Systematic Ecology

Overview

You will study Ecology from a plant, animal and systems perspective. Ecological processes are investigated from the molecular level on to the regional and global scale, where field observations and experiments are used to identify ecosystems’ patterns and functions.

The programme consists of 4 semesters (two years) including the M.Sc.- thesis. The 1st term starts with ecological basics: the main concepts of ecology are covered and also experimental design and data analysis, earth sciences, molecular ecology and an introduction to current topics in cutting edge ecology.

Specialization is offered with a courses during the 2nd and 3rd semester, including population, marine ecology, as well as conservation biology, risk assessment, ecological modelling, environmental risk assessment and management as well as practice biology including field and lab works. 

The master’s thesis is conducted during the 4th semester, either SHENZHEN MSU-BIT UNIVERSITY or Lomonosov MSU, depending on the student’s interests and topics. The master of ecology will provide you with a broad ecological background and will train you to become a critically thinking scientist. 

The acquired scientific, technical and communication skills also open a wide array of additional opportunities. During the program, you will become familiar with many techniques and approaches including field experiments, analysis of plant and animal behavior, mathematical modelling, sustainability research, advanced statistics, and modern molecular methods.

Elective courses

Students will be allowed to take a broad selection of courses across departments and disciplines, you can choose to dive deep into a specific area of specialization.

A major element of our study program is the research project. It allows the student to work on a current topic in an ecological sub-area of choice. The project is conducted mostly in independent group work, skillfully guided by a supervisor. In this way, the students gain basic experience in the planning, execution, analysis and written description of a research project.

Laboratories:

• Microscopy
• Universal analytical and biochemical lab
• Culture block for prokaryotes
• Aquariums
•  Plant cells culture block
•  Animal cells culture block

Careers

The Systematic Ecology course at Lomonosov Moscow State University (MSU) offers training, which will be appropriate for a successful career in academia, governmental and nongovernmental organizations involved in nature conservation, environmental risk assessment, or biological control and integrated management.