degree or equivalent degree (min. 180 credit points) in one of the following fields of studies: biology, ecology, biogeochemistry, landscape ecology, natural resource management or bioinformatics. Graduates of a comparable study programme may also be admitted.

• prove good knowledge of written and spoken English.

Applicants must prove their English language proficiency by submitting either TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge Certificate, Unicert II, German Abitur or an equivalent internationally recognised language certificate attesting level B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). However, proof of language proficiency is not required if the first degree was obtained in a study programme taught in English.

In addition, admission to the master's degree programme requires proof of comprehensive knowledge in organismic biology and species identification as well as experimental skills or experience in observational studies. Decisions on compliance with the subject-specific requirements and, if applicable, the admission requirements are taken by the selection committee in accordance with the selection regulations.

Basic knowledge in ecology, landscape ecology, biogeochemistry, natural resource management, bioinformatics, mathematics and statistics as well as socio-ecological sciences is strongly recommended.

This chapter consists of excerpts roughly translated into English. Only the study and examination regulations are legally binding.

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