This programme enables you to understand and explain why the natural world looks the way it does. You’ll also develop the tools to solve problems caused by pollution, biodiversity loss, climate change etc.
You’ll study how organisms interact, how species evolve –and why they become extinct. By using a combination of modern molecular techniques, computer modelling and experiments in the lab and in the field, you’ll gain an understanding of how ecoystems operate at all levels of biological organisation.
Your previous education needs to be deemed equivalent to at least a Dutch academic Bachelor’s degree ( wetenschappelijk onderwijs, WO ) obtained at a research university (nominal duration 3 years). Please find more information about your admissibility with a non-Dutch degree here . We do not require a GRE or GMAT test score. 2. Programme-specific requirements Knowledge and understanding A minimum of 18 ECTS in Ecology: understanding of ecosystems, the ecological processes that play a role within them and the interrelationship of those processes, behavioral ecology Evolution: origin and development of life, processes of speciation, relationship between and within taxa, building plans of the most important groups; Genetics: origin and development of life, processes of speciation, relationship between and within taxa, building plans of the most important groups; A minimum of 6 ECTS in Statistics or Mathematics: t-test, regression and correlation analysis, analysis of variance, non-parametric tests and Mathematical Principles and Techniques: differentiation and integration, ordinary differential equations; Biochemistry and Cell Biology: insight into molecular and cellular processes in living organisms; Animal and Plant Physiology: the function at supra-cellular level, insight into the construction and function of the main tissues, organs and organ systems and the regulation of their operation; Biogeochemistry: flow of carbon and nutrients through ecosystems and global cycle. Skills The ability to collect data in a systematic way by means of observations during (laboratory) research and/or fieldwork, as well as through literature review or other authoritative (internet) sources; The ability to manage the collected data and observations in relation to each other, save, process, interpret them and write a scientific report that meets the Bachelor level; The ability to clearly define a biological question, along with accompanying assumptions – and to determine a strategy for answering the question (under guidance); The ability to analyze research on main lines, both with regard to the design and conduct of research and to the interpretation of results The ability to apply methods and techniques i.e. the ability to work with computer programs in the field of: word processing, spreadsheets, modelling, statistical processing, graphics, presentations, management of databases and consultation of scientific literature How to demonstrate that you meet the above requirements You are required to indicate how you meet the programme specific admission requirements in your Application Form . The Admission Board will evaluate your Application Form and decide if your academic background is sufficient to gain admission to the programme. 3. English-language proficiency requirements You will have to demonstrate sufficient English language proficiency. You can find an overview of relevant information to demonstrate your English language proficiency on the language requirement page .
To apply you are required to provide the following documents: Scan of your passport or national ID card (ID for EEA students only) valid at the start date of the programme Master Application File please download the correct file from this page . In this file you can see which documents are required to apply for your programme. Proof of English language proficiency (if already obtained): upload your proof of English language proficiency or English language test results. Please find the English language requirements here . After having prepared the required documents, please follow the online application procedure .
All students seeking admission to an international Master’s programme with an international degree are required to pay a non-refundable €100 application fee. Only after you have paid this fee will we be able to start the evaluation of your application file. If you are applying for more than one programme, you will only need to pay the application fee once. Your application fee payment is valid for two years. Information on how to apply with an international university degree and deadlines can be found here .