Master’s Degree Programme in Biological and Environmental Science
The programme combines two focus areas: aquatic science and ecology and evolutionary biology. As our university is surrounded by lakes and forests in the diverse landscape, you are in an ideal position to combine field work in natural environments with laboratory and theoretical exercises during your studies.
The aquatic major focuses on environmental and biological processes that determine the characteristics and ecosystem services of inland waters and ecologically, economically and socially sustainable use of natural resources. The ecology major focuses on fundamental concepts and theories of ecology, genetics and evolutionary biology and the ability to use these at the individual, population, community and ecosystem level.
Programme info
Applications for Master's Degree Programmes can be submitted once a year in January.
The programme requires completion of 120 ECTS credits within 2 years, with compulsory and optional components. All courses are taught in English. The majority of the literature used is in English.
The aim of the programme is to produce experts in biology and environmental science. The programme contains two specialisation areas:
- aquatic science
- ecology and evolutionary biology
Students are assigned to one of these specialisation areas based on their application letter and academic background.
Student profile
Aquatic science focuses on environmental and biological processes that determine the characteristics and ecosystem services of inland waters and ecologically, economically and socially sustainable use of natural resources. Ecology and evolutionary biology focuses on fundamental concepts and theories of ecology, genetics, and evolutionary biology and the ability to use these at the individual, population, community and ecosystem level.
Graduates will be able to:
- apply theories and use the primary literature and empirical observations to answer scientific questions.
- use their knowledge to develop solutions to practical questions.
- obtain, evaluate and incorporate the latest knowledge of scientific problems using appropriate scientific practices and following ethical principles.
Career opportunities for programme graduates
Globally, there is a growing need for experts in the field of biological and environmental science. This global demand is expected to continue or even increase due to global environmental problems caused by human population growth and decrease in natural resources.
The MSc degrees qualify students for advanced studies in bioscience, especially aquatic sciences, ecology and evolutionary biology and other related fields.
Established collaborations exist with relevant national state institutes, such as SYKE (Finnish Environment Institute) and LUKE (Natural Resources Institute Finland). Collaboration is mainly in the form of teacher exchange, shared supervision of Master’s theses and internship positions. All research groups have both national and international collaborations with other universities as well as research institutes.
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Contact us
If you have questions concerning the admission process or the programme, please contact JYU Admission Services: admissions@jyu.fi
About tuition fees and the scholarship programme for students liable to pay tuition fees, please contact the International Office: degree-students@jyu.fi
