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From tropical marine biology to wetlands ecosystems 

Water covers about 70% of our planet and sets it apart from every other planet we know. Water plays an important role in the global climate and is a source of food, minerals, energy and recreation. Aquatic ecosystems teem with organisms, ranging from tiny phytoplankton and zooplankton to coral, fish, and whales. Unfortunately, aquatic ecosystems are also used as ‘dumping grounds' for much of society's waste and are profoundly affected by global change.

The Master's programme Limnology and Oceanography at the UvA

In this programme you will reflect on topics such as:

• impacts of climate change on freshwater and marine ecosystems
• harmful algal blooms and water management
• the role of aquatic microorganisms
• the biodiversity of coral reef ecosystems
• food-web interactions and fisheries
• sediment-water interactions
• the responses of aquatic organisms to changes in water quality

The topics are investigated from different perspectives, ranging from molecular studies to laboratory experiments and field investigations, long-term monitoring and the development of advanced mathematical models.  Among this wide range of opportunities, students select those topics and approaches that best fit their own interest.

World leader in water management and aquatic research

The Netherlands is a world leader in water management and aquatic research. The Master's programme applies this expertise to its investigation of lake, river, sea and ocean ecosystems. It is unique in the Netherlands in that it devotes attention to both freshwater and marine ecosystems and integrates the scientific disciplines relevant to aquatic ecosystems. 

The programme closely collaborates with institutes such as the Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO), the Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ), the Institute for Marine Resources & Ecosystem Studies (IMARES), the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), and the Caribbean Research and Management of Biodiversity Foundation (CARMABI).

Degree certificate

Limnology and Oceanography is a track of the accredited degree programme Biological Sciences. After successful completion of this programme, you will receive a legally accredited Master’s degree in Biological Sciences and the title Master of Science (MSc).