Master of Science (MSc) in Behaviour, Evolution and Conservation

The Master of Science in Behaviour, Evolution and Conservation degree is intended for students who wish to combine an advanced approach to ecology with the possibility of working with fauna, flora or microbes.

The Master programme provides in-depth knowledge of the relations between living beings and their environment, their fellows, the resources on which they depend and the dangers they face. It also provides advanced teaching on the evolution of organisms and their mechanisms of adaptation to changing biotic and abiotic environmental conditions.

This knowledge builds the foundations for evidence-based biodiversity management and conservation strategies.

Possibility of specialisation in:

• Behaviour, Economics and Evolution (in collaboration with the Faculty of Business and Economics)
• Computational Ecology and Evolution (in collaboration with the Faculty of Geosciences and Environment)
• Geoscience, Ecology and Evolution (in collaboration with the Faculty of Geosciences and Environment)

Organiser
Faculty of Biology and Medicine
School of Biology

Degree awarded
Master of Science (MSc) in Behaviour, Evolution and Conservation

ECTS credits
120

Duration
4 semesters

Teaching language
English. Recommended level : C1.

Admission requirements
Candidates must be holders of a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Biology or in a field considered to be equivalent awarded by a Swiss university.
Other degrees awarded by a foreign university may be considered equivalent and grant access to the programme with or without further conditions.

Enrolment and final dates
The degree course begins in the autumn semester only.
Applications must be submitted to the Admissions Office before the deadline.
Final enrolment date: 30 April. Candidates needing a visa to study in Switzerland: 28 February.

More information
Website of the Master
Course descriptions and timetables

This Master will provide high-level training in behaviour, evolution and conservation, research, analytical and critical thinking, written and oral communication abilities, as well as management of bibliographic resources, familiarisation with scientific literature and other transversal skills.

As such, this programme serves as a foundation for potential careers in:

• Academic research
• Museums and conservation work
• Swiss Federal research stations
• Public environmental protection services
• Environmental protection Non Governemental Organizations (NGOs)
• Private applied ecology companies

Alumni have different positions, such as biologist in an environmental firm.

Further information