Ecology, evolutionary biology and conservation biology are not only fascinating topics for basic research, but they also play a key role in addressing global environmental challenges.
Upon graduating from the Master's Programme in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, you can:
Get to know the EEB programme structure in a compact form.
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Master’s Programme in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology is tri-lingual (Finnish, Swedish, English). All teaching in the programme is given in English, but you can also take exams and complete work, such as your Master's thesis, in Finnish or Swedish.
The Master's Programme in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology is diverse and multidisciplinary including studies of ecology, evolutionary biology and conservation biology.
You undertake modules producing 120 credits according to your personal study plan. The degree consists of:
Career studies and extracurricular activities can be included in your personal study plan.
If you are studying to qualify as a biology teacher, you will complete 60 credits of pedagogical studies and 60 credits of ecology and evolutionary biology in your degree. This applies only to Finnish or Swedish speaking students who have been accepted to pedagogical studies during their Bachelor’s studies.
You can affect the content of the studies by planning your personal curriculum. The programme includes studies of ecology, evolutionary biology and conservation biology. You can choose studies from any of these areas, as well as from other master's degree programmes.
Ecology studies the abundance and distribution of species (animals, plants, microbes) and the interactions among them and with the environment. The perspective ranges from the molecular to the ecosystem level. In ecology, a central question is: Why are some species able to invade new habitats and displace native species? Which species are able to adapt to environmental change or migrate with the changing climate, and which species will become extinct?
Evolutionary biology examines the processes which support biodiversity on its various levels (genes – individuals – populations – species – ecosystems). You will learn about the theory of evolution and how to use population genetics and genomics methods in researching evolutionary issues.
Conservation biology studies the depletion of biodiversity, its causes and consequences. You will learn to apply ecological theory to the problems of environmental conservation, assess the effectiveness of methods of conservation, as well as to resolve the problems relating to conservation e.g. by modelling and computational methods. The training emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary education in the area of conservation.
The expertise in the EEB programme extends from molecular ecology to population and community biology, and a wide range of options is offered for students: evolutionary biology or genetics for those interested in ecological genetics and genomics, as well as the ability to take advantage of the high-quality molecular ecology and systematics laboratory, conservation biology for those interested in regional or global environmental problems; and ecological modelling skills for those interested in computational biology. Our training also offers behavioural ecology.
In the Studies service, you can explore the degree structure, content and learning outcomes from the level of the degree programme to individual courses.
Teaching methods in the Master's Programme in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology include lectures, laboratory and computer training courses, interactive seminars, study tours and field courses.
For example, the first course in the programme (Ecology, 5 credits) includes an excursion to familiarise students with taiga habitats in southern Finland. You also get to know other students during the excursion.
You can check out courses in the online course catalogue for University of Helsinki students. Finnish courses are offered for international students.
All students undertake a master's thesis, the extent of which is 30 credits. In your thesis, you will demonstrate your:
Your thesis can be done individually or as a member of a research project in which you have a clear and independent role, e.g. in one of the research groups of the Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences. You must, however, write your thesis independently.
In general, you will collect the data in the field or the laboratory, analyse them, evaluate the results critically in light of the scientific literature, and present your conclusions in writing.
Students in the EEB programme have an opportunity to:
Students are exposed to a lively and engaging international community in the programme, at the Research Programme in Organismal and Evolutionary Biology and the faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences:
The best way to know more about the EEB programme is through our students and graduates!
In the testimonials, they give their insights about the programme, studies and student life in Helsinki as well as share their aspirations and future goals.
Student life and especially the student organisation culture is exceptionally rich and diverse in Finland.
At the University of Helsinki, more than 250 student organisations operate within the Student Union of the University of Helsinki (HYY), ranging from faculty and subject organisations to political and societal organisations, and from choirs and orchestras to sports and game clubs. Their activities include anniversary celebrations, academic dinner parties, cultural events, get-togethers and excursions.
Students in Finland are also entitled to many benefits and services. For example, affordable student housing, low-cost sports services and student-priced meals. You also get numerous discounts, for example on public transport fees across the country.
The Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences is located at Viikki Campus, an international hub of life sciences hosting several faculties, institutes, research projects and network organisations. There's also a veterinary teaching hospital, a research farm, an arboretum, a greenhouse and a research field.
The faculties of Viikki Campus have several research stations in Finland offering excellent facilities and support for research and teaching.