Biological Sciences
Biological Sciences at the UvA is a challenging Master's programme with world-renowned research on ecosystems and their organisms. You will investigate the biodiversity and the functioning and interactions of organisms with each other and the environment, and the consequences of anthropogenic changes such as climate change and eutrophication. Your Master's diploma qualifies for excellent positions both in- and outside the academia, anywhere in the world.
Language of instruction
English
Mode
Full-time
Location
🌻Word-renowned research on plant and animal species and their ecosystem
Feb09
Master's Week 9 -12 Feb
Nov02
Master's Week: 2-6 Nov
Here's why you want to study Biological Sciences in Amsterdam
Word-renowned research
Biological research at the UvA is carried out at the Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED) and the Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences (SILS).
Unravel
We aim to unravel how organisms and ecosystems function in all their complexity, and how they change because of natural processes and human influence.
Be part of our community
As a student you actively participate in increasing our understanding of the diversity and dynamics of ecosystems, from the level of molecules and genes to entire ecosystems.
Specialised tracks
There are four specialised study tracks, each with its own focus within the larger field of biology research, and one more general track.
Discover your programme
The Master's programme in Biological Sciences at the UvA offers five different tracks:
- Ecology and Evolution
For expert training in biodiversity science, choose the Ecology and Evolution track and become a specialist in topics such as origin and evolution of species, modelling community dynamics, biodiversity change at global and geological time scales (e.g. bird migration, the effect of climate change), urban ecology and wildlife conservation.
- Freshwater & Marine Biology
If you are eager to expand your knowledge and skills in freshwater or marine ecosystems, dive into the Freshwater and Marine Biology track.
- Green Life Sciences
If your focus is on plants and their interaction with the environment at a molecular level, become part of the Green Life Sciences community.
- Evolution of Behaviour and Mind
The aim of the track Evolution of Behaviour and Mind in the Master's programme Biological Sciences is to promote understanding of the origins of behaviour and the mind from the integrative perspective of biology, psychology, economics, and other sciences.
- General Biology
Students in this track combine, for instance, chemical ecology with primate behaviour and eco-evolutionary dynamics, or microbiology with genome editing and extraterrestrial biology, or adaptation to antibiotics by bacteria with interactions between sea grasses and their microbiome as well as plant breeding to aid biological control of their arthropod pest. Students are also welcome to create their own combination of microbiology, biotechnology and systems biology.
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Applying to the Master Biological Sciences
Up to, but no more than, 140 students are admitted to the Master’s programme as a whole. When applying to the Master Biological Sciences, you must choose one track. Be sure to check the entry requirements for your preferred track, as they differ per track. There are three selective tracks (Freshwater and Marine Biology, Evolution of Behaviour and Mind & Green Life Sciences) and two non-selective tracks (Ecology and Evolution & General Biology).
The Admissions Board of your chosen track will check your application for admissibility. We strive to process each application within 6 weeks. For the selective tracks, being admissible means that you can take part in the selection process. The results of the selection process will be known in the second part of May. When checking your application for admissibility, the Admissions Board may find there are gaps in your knowledge and/or skills. In that case, the Admissions Board may recommend you do a pre-master first, to ensure you have sufficient knowledge and skills to follow the Master’s programme. Note that there are few pre-master slots available, and you can only start the pre-master on recommendation by the Admissions Board.
Get a taste of the atmosphere
Facts & Figures
- Degree programme
- MSc Biological Sciences
- Type
- Regular study programme
- Mode
- Full-time
- Credits
- 120 ECTS, 24 months
- Language of instruction
- English
- Starts in
- September
- RIO code
- 60707
- Location
- Science Park
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