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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.