Biology: Evolution Biodiversity and Conservation

First year

Second Year

Electives

The obligatory theoretical component consists of 32 EC and the minimum time to be spend on research projects is 60 EC. This leaves 28 EC which students may use either on expanding the theoretical parts with other courses (at Leiden or elsewhere), or on their research projects.

Optional courses can also be chosen from other Msc programmes in Leiden or elsewhere. For advanced lectures see the studyguide of the other Msc programmes or“Keuzevakken”.
Studyguide Msc programmes

Note: Approval of your trackcoordinator is necessary

More info

Theoretical training

• EBC fundamentals. This is a broad-ranging 8 week (12 EC) ’basics’ course, consisting of 4 modules. In the first one, students will use the changes in the famous Lake Victoria system to discover how this can give rise to an enormous variety in research questions on all sorts of topics and disciplines. The next modules (‘Fundamentals of evolutionary change’, ‘Richness of the world’, Fundamentals of conservation biology’) will provide students with a broad kaleidoscope of subjects providing a background for later specialization. This compulsory course is based on lectures and self study using primary literature.

• EBC ‘trends’ courses. Thematic 4 week (6 EC) courses. Each year there are four courses, two in parallel, providing students with an integrated picture on specific topics. Students have to do two of these courses during their MSc program.

To complete the theoretical training, two of the following elements are obligatory (each element is 4 EC):

• Seminars. Seminars are discussion groups in which students present and discuss the latest research papers and views on particular specialized subjects. Each year there will be a choice of several seminars.

• Top lectures. The research groups participating in the MSc program will each year invite 6 top scientists in various fields to present their work. This will be combined with a discussion meeting with MSc and PhD students to discuss the work and papers of the scientist.

• Book exam. The student will take an oral exam on a book of choice provided by the various staff members.

• Spotlight meetings. Every month scientists from various research groups in the IBL will present their findings at a ‘spotlight’ meeting.

Research projects

• Research-projects are the core of the MSc program. Students will be member of a research group of their choice and work on a specific project, usually in close collaboration with a staff member or PhD student for a period of 4-10 months full time. Each project will be finished with writing an MSc-thesis in the form of a manuscript for publication in an international journal. Students have to do at least one project and at least 60 EC should be used for one or more projects.

Optional elements
The obligatory theoretical component consists of 32 EC and the minimum time to be spend on research projects is 60 EC. This leaves 28 EC which students may use either on expanding the theoretical parts with other courses (at Leiden or elsewhere), or on their research projects.

Mentor guidance
Each MSc-student will be assigned to a specific staff member who will arrange to meet with the student once every 6 months, or otherwise on his or her demands to discuss matters relating to progress, interests, job prospects, etcetera.