Master’s Programme Zoology
Are you interested in regeneration and stem cells, would you like to explore physiological relationships or understand how life functions at the organismic and cellular level?
The students of the Master’s Degree Programme in Zoology study zoological relationships and learn integrative and critical thinking in the field of science and the animate world.
The focus is put on understanding life from the organism to the molecular level as well as structure-function relationships. Technically the students focus on modern light and electron microscopy. Students may specialise in the fields of evolution, developmental biology, physiology, chonobiology, environmental stress and bionics.
Master of Science
Duration/ECTS-Credits
4 semesters/120 ECTS-Credits
Mode of Study
Full-time
Language
German
Requirements
Relevant bachelor's degree/equivalent
and Language Certificates
Faculty
Faculty of Biology
Level of qualification
Master (Second Cycle)
ISCED-11: Level 7, EQF/NQF: Level 7
ISCED-F
0511 Biology
Study Code
UC 066 831
FAQ
Graduates possess highly specialized knowledge in the fields of organismic zoology, evolution and developmental biology, the physiology of animals, and ecophysiology and population biology. They are able to demonstrate their abilities at the intersections of these fields through their capacity to formulate and susbtantiate arguments scientifically and to find innovative solutions to problems.
The goal of the Master's Programme Zoology at the University of Innsbruck is to train students in modern methods of zoological research and their application in the research areas offered at the faculty.
Key areas include the development and cell physiology of animals as well as their relationship to the environment, and ecotoxicology and population biology. The evolution of animals is treated in interdisciplinary fashion. Wildlife studies are conducted using various on-site model organisms from current research and using field studies.
In general terms, the programme stresses the acquisition of an understanding of biological connections, independent and integrative thinking and flexibility. A central part of the programme is instruction in independent scientific work and in publishing scientific data. The master's programme also prepares students for doctoral studies.
Career oppoortunities may include: scientific activities in companies, scientific activities in public and administrative institutions, basic research in biomedicine, zoologically-oriented research and teaching in all areas of biology, activities as a certified expert, further activities related to other disciplines (e.g. journalism) in combination with additional qualifications.
Graduates tracking: Shows which occupational fields students enter after graduation
Faculty of Biology Examination Office Information for students with disabilities
Curriculum
From the field
Nerve cells in colour
A novel antibody colors all nerve cells in the model organism Hydra: Scientists were able to observe astonishing details of neuronal stimulus transmission in the nerve network of the freshwater polyp. Bert Hobmayer and his team from the Institute of Zoology contributed to the recently published findings, which are relevant for neurobiology and developmental biology.
Cancer cells ‘power up’ when pressed to the limit
Cancer cells mount an instant, energy‑rich response to being physically squeezed, according to a study published by a team around Verena Ruprecht and Sara Sdelci in the journal Nature Communications. The surge of energy is the first reported instance of a defensive mechanism which helps the cells repair DNA damage and survive the crowded environments of the human body.
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