Behaviour, Evolution and Conservation

The Master of Science in Behaviour, Evolution and Conservation degree is intended for students who wish to combine an advanced approach to ecology and sciences of evolution with the possibility of working with fauna and/or flora.

This training provides in-depth knowledge of the relations that living beings establish with their environment, their fellows, the resources on which they depend and the dangers with which they must cope. It also provides advanced teaching on the evolution of organisms and their mechanisms of adaptation to changing biotic and abiotic environmental conditions.

Description

The first semester of studies consists of com-pulsory and optional subjects covering both conceptual and methodological aspects. The knowledge and skills acquired will be applied in the context of research activities and field work. The second semester is dedicated to spe-cialisation. It consists of field work and optional courses devoted to evolution, evolutionary genetics, animal behaviour and conservation biology. Students can choose some courses in other Master’s programmes. The third semester is dedicated to the com-pletion of personal research work.

Examinations

Examinations for the autumn and spring semesters may be continuous, or taken in the session immediately following the semester. Examinations may take the form of partic-ipation in teaching activities, reports, oral presentations and/or written and oral exam-inations. The successful completion of personal work carried out for the Master’s degree is worth 45 credits (of the 90 necessary to obtain the Master’s degree).

Mobility

Students registered for a Master’s degree cycle may complete a part of their studies in a partner institution recognised by UNIL.If the mobility study programme is accepted by the School of Biology and confirmed by examination passes, the credits earned will be recognised and validated in the student’s degree course.

SYLLABUS

1st semester

Common study programme

• Modelling and Statistics
• Molecular Genetics
• Scientific Writing
• Seminars of the Department of Ecology and EvolutionSpecialist subjects(3 free-choice courses):
• Evolution
• Data Analysis in Biology
• Genetics of Populations
• Behavioural Ecology
• Spatial Analyses
• Phylogeography

Personal Research Work (Introduction)
30 ECTS credits
2nd semesterChoice of optional courses (including field courses within and outside Switzerland), seminars, exercises and practical work in:

• Evolution
• Conservation Biology
• EcologyField workStart of Personal Research Work

30 ECTS credits
3rd semester Personal Research Work

• Continuation and Conclusion of Research Work

30 ECTS credits

Candidates must be holders of a Bachelor of Science in Biology or in a field considered to be equivalent awarded by a Swiss university. Another degree or academic title may be judged equivalent and give access to the Master’s degree course, with or without further conditions. English Language Requirements IELTS band: 6.5 TOEFL paper-based test score : 580 TOEFL iBT® test: 90