In the specialization Environment: Biodiversity and Ecosystems - Ecology, you will explore the depths of ecology and the functioning of ecosystems. This two-year programme is aimed at the development of an in-depth knowledge of the relations between flora, fauna, micro-organisms within ecosystems. Attention is given to environmental biology in its broadest sense. This will allow you as a future biologist in your home-country to acquire natural history knowledge during fieldwork. In combination with essential laboratory techniques (i.e. DNA-based biodiversity research), technologies (i.e. remote sensing, GIS, modelling) and data analysis you will develop a scientific holistic view on the natural systems around us and of life in its historical (geological timescale) and evolutionary perspective.
Courses and electives (90 credits) are on Plant Molecular Biology, Molecular Phylogenetics, River and Lake Ecology, Marine Biology, Molecular Microbiology, Biogeography, Biocomplexity, Conservation Genetics Analysis of Biological, Data Scientific Presentation, Manuscript and Project Writing, …
Specific research themes (Master thesis of 30 credits in the second year) are on subjects related to plant biology and nature management with a strong focus on conservation genetics and ecology of plant populations, dispersal strategies and adaptations for survival. The ecosystems of interest are mangrove formations (natural and restored) and aquatic plant vegetations (coastal seagrass beds and inland lake vegetations, including invasive weeds) as well as their interaction with other systems.
Graduates from this study direction know how to estimate the amplitude of the nature and environmental processes, to analyse the consequences on biodiversity and ecosystems, to follow the driving processes on an ecosystem scale as well as on an organismal scale (survival of the organism and evolution), and to reach plans for a natural recovery.
The knowledge that you acquire is, of course, important for the management, policy issues and the recovery or restoration of ecosystems. You will be able to work in fundamental and terrain linked scientific research at universities and research institutions, in applications necessary in management (government), in environmental bureaus and the corporate world.
Course
outline & Programme
Programme first year
Programme second year
Admission
requirements
An academic Bachelor in Biology or an academic Bachelor with a minor in Biology (e.g. BSc in Environmental Sciences, BSc in Agriculture and Forestry, BSc in Biotechnology, BSc in Aquatic Sciences...).
Adequate knowledge of biology (ecology, biodiversity, physiology, genetics and molecular biology), mathematics and chemistry at university bachelor level is an absolute requirement. Knowledge of statistics, geo- or soil science and environmental management is an asset but not a prerequisite.
Language requirements
Students
belonging to the EEA (European Economic Area)*: no proof of language
proficiency required.
Proof
of English proficiency is compulsory and can be documented by the following
certificates (provided by the institution):
- a) A document attesting that
at least 1 year of secondary education has been completed in English;
- b) A diploma of primary
education stating that English was the language of instruction;
- c) A document attesting that
English is the language of instruction for several courses followed (at
least 15 ECTS);
- d) A language test: only
TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS, CPE, CAE are accepted. The minimum requirements are
TOEFL: paper-based: 550, computer-based: 213, internet-based: 80; TOEIC:
860; IELTS-academic module: Band 6.5; CPE: Grade C; CAE: Grade B. Scores
should be sent directly by the examination centre to the VUB under sealed
envelope. Officially authenticated copies are not accepted. Taking a test
(language or GMAT) after the deadline of application will delay the
screening of your file.
*You
are a European Economic Area (EEA) national if you are a citizen or national of
one of the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Republic of Cyprus,
Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary,
Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta,
Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain,
Sweden and the United Kingdom. If you have permanent residence in, but not
citizenship of, any of these countries, you are not an EEA national.
Registration
Registration for this program can be done at the Vrije
Universiteit Brussel.
Student
services
Students
at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel are not mere numbers. Much attention goes to
making sure that you can study in the best possible situation. There are
numerous staff members ready to assist you and they give advice on all topics
related to student life: practical information, medical assistance and finance,
study planning, sports and culture, health, transport, housing and food, etc.
For
all kinds of help, advice and support visit the site of ‘Student
Facilities’.
More information?
- An overview of all Master and
Postgraduate programmes taught in English at the VUB can be found in the
brochure Student (on top) of the world (970 KB)
