In the Master’s Programme in Ecology, you study how ecological interactions, human impacts, evolutionary processes, and the abiotic environment shape food webs, biodiversity and the functioning and stability of ecological systems. The programme focuses on boreal and arctic regions. You learn how to identify ecological problems, plan and execute research, and analyse ecological and genetic data. You can also specialize and obtain a master’s degree with a profile in environmental protection.
Nordic ecosystems, nature conservation and so much more. Study Ecology at Umeå University.
As a master student in ecology in Umeå, you will develop your skills for individual integration and application of knowledge. You also develop the ability to handle complex phenomena, problems and situations, as a preparation for research practice or other jobs that have high demands of self dependence.
"As a biologist, you benefit a lot from understanding basic earth science. And as an earth scientist, you have great usage of knowing basic biology."
"Our goal is to assess snow leopard population densities because the numbers we have, 150-200 snow leopards in Kyrgyzstan are really old and very rough estimate."
"It feels like it’s this playful journey that also teaches you important life skills that may be useful even outside of academia."
For the first course you can choose between Forest Ecology or Aquatic Ecosystems Ecology and Aquatic Ecosystems. You will also study Ecological Dynamics or Molecular Ecology and Evolution, and Analyses of Field Data. The programme has a special profile in nature conservation. This profile includes courses in the field of environmental science focusing on relevant legislation, management of different habitats and species, which could be important in dealing with nature conservation issues in authorities and companies.
The education is closely linked to the research conducted at the department of Ecology and Environmental Science. Most of the practical exercises have their focus on northern ecosystems. The education received the highest ratings in the latest evaluation by the Swedish Higher Education Authority.
In addition to the above mentioned courses, you will choose between a number of different ecological courses at the advanced level and up to 30 ECTS in other subjects. For example, in earth science, nature geography and environmental health protection. There are also courses in geographical information systems and geoecology. You can also choose to take a project course of 7,5 or 15 ECTS in close proximity to a research group or other functions outside the university.
The programme combines theoretical studies of ecology with practical work. Lectures are mixed with group work, laboratory work, seminars, excursions and independent project work, including planning of field and laboratory exercises. During the second year you will complete your thesis comprising of 30 or 60 ECTS.
The programme gives you the skills to identify and characterize ecological problems, plan and execute investigations and determine and study biological material. You will also learn how to analyse data statistically and how to present and interpret the results in a report. The programme provides understanding of the advanced ecological theory necessary to execute and evaluate both research and nature preservation measures.
Year 1
Forest Ecology or Aquatic Ecosystems + Aquatic Ecosystem Ecology
Ecological Dynamics or Molecular Ecology and Evolution
Analysis of Field Data
Ecosystem Management (mandatory for specialisation in Ecosystem management)
Year 2
Courses Free of choice and/or Thesis project
The Master's Programme in Ecology gives you knowledge and skills for advanced work in governments, companies and is an excellent base for PhD studies. The profile in nature conservation provides especially good competence for future work with nature and environmental issues in authorities and companies.
Following your Master's degree you can take further courses on advanced level or enter PhD studies.