Master of Science in Organismic Biology, Evolutionary Biology and Palaeobiology (OEP-Biology)
Content:
The M.Sc. in Organismic Biology, Evolutionary Biology and Palaeobiology is a two-year research-oriented, international study program taught in English aiming at providing students with a broad understanding of all aspects of Organismic Biology. Evolutionary Biology and Biodiversity Research connect various disciplines such as Systematics, Phylogeny, Palaeobiology, Physiology, Ecology, Molecular Biology, Ethology and many more. Strong emphasis is given to practical research experience in the field, in the laboratories of the participating research groups and in the large collections of the Zoological Museum Alexander Koenig, the Goldfuß-Museum of Palaeontology and the Botanical gardens of the University of Bonn. Teaching in OEP-Biology is theory-oriented aiming at enabling students to think critically, analytically and strategically.
Schedule:
The M.Sc. OEP-Biology course program is consequently modularized according to the ECTS. A total of 120 credit points (CP), approx. 30 per semester, will be accumulated during 2 years of study.
During the first semester, three obligatory modules provide basic knowledge in Biodiversity and Evolution (10CP), Fundamentals of Evolutionary Biology (10CP) and general principles of Scientific Communication (5CP). The obligatory part of the program further includes attendance in the Biological Colloquium (2CP). In the 4th semester, students work on their Master Thesis (30CP) in one of the participating laboratories or collaborating institutions. Finally, students defend the results of their Master Thesis in a Defense Colloquium (3CP).
During the last time block of the first semester and the whole second and third semester, students additionally have to choose elective modules (between 2.5 and 10CP) including practical courses (10:00 - 17:00h) as well as lectures and seminars in the morning (08:00 - 10:00h) and late afternoon (17:00 - 19:00h). Elective modules from three elective areas can be chosen: A-modules include method-oriented modules, B-modules include modules with less than 50% fieldwork and C-modules include modules with more than 50% fieldwork. Between 2 and 6 modules (minimum of 15 and maximum of 30CP) out of each elective area can be chosen in the elective part of the program (total of 60CP).
Competences to be acquired:
OEP-Biology provides basic competences in Organismic Biology and the fundamental understanding that evolutionary research is the link between its various sub-disciplines. A broad spectrum of methodical skills in scientific research is imparted to the students, giving them the ability to solve scientific problems within international and interdisciplinary research groups and networks.
For further information, please continue here:
https://www3.uni-bonn.de/oep-bio/m.-sc.-program-oep-biology
