Biological Sciences

In the Master Biological Sciences you can choose one out of four of the following Masterprogrammes:

Masterprogramme General Biology
Masterprogramme Ecology and Evolution
Masterprogramme Limnology and Oceanography
Masterprogramme Integrative Plant Sciences

1. General Biology

Biology is a field with subjects varying from the molecular mechanisms of a virus to the population dynamics of the African elephant. All living organisms fall under the field of biology. The MSc programme in General biology is for students who do not wish to restrict themselves to one subject in the field of biology. In this programme it is, for example, possible to acquire knowledge of molecular biology and to complement this knowledge by means of ecological field work. In this manner it is possible to become a specialist with a broader orientation.
This MSc programme is especially suitable for students who have a strong interest in biology and for students who plan to work in areas where a broad knowledge of biology would come in useful, for example as a teacher or a policymaker.

There are three variants of the MSc programme in General Biology, at the onset of the master you have to choose one of them:

• Research Profile (R-profile)
  
• Science Technology and Public Management Profile (ST and PM-profile)
  
• Communication and Education Profile (CE-profile)

2. Ecology and Evolution

One of the major challenges in ecology and evolution today is to increase our understanding of the diversity and dynamics of ecosystems at all relevant levels (from genes to communities) and scales (both in time and in space). Fuelled by modern developments in molecular biology and computational sciences great progress is being made in unraveling the ways that organisms interact with their environment, and the ramifications of these interaction for their dynamics and de diversity of their communities This calls for a master programme that delivers research training in a truly integrated approach, combining expertise in biology, chemistry, physical geography and computational science. The Master programme in Ecology and Evolution offers courses that convey new theoretical insights in ecology and evolution, expert training in a broad range of tools and applications, and ? most importantly ? allows master students to participate in state-of-the-art research projects.

Human impacts on ecosystems receive special attention within the programme. Examples include research on the conservation of endangered species and habitats, sustainable management of harvested fish populations, spread of infectious diseases, introduction of genetically modified crops, integrated pest control, or the impact of global change.

The Master Programme in Ecology and Evolution offers a range of tailor-made specializationtracks, each focusing on different scientific aspects, different interests of prospective students, and different skills and capabilities that will be developed. Ultimately they will all lead to a Master degree in Biology, but with a specific profile and associated job opportunities. Within the Masterprogramme Ecology and Evolution are six specialisationtracks in the following fields:

• Computational Physical and Biological Geography
  
• Ecological and Evolutionary Dynamics
  
• Paleoecology & Global Change
  
• Spatial Ecology
  
• Tropical Ecology
  
• Systematic and Evolutionary Biology

More information on these tracks within the Programme in Ecology and Evolution is given in the following pages. It is also possible to enroll in the programme without selection of a track, or postponing the choice to a later moment.

3. Limnology and Oceanography

Water covers 70% of the Earth?s surface and sets our planet apart from all other planets known to mankind. These vast amounts of water play an important role in the global climate and are a source of food, minerals, energy, and recreation. Aquatic ecosystems are teeming with organisms, ranging from the tiny phytoplankton and zooplankton to corals, fish and whales. Unfortunately, aquatic ecosystems are also the dumping places for many of society?s wastes and are profoundly affected by global change. To better understand and protect the world?s aquatic resources, the Universiteit van Amsterdam offers a MSc programme in Limnology and Oceanography, devoted to the biology, chemistry and physics of aquatic ecosystems. This multidisciplinary program is an advanced study focusing on freshwater ecosystems (limnology) as well as on marine ecosystems (oceanography).

4. Integrative Plant Sciences

If you are interested in research that could help to improve agricultural practice, management of ecosystems or if you are interested in how plants function on a biochemical, genetical and ecological level and how these processes are regulated this is the programme for you. The programme Integrative Plant Sciences is a unique combination of expertise from several departments of the Universiteit van Amsterdam. Training in theoretical and practical aspects of cell biology, genetics, biochemistry and physiology are combined with ecology, systematics and population biology to give the student an integrative view of how plants function. Students should be able to understand biochemical processes as well as evolutionary and ecological questions and their inter-relationship. Research groups with internationally renowned reputations join hands in a programme that trains students to become researchers with an integrative view on Plant Science. The emphasis lies on experimental training and the acquisition of academic skills.

1. General Biology

BSc in biological sciences, BSc in biomedical sciences

2. Ecology and Evolution

Bachelor degree in Biology, additional requirement may apply for Bachelors in Earth Sciences, Mathematics, Chemistry, and Computational Sciences.

3. Limnology and Oceanography

Bachelor courses in IB308 Mariene Biologie (10 EC) and/or IB209 Aquatische en Terrestrische Ecologie (Ecologie II) (20 EC).
Foreign students or non-Biology students have the possibility to attend these BSc courses during their MSc program.

4. Integrative Plant Sciences

BSc in Biological Sciences and, under certain conditions, Biomedical Sciences, Earth Sciences.