Master of Science in Geobiology and Palaeobiology

The Master's programme "Geobiology and Palaeobiology" (MGAP) is a consecutive, research-oriented, four-semester, international Master's programme of the Faculty of Geosciences, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU), in collaboration with researchers at the Bavarian State collections, under the umbrella of the GeoBio-Center LMU. MGAP aims to provide students with a comprehensive introduction to the interdisciplinary research fields of Geobiology and Palaeobiology and facilitates early independent research to prepare them for careers in science and beyond. Our graduates frequently secure prestigious PhD-positions or continue in highly respected positions outside of academia. The module-based curriculum provides an integrative approach facilitated by experts with different areas of expertise. The degree programme consists of a set of mandatory modules and elective modules. Students will learn and acquire skills in a wide range of scientific methods, such as modern techniques in molecular biology, including genomics and transcriptomics, geomicrobiology, fieldwork, collection management, bioinformatics, statistics, and (palaeo-)biodiversity assessments. The programme includes independent scientific work in individual and intensively supervised research projects at early stages of the curriculum, with topics ranging from organismic palaeobiology to genomics, phylogenomics, molecular systematics, biomineralisation, as well as geomicrobiology of the deep biosphere. The programme consists of 120 credits, 30 of which are assigned for the Master's thesis and its defence. PDF Download