Ecology

PhD studies of the Program in Ecology primarily involve research projects in one of the internationally acclaimed research groups at University of Zurich and ETH Zurich. To enhance student’s PhD experience, the program offers research training in the interdisciplinary field of ecology, general skills training for academic and non-academic excellence and opportunities to interact with other doctoral students. The program includes a curricular part of at least 12 ECTS credits, teaching experience, and is usually completed within three to four years (full-time). It offers yearly graduate schools, courses on subject specific matters and on methods that are of direct use to the work of doctoral students. Additional courses on transferable skills prepare students for professional life, whether this is in an academic institution or not. Research seminars foster international collaborations and the exchange of experiences among doctoral students and experts from different fields of ecology.

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

*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

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Expenses

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

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