flexible, research-oriented and customisable
The new Master’s programme in Biology is a research-led course that offers you a great deal of freedom in shaping your studies. You can explore your interests in depth and tailor your studies very specifically to your academic focus.
The programme centres on five specialisation tracks. These provide not only the modules but also the content basis for the project laboratories and your Master’s thesis. If you choose at least two complete modules, a project laboratory and your Master’s thesis from a single specialisation, this specialisation can also be listed in the subtitle of your degree certificate.
However, you can also complete your studies with complete flexibility without a fixed specialisation, combining modules from different tracks.
The five specialisations 1
. Biodiversity & Ecology
How do interactions between organisms and their environment influence ecosystems and biodiversity? The modules focus on advanced systematics (plants, fungi, animals), on ecological interactions and the mechanisms driving them, on nature conservation and restoration, and on theoretical models for modelling complex biological systems.
2. Evolutionary
Ecology This specialisation focuses on the interactions between the ecological living conditions of organisms and their subsequent adaptations, and on the interactions between different species – the ‘art of coexistence’. Furthermore, skills in handling the biological datasets generated in this context are taught.
3. Neurobiology & Behaviour
The modules focus on imparting knowledge regarding the practical conduct of experiments in cellular neurobiology and behavioural studies, and on the use of advanced and highly technology-driven methods of behavioural research. And it is about the control of behaviour – some key terms: sensory stimulus processing, receptors, signal transduction, neuroethology. Molecular
4. Plant Physiology &
Cell Biology How do plants function at the molecular and cellular level? The focus is on the molecular and developmental genetics of plants, the structure of cells and tissues, and the methods used to investigate these processes. A further focus is on understanding how plants respond to stress (biotic, abiotic).
5. Digital Biology
All modules focusing on digital biology are grouped together to form a standalone specialisation. The focus is on theoretical models for modelling complex biological systems, on the use of highly technology-driven methods in behavioural research, and on mathematical and algorithmic models dealing with formative processes in biology. Furthermore, skills in handling large biological datasets are taught.
Project Laboratory:
The project laboratories introduce you step-by-step to independent scientific work.
• Project Laboratory I is compulsory for all students.
• A second project laboratory can be undertaken as part of the elective modules.
The project laboratories are each assigned to one of the five specialisations.
Electives & Additional Options
Within the extensive range of electives (subject-specific elective H and free electives), you can:
• take modules or individual courses from
the specialisations that you have not yet completed•
refine your profile through further courses – national or international• Combine content according to your
individual interests. Additionally, it is possible to undertake a career-oriented placement as a free elective (max. 12 ECTS credits – equivalent to approximately 8 weeks of full-time work). You
can also integrate an inter-faculty Master’s module (12 ECTS credits subject-specific elective + 12 ECTS credits free elective). This transforms your degree into a so-called Master’s Plus programme – offering additional subject-specific breadth beyond your own faculty.
Link:
Curriculum and details:
https://www.uni-graz.at/de/studium/masterstudien/biologie/