Master of Science Evolution, Ecology and Systematics (MEES) Friedrich Schiller University Jena

The Master's programme in Evolution, Ecology and Systematics (MEES) provides in-depth knowledge of biological systems with a clear focus on current research in organismic and evolutionary biology.

The course of study is interdisciplinary, so that competencies in ecology, biodiversity (including taxonomic knowledge for plants and animals), evolutionary biology, palaeontology, systematics and phylogenetics can be acquired at different organisational levels and for different groups of organisms.

During the course of study, organisms are studied in their functional entity using modern and innovative methods of investigation. Particular emphasis is placed on interaction with biotic and abiotic environments right up to complex ecosystem level. Both the teaching and the research of the involved institutes are determined by their focus on the evolutionary emergence of biological diversity and its functional significance for ecosystems, especially in changing environments. The physiological, anatomical, morphological, and behavioural traits of species are viewed as adaptations to living conditions which have been shaped by selective forces.

The methodological spectrum of the course is broad and ranges from fieldwork, field experiments, and excursions to laboratory experiments, statistical data evaluation, and computer simulation. Practical work is central to the course on every level, and because students are expected to work independently early on, the principles of experimental design are learned through first-hand experience.

Our mission statement is to provide all students with an individual profiling based on a well-founded basic education in our two-year MSc programme (120 ECTS CP). In the first year, students complete the five compulsory modules (in total 30 CP) on (i) Basics in Evolutionary Research, (ii) Ecology and Diversity, (iii) Species Identification, (iv) and Experimental Design and Analysis of Biological Data as well as (v) MEES Excursion. For the required elective modules (in total 30 CP), there is high flexibility to choose from modules of the three participating Institutes for Zoology and Evolutionary Research, Ecology and Evolution as well as Biodiversity. Students may also combine different courses individually in up to two "wild card" modules with 5 CP each, or they can take one interdisciplinary module from a Master's programme being offered in another related field of interest such as geosciences or geography. ECTS CP that have been obtained abroad are generally recognised, and a stay at a university abroad is encouraged.

The second year of the MEES is dedicated to the Master's thesis. The practical work involved is weighted with 30 CP and the evaluation of the data and writing up of the results together confer a further 30 CP. MSc theses that involve field work or which are bound by vegetation periods can already be started in the summer semester of the first year. MSc theses can be completed at any of the university institutes involved in the programme, also in cooperation with one of the non-university research facilities situated in Jena or one of our many cooperation partners in Germany and abroad.

Successful graduates will be able to carry out research-oriented activities at universities, non-university research institutions, museums, public authorities, associations or the private sector. They are well prepared to enter or continue in academia, usually continuing with PhD studies.

Applicants must hold a Bachelor's degree in the field of biology or an equivalent field. Admissions decisions will be based on a number of criteria, including your grade point average and letter of motivation.

The study programme is aimed at students of all biological disciplines, but it has a strong focus on organismic biology. Half of the study programme is devoted to elective modules that allow individualised specialisations on specific research areas in zoology, botany, ecology, microbiology, population genetics, evolution and biodiversity.

The other half of the study programme comprises compulsory modules that all students have to take. Because of that, applicants should fulfil some minimum requirements for a successful application:

• a basic training in zoology, botany and ecology
• basic knowledge of concepts in evolution, biodiversity and genetics
• experience with taxonomic species determination of animals and/or plants
• experience with statistical data analysis, preferably with R

Regarding soft skills, we expect the following:

• advanced use of English (writing, reading, speaking, listening)
• experience with independent search and reading of primary literature
• oral presentation skills

Approx. 320 EUR per semester. Includes the Deutschlandsemesterticket (free public transport in Germany) and the Jena culture ticket; see details here.

Studying in Jena is tuition-free.

Costs (per month) vary depending on individual circumstances: rent and food: 550 EUR, books and learning materials: 50 EUR, health insurance: 120 EUR, other expenses: 180 EUR, total: 900 EUR.

There are various job opportunities in Jena. You should have at least a good command of German if you want to have a wider choice of jobs. Jobs in which you do not need (much) German are rare, often physically demanding, and not very well paid. In some cases, you may also have to commute to nearby cities. Our Career Point offers advice on finding a job.

Deutschlandstipendium (application in April each year).

Some programmes offer scholarships. Please consult the specific study programme website.

When applying for internships, part-time jobs or entry-level roles after graduation, the Career Point team at the University of Jena supports Bachelor’s and Master’s students with free events and advisory services. Career talks, alumni events, company visits, workshops on soft skills, intercultural skills, and future skills, and a free interdisciplinary career and job fair enable exchange with employers. Templates, a job portal, LinkedIn and a mailing list provide information on vacancies, event invitations and exclusive offers. Students interested in entrepreneurship can reach out to the university’s K1 Startup Service.

Bachelor's and Master's level students may apply for student accommodation (all off-campus, furnished single rooms in shared apartments, rent: 200 to 350 EUR per month, application deadline: 15 July/15 January).

International doctoral candidates have the possibility of applying for a place in one of three university guesthouses. Enrolled doctoral candidates can also apply for a room in student housing.

You can find more information about finding accommodation in Jena here.