Master's Programme Ecology and Biodiversity
Faculty | Faculty of Biology |
Duration / ECTS-Credits | 4 semesters / 120 ECTS-Credits |
Academic Degree |
Master of Science (MSc) |
Qualification Level |
Master (Second Cycle) ISCED-11: Level 7, EQF/NQF: Level 7 |
ISCED-F | 0521 Environmental Sciences |
Mode of Study |
Full-Time |
Study Code |
UC 066 833 |
Curriculum | Information on the Curriculum (2008W)* |
Language of Instruction | German |
Admission Requirements |
Relevant bachelor's degree or equivalent and Language Certificates |
Application |
*Information on the Curriculum (2008W)
The complete version of the curriculum reflects the currently valid version of the curriculum. It is for informational purposes only and is not legally binding. The legally binding version of the curriculum, including any amendments, may be found in the University of Innsbruck Bulletins.
In order to determine which version of the curriculum is applicable in your case, see the Catalogue of Studies
available at: https://lfuonline.uibk.ac.at/public/lfuonline_meinestudien.studienblatt
Section: Current Curriculum version
University of Innsbruck Bulletins » (Click to open all University of Innsbruck Bulletins)
- English version of the Curriculum (effective with October 1 2019)
- University of Innsbruck Bulletin October 17 2019, Issue 4, No. 55 (equivalence list)
- University of Innsbruck Bulletin June 28 2019, Issue 65, No. 576 (modification of the curriculum)
- English version of the Curriculum (effective with October 1 2015)
- University of Innsbruck Bulletin October 1 2015, Issue 1, No. 4 (Equivalence list)
- University of Innsbruck Bulletin May 6 2015, Issue 28, No. 388 (modification of the curriculum)
- English version of the Curriculum
- University of Innsbruck Bulletin June 8 2011, Issue 26, No. 458 (modification of the curriculum)
- University of Innsbruck Bulletin April 29 2008, Issue 39, No. 268
Requirements
Relevant bachelor's degrees at the University of Innsbruck:
Proof of general university entrance qualification:
The general university entrance qualification for admission to a master's programme must be proven by the completion of a subject-related bachelor's programme, another subject-related programme of at least the same higher education level at a recognised domestic or foreign post-secondary educational institution, or a program defined in the curriculum of the master's programme. To compensate for significant differences in subject matter, supplementary examinations (maximum 30 ECTS credits) may be prescribed, which must be taken by the end of the second semester of the master's programme. The rectorate may determine which of these supplementary examinations are prerequisites for taking examinations provided for in the curriculum of the master's programme.
In the course of the proof of the general university entrance qualification, the completion of the following core areas within the framework of the completed bachelor's degree programme shall be examined in any case:
- 4 ECTS-Credits Core Area: Basics of Ecology
- 8 ECTS-Credits Core Area: Structure and Function of Ecosystems
- 4 ECTS-Credits Core Area: Molecular Biology and molecular Ecology
- 4 ECTS-Credits Core Area: Methods of Measurement and Ecological Project Study
- 4 ECTS-Credits Core Area: Botanical and Zoological Forms
Recommended Course Sequence
The exemplary course sequence given below is recommended for full-time students beginning their study programme in the winter semester. The table shows one possible course sequence for the bachelor's programme and is not compulsory. Delays resulting from repeated examinations are not taken into account.
The standard duration of the study programme is 4 semesters or 120 ECTS-Credits, whereby according to the Universities Act of 2002, a workload of 1,500 (real) hours per academic year must be fulfilled, corresponding to 60 ECTS-Credits (one ECTS-Credit is equivalent to a workload of 25 hours).
1.5 ECTS-Credits: CM Selected Topics in Ecology (CM 1a and 1b)
27.5 ECTS-Credits: Elective Modules
17.5 ECTS-Credits: Elective Modules
12.5 ECTS-Credits: Ecological Project Study
15.0 ECTS-Credits: Elecive Modules
17.5 ECTS-Credits: Instructions for Scientific Working
Initiation Master’s Thesis » continue fourth semester
25.0 ECTS-Credits: Master’s Thesis
1.0 ECTS-Credits: CM Selected Topics in Ecology (CM 1c)
2.5 ECTS-Credits: Master's Thesis Defence
Qualification Profile and Skills
The goal of the Master's Programme Ecology and Biodiversity is the attainment of scientific knowledge and working methods for all ecologically-relevant disciplines and occupations.
The main emphasis is on the acquistion of knowledge in aquatic and terrestrial ecology, from molecular ecology to landscape ecology. The spectrum includes the relationships between organisms, populations, biocenoses and their environment, the structure and function of ecosystems and landscapes, and biodiversity and global change. Students treat research-related and application-oriented issues based on theoretical and experimental laboratory and field approaches. Much of the teaching content is closely linked to the key research areas "ecology of the Alpine region" and "mountain agriculture".
Expected Learning Outcomes
Graduates possess highly specialized knowledge in the fields of ecosystem and landscape ecology, limnology, and terrestrial animal and molecular ecology. They are able to demonstrate their abilities in fundamental research and applied science at the intersections of organisms, habitats and society through their capacity to formulate and susbtantiate arguments scientifically and to find innovative solutions to problems.
Future Prospects: Occupational Profiles and Career Opportunities
Career opportunities may include:
- careers in research and application-oriented areas, such as activities as an expert or consultant in politics, administration and economics,
- management positions and scientific work in private and public institutions (e.g. ecological risk management, nature and landscape conservation, biomonitoring, agricultural research, molecular ecological laboratories),
- research and teaching positions at universities and other national and international research institutions.
The master's programme also prepares students for doctoral studies.
Postgraduate and further Studies at the University of Innsbruck
Supplementary Programme
Within the scope of the Study Programme, a Supplementary Programme corresponding to 60 ECTS-Credits may be passed. Admission to the Supplementary Programme requires the admission to or the having passed of one of the selected Study Programmes. Detailed information: https://www.uibk.ac.at/studium/angebot/es-informatik/
Information about examination regulations, assessment and grading
Examination regulations
The examination regulation is an integral part of the curriculum, detailed information can be found under the paragraph examination regulations.
Description of the applied grading system (including the grade distribution table) »
The grade distribution table is a statistical representation of the distribution of all successfully completed examinations in a given programme of study or subject (based on all registered students for the programme or subject). The grade distribution table is updated in regular intervals.
Austrian grading scheme |
Definition |
%-age |
||
1 | EXCELLENT: Outstanding performance |
64.5 |
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= 100% |
2 |
GOOD: Generally good, but with some errors |
23.9 | ||
3 | SATISFACTORY: Generally sound work with a number of substantial errors |
8.5 |
||
4 | SUFFICIENT: Performance meets the minimum criteria |
3.1 | ||
5 | INSUFFICIENT: Substantial improvement necessary; requirement of further work |
December 2021
Overall classification of the qualification
Not applicable
Explanation: An overall classification (mit Auszeichnung bestanden/pass with distinction, bestanden/pass, nicht bestanden/fail) – is awarded only for examinations that conclude a programme of study and consist of more than one subject (an examination of this type is not specified in the curriculum of this programme of study).
Information about the Programme (in German only)
Equivalence Lists (in German only)
- Equivalence List (Modification of the Curriculum - Universities Bulletin October 7 2015)
- Equivalence List for the Master's Programme in Ecology (according to the course catalogue 2008/2009)
- Equivalence List for the Master's Programme in Zoology (according to the course catalogue 2008/2009)
- Equivalence List for the Bachelor's Programme (according to the course catalogue 2008/2009)
Forms (in German only)
- Examination Records
- Application for the Master's Thesis
- Cover Sheet for the Master's Thesis
- Declaration of Academic Honesty
- Submission of the Master's Thesis
- To block the Master's Thesis
- Recognition of exams AND Supplementary Sheet
- Application for Admission to the third and fourth repetition of a course examination
Contact and Information
Examination office
Standort Technikerstraße 17
Dean of Studies
Ao. Univ.-Prof. Mag. Dr. Leopold Füreder
Further person to contact:
Assoz.-Prof. Dr. Georg Wohlfahrt
biopage.info: Information portal for Biology Students of the University of Innsbruck