Evolution, Biodiversity and Conservation
| Specialisation of: | Biology |
|---|---|
| Degree: | Master of Science in Biology |
| Mode of Study: | Full-time |
| Duration: | 2 years |
| Start date: | Flexible, for international students preferably September or February |
| Language of instruction: | English |
| Location: | Leiden |
| Croho/isat code: | 66860 |
Evolution, Biodiversity and Conservation is a new, internationally-oriented prominent master’s specialisation in biological sciences at Leiden University. The world is a breeding ground for the most unusual and special organisms, varying from obscure invertebrates to enormous trees in the rain forest, and, of course, our own species, man. Each of them has its own unique characteristics. This master’s specialism is concerned with understanding, describing and maintaining this variation. Its broad scope enables you with many opportunities to pursue your own scientific interests, whether it is research on the developmental biology or behaviour of animals, understanding the natural protection mechanisms of plants, examining marine biodiversity in the tropics, or revealing the consequences of introducing exotic animals and plants – to mention just a few of the options.
Career
This MSc track provides students with the theoretical knowledge and skills that make them well equipped to work in a wide variety of settings, depending on the chosen specialisation: universities, government agencies, NGOs, industry, museums, or conservation organisations. Some students become researchers and do a PhD in various disciplines: ecology, evolutionary biology, animal behaviour, zoology, developmental biology and evo-devo, environmental sciences, systematics and taxonomy, conservation biology, etc. Others become policy-makers or advisers on issues of conservation, the sustainable use of resources, land use planning and management, global development, tropical forest management and environmental change. Some find jobs in industry and biomedical research environments, or become curators at biodiversity institutes and museums.
