Ecological Studies focuses on a variety of palaeozoological and palaeobotanical topics, ranging in age from the Palaeolithic to the historical periods. The study focuses on palaeo-environmental or palaeo-economical questions as well as on evolutionary aspects of faunal or floral communities or the evolution of species.

Apart from practical work, relevant excursions and fieldwork, a major part of the programme is intended for writing the master’s thesis. In this thesis, the results of practical investigations are presented, combined with literature studies. During the programme, students will be confronted with the application of aDNA and isotope studies in the field of palaeozoological and palaeobotanical research. The regular programme is supplemented with lectures by (international) guest speakers.

Master of Science in Archaeology

Students with the first specialisation “Palaeoecology”, “Human Osteology and Funerary Archaeology” or “Artefact Studies” who write their thesis on a subject within the first specialisation, receive a Master of Science degree in Archaeology.