Master in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
University of Helsinki
Key Information
Campus location
Helsinki, Finland
Languages
English, Finnish, Swedish
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
2 years
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
EUR 18,000 / per year *
Application deadline
Request Info
Earliest start date
Aug 2024
* for non-EU/EEA countries
Introduction
Which species are able to adapt to environmental change?
Ecology and evolutionary biology offer a perspective on biology from the level of genes to communities of species. In the Master's programme in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, you become familiar with a wide variety of topics in three areas: ecology, evolutionary biology and conservation biology.
The programme is diverse and multidisciplinary. You attend lectures, laboratory and computer training courses, interactive seminars and study tours. The field courses range from the northern subarctic region to tropical rainforests. You also benefit from the Centres of Excellence of Metapopulation Biology and Biological Interactions that are located in the department.
Studying
Ecology and evolutionary biology offer a perspective on biology from the level of genes to communities of species. In the Master's Programme in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, you can become familiar with a wide variety of topics in three areas: ecology, evolutionary biology and conservation biology.
You can choose studies from any of these areas, as well as from other master's degree programmes. The programme is diverse and multidisciplinary: teaching is done with lectures, laboratory and computer training courses, interactive seminars, study tours and field courses. Our wide expertise extends from molecular ecology to population and community biology.
Our program offers you a wide range of options: evolutionary biology or genetics for those interested in ecological genetics and genomics, as well as the ability to take advantage of the high-quality molecular ecology and systematics laboratory; conservation biology for those interested in regional or global environmental problems; and ecological modelling skills for those interested in computational biology. Our training also offers Behavioural Ecology.
What is Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (EEB)?
Get to know the EEB programme structure in a compact form.
This Prezi presentation compiles key information from several websites in a visual format.
Students and Student's Life
Student life and especially the student organisation culture is exceptionally rich and diverse in Finland. Also at the University of Helsinki, the student community is very active.
More than 250 student organisations operate within the Student Union of the University of Helsinki (HYY), ranging from faculty and subject organisations to political and societal organisations, and from choirs and orchestras to sports and game clubs. Their activities include anniversary celebrations, academic dinner parties, cultural events, get-togethers and excursions.
As a student and member of the Student Union (HYY), you are entitled to many benefits and services. For example, affordable student housing, basic healthcare services, sports facilities and student-priced meals. You also get numerous discounts, for example on public transport fees across the country.
Admissions
Curriculum
Structure
You undertake modules producing a total of 120 credits (ECTS) according to your personal study plan. The degree consists of:
90 credits of advanced studies, including a research project (Master’s thesis, 30 credits):
- Ecology, 5 credits
- Evolutionary biology, 10 credits
- Statistical methods in ecology, 5 credits
- Master’s degree seminar, 5 credits
- Master’s thesis course, 5 credits
- Master’s thesis, 30 credits
- 30 credits of alternative other studies chosen from the Programme
30 credits of optional other studies. You can choose studies from the Programme or from other Master's Programmes.
Career planning or extracurricular activities can be included in your personal study plan.
If you are studying to qualify as a biology teacher, you will need 60 credits of pedagogical studies and 60 credits of ecology and evolutionary biology in your degree. This applies only to Finnish or Swedish speaking students.
Content and Themes
The programme includes studies of ecology, evolutionary biology and conservation biology. The studies are organised in modules. You can affect the content of the studies by planning your personal curriculum. You can study the following themes:
- Ecology studies the abundance and distribution of species (animals, plants, microbes) and the interactions among them and with the environment. The perspective ranges from the molecular to the ecosystem level. In ecology, a central question is: Why are some species able to invade new habitats and displace native species? Which species are able to adapt to environmental change or migrate with the changing climate, and which species will become extinct?
- Evolutionary biology examines the processes which support biodiversity on its various levels (genes – individuals – populations – species – ecosystems). You will learn about the theory of evolution and how to use population genetics and genomics methods in researching evolutionary issues.
- Conservation Biology studies the depletion of biodiversity, its causes and consequences. You will learn to apply ecological theory to the problems of environmental conservation, to assess the effectiveness of methods of conservation, as well as to resolve the problems relating to conservation e.g. by modelling and computational methods. The training emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary education in the area of conservation.
You can choose studies from any of these areas, as well as from other master's degree programmes.
Courses and Teaching
The Master's Programme in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology is diverse and multidisciplinary including studies of ecology, evolutionary biology and conservation biology. The teaching is done with lectures, laboratory and computer training courses, interactive seminars, study tours and field courses. The field courses range from the northern subarctic region to tropical rainforests.
For example, the first course in the programme is Ecology (5 credits) which includes the one week Taiga excursion. The goal of the excursion is to familiarise both international and Finnish students to forests and bogs of several national parks and one strict nature reserve, representative of the at present rare taiga habitats in southern Finland. Also natural springs, eskers and sites of bog restoration and prescribed burning of natural fire areas will be visited. You also get to know other students in the programme during the excursion.
Master s Thesis
All students undertake a master's thesis, the extent of which is 30 credits. In your thesis, you will demonstrate your mastery of scientific thinking, your familiarity with the scientific background of your thesis and the relevant research methods, and your ability to report the results. Your thesis can be done individually or as a member of a research project in which you have a clear and independent role. You must, however, write your thesis independently.
In general, you will collect the data in the field or in the laboratory, analyse them, evaluate the results critically in the light of the scientific literature, and present your conclusions in writing.
Your Master's thesis can be done in one of the the research groups of the department.
Doctoral education
As a graduate of the Master's Programme in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, you can apply for a doctoral programme at the University of Helsinki or other top international universities. Further studies include 40 credits of coursework and a dissertation.
The vast majority of graduating students in ecology and evolutionary biology take part in the Doctoral Programme in Wildlife Biology Research (LUOVA).
International opportunities
Students have an opportunity to study at universities and research institutions outside Finland within the framework of an international student exchange.
Students can gain valuable experience by working as a student tutor of international students or by participating in the international activities of the Student Union or other student organisations.
Local and international students are encouraged to interact in all courses and common activities. International students can include language courses in Finnish in their degree. Students can choose to do their master's thesis and internships abroad.
Students are exposed to a lively and engaging international community in the programme, at the Research Programme in Organismal and Evolutionary Biology and at the faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences at large. Teachers and researchers at the faculty are internationally known and respected scientists and research groups host numerous international visitors and researchers. They also employ many PhD students from different parts of the world, which creates an international atmosphere in the programme.
Gallery
Program Outcome
Why Ecology and Evolutionary Biology?
Ecology, evolutionary biology and conservation biology are not only fascinating topics for basic research, but they also have a key role in addressing global environmental challenges.
Upon graduating from the Master's programme in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, you can:
- master the main theories and methods in ecology and evolutionary biology
- plan and successfully carry out scientific research projects
- write good scientific English
- work in research projects and groups
- apply your skills to solving practical problems
- learn transferable skills
- be employed as an expert in different types of work both in public and private sector
- continue in research training towards PhD with your skills and solid theoretical background
Upon graduating, you have the capability to embark on a wide range of careers, such as:
- in research and teaching in universities or other institutions of higher education
- as an expert in a wide range of public, private and third sector research institutions and organizations
- in administration at the local (cities, provinces) and national level (e.g. ministries) and internationally (e.g., United Nations, European Union)
- in the media.
The degree also provides scientific qualifications for doctoral education in many areas of biology.
Scholarships and Funding
Our scholarship program is for students who are applying to the University of Helsinki. These scholarships are intended for excellent students from outside the EU/EEA, who wish to complete a Master's program at the University of Helsinki. Grants can be applied while applying to the University of Helsinki’s Master’s programs.
Program Tuition Fee
Career Opportunities
A degree from the Master's Programme in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology gives you the capability to embark on a wide range of careers or continue with postgraduate studies in different areas of biology.