Programme overview

The diversity of the biosphere is shaped by selection and evolution in complex and dynamic en- vironments characterised by a complex mix of biotic and abiotic agents. Since the start of the Anthropogenic Era, it faces accelerating, large-scale anthropogenic changes in land use, pollutants, biological invasions and climate. Students of the Master of Science in “Biodiversity, Ecology and Evolution” develop an in-depth understanding of the processes and service functions associated with biodiversity from molecular to global scales. They can quantify diversity in genes, morphology, behaviour, or community composition and link it with biological function and ecosystem stability. With this integrative view, students learn to predict ecological and anthropogenic effects on biodiversity, and to design, conduct and analyse rigorous empirical investigations under labo- ratory and field settings. Furthermore, BEE M.Sc. students strengthen their skills to communicate their findings and to contribute actively to ongoing societal debates.

Admission requirements

For admission to the M.Sc. degree in Biodiversity, Ecology and Evolution, a B.Sc. degree in biology with a grade of 2.50 or better (German scale equivalent) is required. This degree is designed to run entirely in English. Students can choose to add German courses to their elective module. Proof of English language proficiency at level B2 and German language proficiency at level A2 of the European Framework of Reference for Languages must be supplied. Further details can be found on the website of the Department of Biology.

Study aims

The Master in Biodiversity, Ecology and Evolution programme is designed for a duration of four semesters (120 ECTS credits). Specifically, the program focuses on the study, complexity, function, interactive nature and ecological service of organismal diversity in environments under varying degrees of human impact. The programme trains students in dealing with ecological and biological complexity both from a short-term, local, and a long-term, global perspective. It fuses top-down and bottom-up approaches in the study of plasticity, adaptability, evolvability, functionality, resilience, facilitation, and conservation at levels ranging from ecosystems down to populations and their genetic and molecular diversity.

To application page MSc BEE

... is discontinued. Student cohorts from 2023 and older will be supported until 2028.