Swedish name: Masterprogrammet i ekologi
This programme syllabus is valid: HT23 and valid until HT25 (newer version of the programme syllabus exists)
Programme syllabus for programmes starting HT25
Programme syllabus for programmes starting before HT25
Programme code: NAEKM
Credit points: 120
Registration number: 514-288-13
Responsible faculty: Faculty of Science and Technology
Revised by: Faculty Board of Science and Technology, 2023-02-23
A Bachelor's degree or equivalent first-cycle qualification comprising of at least 180 ECTS or a corresponding qualification from an internationally recognised university. Specific entry requirements are: 90 ECTS in Biology. Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English B/6.
After completing the programme, a student who has applied for a degree can obtain a Degree of Master of Science (120 credits) in accordance with the local qualification descriptor established by the Vice-Chancellor (see Umeå University's website).
In Swedish, Degree of Master of Science (120 credits) is called Naturvetenskaplig masterexamen. Degree is awarded in the main field of study (Biology) with focus on either Ecology or Environmental Protection.
The education is at an advanced level (second cycle). The aims for second-cycle courses and study programmes are set out in the Higher Education Act, Chapter 1 Section 9.
The national aims for qualification are set out in the Higher Education Ordinance's Annex 2.
In addition to the national goals, the student shall for a Degree of Master (120 credits) in Biology at Umeå University:
- demonstrate advanced knowledge in certain biological subareas, mainly Ecology,
- demonstrate proficiency in collecting, identifying, and examining biological material,
- demonstrate the ability to use methods of biological measurement and analysis and to evaluate and test the results obtained,
- demonstrate an understanding of the importance the biological main field of study has to sustainable social development.
For specialisation in the subarea Ecology, the student shall also:
- demonstrate experience with an experimental approach and methodology within Ecology
- demonstrate the ability to identify and define ecological problems and to use different methods to handle/solve these problems.
For specialisation in the subarea Environmental Protection, the student shall also:
- demonstrate an understanding of the laws concerning the protection and conservation of fauna, flora, and biotopes,
- demonstrate the ability to identify and define problems related to nature conservation and to use different methods to handle/solve these,
- demonstrate the ability to set up goals for the maintenance of different habitat types and draw up a management plan to achieve these goals.
Each syllabus sets out the examination formats used in each individual course.
Each syllabus sets out the grades used in the course.
A student who believes to have gained knowledge from previous relevant studies or professional experience that may be equivalent to a course or part of a course in the programme can apply for transfer of credits. Granting a transfer of credits means that the student will not have to study the parts of the programme included in the decision. Information on transfer of credits is available on Umeå University's website.
https://www.umu.se/en/student/my-studies/transfer-of-credits/
The Master's Programme has two specialisations: Ecology and Environmental Protection. The programme comprises 120 credits and includes compulsory courses, elective courses, and free electives. The education is located in Umeå, with the exception of occasional field courses.
Throughout the programme, theoretical instruction is combined with practical exercises in the field and in the laboratory. Teaching consists of lectures, seminars, group instruction and supervision in connection with field trips, laboratory work, group exercises or project work. Field trips and laboratory work are usually compulsory. The studies are presumed to be full-time studies. A working week usually includes approximately 40 hours, including individual studies and exercises. The majority of the course literature is in English. Teaching is in English for all courses within the specialisation Ecology, while some elective courses in the specialisation Environmental Protection are only offered in Swedish.
SPECIALISATION IN ECOLOGY
Compulsory courses
Compulsory courses are courses that all students enrolled in the programme normally study. A student enrolled in the study programme is guaranteed a seat in all compulsory courses, provided that the entry requirements for the course in question are met. Entry requirements are set out in each respective course syllabus.
Forest Ecology, 15 credits (5BI238) or Aquatic Ecosystems, 7.5 credits (5BI247) and Aquatic Ecosystem Ecology 7.5 credits (5BI253)
Analysis of Field Data, 15 credits (5BI171)
Ecological Dynamics, 15 credits (5BI270),
Molecular ecology and Evolution, 15 credits (5BI257)
Master's Degree Thesis in Biology, 30 credits (5BI207) or Master's Degree Thesis in Biology, 60 credits (5BI208)
For the basic courses, the student is guaranteed admission.
Elective courses
Elective courses are a selection of courses that Umeå University offers within the scope of the programme and where the student chooses which courses to enrol in. The student is guaranteed a seat in one of these courses, provided that the entry requirements for the courses in question are met. However, the student is not guaranteed a seat in their first choice courses. Entry requirements are set out in each respective course syllabus.
Free electives
Free electives within the programme are applied for in open competition. Free electives can be studied at Umeå University or at other higher education institutions in Sweden or abroad.
Programme overview
Year 1
| FForest Ecology, 15 credits or Aquatic Ecosystems, 7.5 credits and Aquatic Ecosystem Ecology, 7.5 credits Analysis of Field Data, 15 credits | Ecological Dynamics. 15 credits or Molecular Ecology and Evolution, 15 credits Elective courses/free electives 15 credits |
Year 2
| Elective courses/free electives 30 credits | Degree Project 30 credits |
| or Degree Project 60 credits |
SPECIALISATION IN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
Compulsory courses
Compulsory courses are courses that all students enrolled in the programme normally study. A student enrolled in the study programme is guaranteed a seat in all compulsory courses, provided that the entry requirements for the course in question are met. Entry requirements are set out in each respective course syllabus.
Forest Ecology, 15 credits (5BI238) or Aquatic Ecosystems, 7.5 credits (5BI247) and Aquatic Ecosystem Ecology 7.5 credits (5BI253)
Analysis of Field Data, 15 credits (5BI171)
Ecological Dynamics, 15 credits (5BI270), or Molecular ecology and Evolution, 15 credits (5BI257)
Ecosystem Management, 15 credits (5BI268)
Master's Degree Thesis in Biology, 30 credits (5BI207) or Master's Degree Thesis in Biology, 60 credits (5BI208)
Elective courses
Elective courses are a selection of courses that Umeå University offers within the scope of the programme and where the student chooses which courses to enrol in. The student is guaranteed a seat in one of these courses, provided that the entry requirements for the courses in question are met. However, the student is not guaranteed a seat in their first choice courses. Entry requirements are set out in each respective course syllabus.
Free electives
Free electives within the programme are applied for in open competition. Free electives can be studied at Umeå University or at other higher education institutions in Sweden or abroad.
Programme overview
Year 1
| Forest Ecology, 15 credits or Aquatic Ecosystems, 7.5 credits and Aquatic Ecosystem Ecology, 7.5 credits Analysis of Ecological Data, 15 credits | Ecological dynamics, 15 credits or Molecular ecology and Evolution, 15 credits Ecosystem Management, 15 credits |
Year 2
| Elective courses/free electives 30 credits | Degree Project 30 credits |
| or Degree Project 60 credits |
Degree Project/independent project
The degree project in the main field of study, Biology, concludes the programme and may be started once the entry requirements in the course syllabus are met. In the degree project, which includes at least 30 credits, the student shall apply the knowledge acquired during their studies and present the result orally and in a written report/thesis. The degree project comprises 45 or 60 credits if the student so desires. The work shall include some form of topic-specific specialisation in the subarea Ecology. The degree project is supervised and examined in the form of a written report presented at a seminar. The final degree project may be completed within the university but also at a company or public authority. The degree project is completed individually. The report shall include an English abstract and an English translation of the title. Alternatively, the entire report may be written in English.
Information on deferment of studies is available on Umeå University's website.
Information on approved leave from studies is available on Umeå University's website.
Information on discontinuation is available on Umeå University's website.
Admission to the programme is open once a year, starting in the autumn semester.