MSc Applied Ethology and Animal Biology, 120 credits

Degree: Master of Science with a major in Biology.
 

The Master’s programme in Applied Ethology and Animal Biology deals with animal behaviour and biology from an applied perspective, including problems associated with keeping animals in captivity. Students gain a good working knowledge of the programme’s central issues, such as the biology of stress as related to animal welfare, the effects of domestication on animal behaviour, the physiology of behaviour and conservation biology.

The programme is taught in collaboration with Kolmården Wildlife Park, one of the largest and most renowned zoos in Sweden. A number of teaching sessions are held at the zoo where students acquire first-hand knowledge from experienced zoologists.

The programme provides students with a solid understanding of the theory and methods of applied ethology and broadens their understanding of animal biology through courses such as:

• Theory of Applied Ethology
• Methods of Applied Ethology
• Behavioral Neurobiology
• Adaptation: genes and molecular evolution
• Zoobiology
• Primate Ethology
• In situ Conservation Biology

In addition to classroom lectures and seminars, students are given the opportunity to participate in hands-on projects involving studies of animals in captive environments.

The key part of the programme is the one year degree project in which students apply their theoretical and methodological knowledge.
After completing the programme, students will be well acquainted with theories of animal behaviour and biology and they will have a deeper understanding of animal welfare and conservation. Further, they will be trained to plan, implement and present a scientific investigation in the subject framework of the programme.

Career opportunities

Completed studies qualify students for postgraduate education at the doctoral level. Non-academic options include working within governmental and international animal or environmental agencies. Graduates can become animal welfare inspectors, wildlife conservationists or advisors for zoos and private companies.

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Specific requirements

Applicants are expected to have a bachelor's degree with a major in the field of biology.

The specific requirements may be assessed as not fulfilled if:

• the average grade is in the lower third of the grading scale used in the country where the degree was awarded (i.e. grades have to be average/pass level or above, the equivalent to the Swedish grade "Godkänd")
• the degree does not qualify for admission to equivalent master's programmes in the country where the degree is awarded.

Read more about entry requirements and the application process