Master programme in Conservation Biology

The rapid decline of ecosystems results in a global loss of biodiversity and thus there is an increasing demand for people working with environmental management. On the master’s programme in conservation biology, you will learn how to use modern ecology and genetics within management and restoration, as well as in studies on the loss of biological diversity. You will gain insight into global and regional aspects of biodiversity and restoration ecology, how population ecology is used as a tool in conservation, and learn to master the analytical methods used in conservation biology. Your teachers are active researchers in conservation biology so you will study in close association with an expanding, international research environment.

The master's programme provides a foundation for continued higher studies as well as for a diverse range of other careers within the public sector, forestry, agriculture and consultancy.

Recommended course of study

Year 1

Autumn

• Population and Community Ecology (BIOR69) 15 credits
• Evolutionary Animal Ecology (BIOR81) credits, Modelling in Biological Systems (BIOS13) 7.5 credits plus Processing and Analysis of Biological Data (BIOS14) 7.5 credits, Global Ecosystem Dynamics (NGEN17) 15 credits or Nature Conservation (BIOC05) 15 credits. Please note that the course Nature Conservation is at Bachelor's level and given in Swedish.

Spring

• Conservation Biology (BIOR83) 15 credits
• Biological Monitoring (BIOR39) 15 credits or Water Management (BIOR66) 15 credits

Year 2

Autumn

• Geographical Information Systems (GISA21 or NGEA11)
• Modelling in Biological Systems (BIOS13) 7.5 credits plus Processing and Analysis of Biological Data (BIOS14) 7.5 credits or Global Ecosystem Dynamics (NGEN17) 15 credits

Spring

Master's degree project

Degree requirements

Degree requirements

Courses corresponding to 120 credits, of which should encompass:

• Compulsory Courses, 45 credits
  • Population and Community Ecology, 15 credits (BIOR69)
  • Conservation Biology BIOR83, 15 credits (BIOR81)
  • Biological Monitoring BIOR39 or Water management BIOR66,15 credits
• Elective Courses, at least 15 credits
  • Biological Monitoring BIOR39 15 credits
  • Evolutionary Animal Ecology BIOR81 15 credits
  • Modelling Biological Systems BIOS13 7.5 credits
  • Plant Evolution and Adaptation BIOR77 15 credits
  • Processing and Analysis of Biological Data BIOS14 7.5 credits
  • Water Management BIOR66 15 credit
• Optional Courses, 0-30 credits
• Master´s degree project in biology, 30/45/60 credits

Degree title

Master of Science (Two Years)
Major: Biology with specialization in Conservation Biology

Prerequisites and application at Lund University's education pages.