Evolution, Ecology and Systematics (Master of Science)

As a student in the EES programme, you will take courses and conduct research in the fields of evolution, ecology, and systematics. We offer advanced courses in population biology, genetics, phylogenetics, population genetics, behavioural ecology, theoretical biology, molecular evolution, human evolution, botany, zoology, limnology, marine biology, and bioinformatics. You will have the opportunity to conduct several lab rotations in various labs, and you will participate in seminars and conferences. You will also learn many important skills, such as scientific and grant writing, giving presentations and leading discussions, and statistical analysis. The Faculty of Biology of the LMU Munich is made up of internationally recognised researchers and award-winning instructors. The faculty provides excellent facilities for contemporary research and studies in the modern "Biocenter", which is part of the HighTechCampus of the LMU Munich. The curriculum of the Master's programme is based on topic-related modules, including lectures, seminars, and practical courses, with a strong emphasis on learning in the context of ongoing research projects. Training is kept as research-oriented as possible. The website of the Master of Science programme in Evolution, Ecology and Systematics is the best way to find out more about the programme and to gain an overview of current research areas: https://www.bio.lmu.de/en/study/for-students/master-programs/ees/. The Master's programme in Evolution, Ecology and Systematics of the LMU Munich is a collaboration between the Faculties of Biology and Geosciences, the Max Planck Institute for Biological Intelligence in Seewiesen and the Bavarian Natural History Collections (i.e. Zoological State Collections, Botanical State Collections). It is an accredited international Master's programme. EES has a coordination team, an admissions committee, a curriculum committee, and a board of directors. The programme consists of four semesters. In each semester, you will carry out research and learn new skills. First semester – Basic Training: During the first semester, students take courses in the main areas of the programme – evolution, ecology and systematic data and evidence, as well as working on their first research project (Individual Research Project, IRT) and learning how to present (Skills II) and write up (Skills I) scientific results. In the first interdisciplinary seminar, the focus will be on "Species Concepts, Adaptation and Speciation". Second and third semesters – Specialisation: In the second semester, students will move on to their second individual research project as well as learning how to design effective posters (Skills III). The seminar here focuses on "Global Change". In addition, students will take part in a statistics course and an excursion, which is mainly organised by ecology labs. In the third semester, students will have their last set of required courses before moving onto the Master's thesis. They will be working on the final individual research project, and the skills course will focus on how to write a successful grant application (Skills IV). The final seminar will be on "Hot Topics in Evolution, Ecology and Systematics". Fourth semester – Master's Module: The Master’s programme culminates in a 24-week period devoted to the researching, writing and defence of a Master’s thesis. Through the Master’s thesis, students prove their skills in conducting independent and responsible research. Additionally, the final module includes additional courses such as a research seminar and a colloquium.