Master of Science Evolution, Ecology and Systematics (MEES) Friedrich Schiller University Jena

Courses are held in English.

The Master's programme in Evolution, Ecology and Systematics (MEES) provides in-depth knowledge of biological systems with a clear focus on current research in organismic and evolutionary biology.

The course of study is interdisciplinary, so that competencies in ecology, biodiversity (including taxonomic knowledge for plants and animals), evolutionary biology, palaeontology, systematics and phylogenetics can be acquired at different organisational levels and for different groups of organisms.

During the course of study, organisms are studied in their functional entity using modern and innovative methods of investigation. Particular emphasis is placed on interaction with biotic and abiotic environments right up to complex ecosystem level. Both the teaching and the research of the involved institutes are determined by their focus on the evolutionary emergence of biological diversity and its functional significance for ecosystems, especially in changing environments. The physiological, anatomical, morphological, and behavioural traits of species are viewed as adaptations to living conditions which have been shaped by selective forces.

The methodological spectrum of the course is broad and ranges from fieldwork, field experiments, and excursions to laboratory experiments, statistical data evaluation, and computer simulation. Practical work is central to the course on every level, and because students are expected to work independently early on, the principles of experimental design are learned through first-hand experience.

• 1 April through 31 May (non-EU nationals)
• 1 April through 31 August (Germany and EU nationals)

Our mission statement is to provide all students with an individual profiling based on a well-founded basic education in our two-year MSc programme (120 ECTS CP). In the first year, students complete the five compulsory modules (in total 30 CP) on (i) Basics in Evolutionary Research, (ii) Ecology and Diversity, (iii) Species Identification, (iv) and Experimental Design and Analysis of Biological Data as well as (v) MEES Excursion. For the required elective modules (in total 30 CP), there is high flexibility to choose from modules of the three participating Institutes for Zoology and Evolutionary Research, Ecology and Evolution as well as Biodiversity. Students may also combine different courses individually in up to two "wild card" modules with 5 CP each, or they can take one interdisciplinary module from a Master's programme being offered in another related field of interest such as geosciences or geography. ECTS CP that have been obtained abroad are generally recognised, and a stay at a university abroad is encouraged.

The second year of the MEES is dedicated to the Master's thesis. The practical work involved is weighted with 30 CP and the evaluation of the data and writing up of the results together confer a further 30 CP. MSc theses that involve field work or which are bound by vegetation periods can already be started in the summer semester of the first year. MSc theses can be completed at any of the university institutes involved in the programme, also in cooperation with one of the non-university research facilities situated in Jena or one of our many cooperation partners in Germany and abroad.

Successful graduates will be able to carry out research-oriented activities at universities, non-university research institutions, museums, public authorities, associations or the private sector. They are well prepared to enter or continue in academia, usually continuing with PhD studies.

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ECTS credit points that have been obtained abroad are generally recognised.

No tuition fees

Semester fee amounts to approx. 300 EUR per semester (student services and student self-government). For details, see: Semester fee (uni-jena.de)

Students need approximately 700–900 EUR per month for rent, food, health insurance, books and personal items. For details, see: https://www.uni-jena.de/en/Jena+living+international.

Applicants must hold a Bachelor's degree in the field of biology or an equivalent field. Admissions decisions will be based on a number of criteria, including your grade point average and letter of motivation.

The study programme is aimed at students of all biological disciplines, but it has a strong focus on organismic biology. Half of the study programme is devoted to elective modules that allow individualised specialisations on specific research areas in zoology, botany, ecology, microbiology, population genetics, evolution and biodiversity.

The other half of the study programme comprises compulsory modules that all students have to take. Because of that, applicants should fulfil some minimum requirements for a successful application:

• a basic training in zoology, botany and ecology
• basic knowledge of concepts in evolution, biodiversity and genetics
• experience with taxonomic species determination of animals and/or plants
• experience with statistical data analysis, preferably with R

Regarding soft skills, we expect the following:

• advanced use of English (writing, reading, speaking, listening)
• experience with independent search and reading of primary literature
• oral presentation skills

Students must necessarily be able to read and understand English texts, to give presentations in English, to follow lectures and seminars in English, and to participate in scientific discussions in English.

• 1 April through 31 May (non-EU nationals)
• 1 April through 31 August (Germany and EU nationals)

No

Students can work as student assistants and besides their studies up to a certain extent. Please see: https://www.uni-jena.de/en/Jena+living+international

Accommodation in student residences is available to a certain extent. Please apply to the "Studierendenwerk Thüringen". For further information, please visit our website at: http://www.stw-thueringen.de/en/housing/.

You can also look for single or shared private accommodation yourself. In the buildings of the university, there are numerous information boards with accommodation offers. Note, however, that the availability of private accommodation in Jena is rather limited.

The university hosts a career and welcome point: https://www.cwp.uni-jena.de/en.