Ecology and Evolution
For those fascinated by the diversity of life on earth, and how we understand and manage this diversity, the major Evolution and Ecology is an excellent choice.
The major Evolution and Ecology offers in-depth training in both the conceptual foundations of ecology and evolution and its applications. Whether drawn to field or lab work, to theory or experiment, to applications or basic science, you will find that this major offers the broad training and flexibility to follow your personal interests in ecology, evolution, or disease dynamics. The major is affiliated with the Institute of Integrative Biology, which hosts world leading research groups to study the above topics. With this major students will be well prepared to start a professional career in the public sector, in industry, or in academia.
Foundations
Three foundations courses in Ecology, Evolution, and Infectious Disease challenge students with the core principles and ensure common levels of understanding as students advance. The courses present contemporary perspectives on the ecological and evolutionary dynamics of populations, communities, and infectious diseases. Students participate in at least two of these courses but are encouraged to take all three.
Advanced Concepts and Applications
Students select from a range of specific concept and application courses to build in-depth knowledge of specific areas of ecology and evolution, including in the fields of genetics and genomics, computational biology, or disease dynamics. Likewise, students will be able to gather applied knowledge in the management, conservation, and restoration of diverse biological systems, thereby building an appreciation for the relevance of ecological and evolutionary principles to the informed management of natural areas.
Scientific Skills, Term Paper & Seminar
The major Ecology and Evolution leads to a range of careers requiring technical competencies. Students will acquire the latter by choosing from a plethora of courses on the themes of Quantitative and Computational Expertise, Laboratory and Field Expertise, and Expertise in Biological Diversity. Finally, mentored by a senior scientist, students engage with a topic of their choosing in a semester-long term paper that is followed by a seminar on the same topics in the next semester.
Interests/ Prerequisites
- Detailed basic knowledge in the field of ecology and evolution
- Knowledge in interdisciplinary fields such as population genetics, ecological genetics, applied systems ecology and epidemiology of infectious diseases
- Ability to apply scientific methods to analyse and evaluate ecological and evolutionary questions
Education and Learning objectives
- The Education is provided by the Institute of Integrative Biology
- Understanding the ecological and evolutionary processes that shape biodiversity
- Understanding how human beings influence ecological systems, and how the latter can be managed sustainably
- Conceptual and applied expertise in approaches to reduce the spread of invasive species, to control pests and reduce the risk of emerging diseases
Possible careers
- Academic researcher
- Research & Development (Industry)
- Project lead in public and private nature conservancy
Contact
Professur f. Evolutionsbiologie
Universitätstrasse 16
8092
Zürich
Switzerland