PhD

Ecology

Study mode:On campus Study type:Full-time Languages: English
Local:$ 377 / Year(s) Foreign:$ 377 / Year(s) Deadline: Jul 1, 2026
73 place StudyQA ranking:5841 Duration:4 years

Photos of university / #unizh

Description:
The Master's degree program in Ecology at the University of Zurich offers an in-depth exploration of the biological and environmental processes that shape the natural world. Designed for students passionate about understanding ecosystems, biodiversity, and the sustainability of our planet, the program combines rigorous scientific training with practical research experience. Students will engage with a broad spectrum of topics including population dynamics, conservation biology, landscape ecology, and environmental management, gaining the skills necessary to address pressing ecological challenges. The curriculum emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach, integrating methods from biology, geography, and environmental sciences to prepare graduates for careers in research, environmental consultancy, policy development, and sustainable development. Participants have access to state-of-the-art laboratories, extensive fieldwork opportunities, and collaboration with leading scientists actively involved in ecological research. The program encourages critical thinking, data analysis, and empirical research, culminating in a master’s thesis that contributes new insights to the field. Graduates of the Ecology Master's program at the University of Zurich are well-equipped to pursue professional roles or further academic research, contributing to the preservation and understanding of Earth's ecosystems. The university’s vibrant academic environment and strong commitment to sustainability make it an ideal place for aspiring ecologists to develop their expertise and prepare for impactful careers worldwide.

Core Elective Modules

  • BIO 604 R Lunch Group
  • BIO 605 Seminar for Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies
  • BIO 606 BEEES Seminar (Behaviour, Ecology, Environment and Evolution Seminar)
  • BIO 633 Reproducible Research in Ecology, Evolution, Behaviour, and Environmental Studies
  • ECO 301 Journal Club: Ecological Theory
  • ECO 334 Mixed-Effects Modelling with R
  • ECO 369 Visualising Research - Making an Effective Science Movie
  • ECO 373 Developing your Personal Impact and Presence

Elective Modules

Courses about specific subject matters

LH*

CP**

Ecological Theory 28 2
Animal Movement Ecology 28 2
Conservation management 35 2.5
Ethics for life science 14 1
Journal club with a difference 14 1
Journal club: Biodiversity-ecosystem functioning and community history 14 1
Microbial Ecology: Biogeochemistry of alpine wetlands 28 2
Molecular microbial Ecology 28 2
Natur und Kultur 28 2
Post-genomic biology for "non"-biologists - -

Courses on methods

LH*

CP**

Applied ecophysiological techniques for plant studies 14 1
Estimation of abundance, occupancy and species richness in large-scale surveys in ecology and monitoring 35 2.5
Introduction to meta-analysis and research synthesis in ecology 14 1
Introduction to Bayesian statistics for biologists using WinBUGS 28 2
Bayesian population analysis using hierarchical models in BUGS and JAGS 28 2
Introduction in ArcGIS: work with geodata for environmental research 14 1
GIS-course 1: General usage of geodata for environmental research 14 1
GIS-course 2: Data-analysis with ArcGIS for environmental research 14 1
Introduction to using R for data analysis and graphics 21 1.5
Statistics for free I: Linear Models in R 35 2.5
Statistics for free III: Generalized Linear Models in R 28 2
Contemporary analysis of ecology: Generalized Linear Models in R 14 1
Statistics for free IV: Mixed Effects Models in R 28 2
Contemporary analysis of Ecology: Mixed Effects Models in R 14 1
Study design and data analysis using R 28 2
R4All. A recipe for success with R 21 1
R Lunch group 14 1
R Graphics course: GGPLOT 14 1
Hierarchical models in ecology - -
Gardening techniques - -

Skills training courses

LH*

CP**

Environmental life cycle assessment and ecobalance 21 1.5
Good graphics in R 14 1
Green fingers: an introduction into gardening 14 1
How to present experimental results 14 1
Online publication practice 14 1
Plant systematics and identification 21 1.5
Project management 14 1
Green Business 14 1
Environment, Social and Governance 14 1
Summer Graduate School 2010: Leadership and Management 21 1.5
Summer Graduate School 2011: Sino-Swiss Alpine Ecology 28 2
Summer Graduate School 2012: Effective Publishing 28 2
Winter Graduate School 2013: Ecological Theory 28 2
Summer Graduate School 2014: Understanding Ecology through the Humanities 28 2
Summer Graduate School 2015: Data Carpentry Boot Camp 28 2
Summer Graduate School 2015: Animal Movement Ecology 28 2
Summer Graduate School 2015: Urban Wildlife Ecology 28 2
Graduate Workshop 2016: Community Ecology 14 1
Summer Graduate School and Symposium 2016: Urban Ecology 28 2
Teamwork 14 1
Writing up scientific research 28 2
Scientific Writing 28 2
How to deal with media 7 0.5
Practical and teaching assistance skills 7 0.5
Introduction to Teaching Field Practica 14 1
Expert literature data basis - -
Ökobilanz - -
Scientific Drawing 14 1

Research Seminars

LH*

CP**

Postdoc Funding and Career Management - ***
Zurich Interaction Seminar - 1
Seminar for evolutionary biology and environmental studies (SEBES) - ***
BEEES seminar (Behaviour, Ecology, Environment and Evolution) - ***
Network seminar - ***
Seminar in plant population biology and biodiversity research - ***
Symposium of the Zurich-Basel Plant Science Centre - ***
Ökodose (Research seminar for all PhD students - ***
Brown Bag Lunch: Statistics in biology and environmental sciences - ***
Organization of conference / seminar   1

*14 LH (lesson hours) = 1 ECTS credit point = 30 hours of work (including preparation, participation, homework)
**CP = credit points 
***Presentation (talk) in one of the seminars = 1 CP

  • A Master's degree (MSc) or equivalent from a university before starting the PhD Program in Ecology
  • Sufficient knowledge in ecology / environmental sciences (equivalent 10 ECTS-points) and in mathematics (including statistics) and physics (equivalent 6 ECTS-points)
  • Excellent knowledge of English

The Bachelor’s degree program in Ecology at the University of Zurich offers various financing options to support students throughout their studies. Undergraduate students are encouraged to explore multiple funding sources to ease financial burdens and focus on their academic pursuits. The primary funding opportunities include national and cantonal financial aid, scholarship programs, student loans, and part-time employment. Swiss students and international students from specific countries may be eligible for grants and scholarships based on merit, need, or special criteria. The Swiss government provides cantonal financial aid programs designed to support students enrolled at Swiss universities, which typically cover tuition fees and living expenses. The University of Zurich itself offers several scholarships for outstanding students, including merit-based awards and needs-based assistance, which students can apply for upon acceptance into the program. Additionally, external organizations, foundations, and private donors offer scholarships specifically targeted at students studying ecology, environmental sciences, or related fields. Students are also encouraged to seek part-time employment opportunities both on and off campus, which may be limited during intensive study periods but can provide supplementary income. International students should also consider applying for federal or regional grants available to foreign nationals studying in Switzerland. The university provides resources and advisories to help students identify suitable funding options and prepare appropriate application documents. Finally, students are recommended to contact the university’s financial aid office early in their studies to discuss eligibility criteria, application procedures, and deadlines for various funding programs. Overall, the combination of institutional, governmental, and private funding sources enables students pursuing a degree in Ecology at the University of Zurich to potentially finance their education and alleviate financial stresses effectively.

Expenses

Living expenses depend very much on the individual student. These figures should therefore be regarded as a guideline only (in CHF): 

Rent incl. heating 550
Additional expenses (telephone, internet) 200
Meals 400
Insurance 250
Travel 80
Clothing, laundry, personal items 70
Leisure, spending money 150
Teaching materials 50
Total 1,750

The expected minimum cost of living for students therefore comes to a total of CHF 1,750 per month. 

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