Molecular Ecology – Master’s programme

Education facts

Code: MOEKA

<p>Molecular ecology combines ecological data with molecular biological techniques in order to address ecological topics such as:</p><p><ul><li>discover and characterize new species</li><li>measure the relationship among species and populations</li><li>track environmental toxins and diseases in different ecosystems</li><li>identify invasive species</li><li>identify genetic diversity within endangered species to develop conservation strategies</li></ul></p><h2>About the programme&nbsp;</h2><p>Molecular ecology is an interdisciplinary master’s programme that combines the fields of ecology, molecular biology and bioinformatics. At the University of Skövde we offer you a one-year master’s programme in Molecular ecology, where fieldwork as well as advanced laboratory and computer-based techniques are prominent parts of the studies.&nbsp;</p><h2>The focus of your studies</h2><h3>Semester 1</h3><p>The main focus of the first semester is scientific and laboratory knowledge in molecular biology and areas that contribute necessary methods for studies in molecular ecology. You will learn to plan and perform laboratory experiments and to interpret and analyse the generated data using bioinformatics and biostatistics. Laboratory techniques used include PCR, mutagenesis, cloning, qPCR and protein expression.</p><p>During the first semester you will also be introduced to current research specialisations, theories, applications and scientific methods within molecular ecology, with specialisation in conservation biology and environmental monitoring.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><h3>Semester 2</h3><p>The programme is concluded with a degree project (30 credits) during the second semester. In this project you will solve a relevant research problem within molecular ecology, allowing you to combine your previously gained theoretical knowledge and practical laboratory skill. The degree project is performed individually and it can be carried out at a business, organization or educational institution, either in Sweden or abroad.</p><p>Molecular ecology is an international Master’s programme, and all courses included in the programme are conducted in English.</p><h2>Opportunities for international studies</h2><p>You will have the opportunity to carry out part of your degree project abroad.&nbsp;</p><h2>Career opportunities</h2><p>The recent development of new molecular techniques has revolutionized bioscience, leading to increased applications within the field of conservation biology, ecology, evolution, agriculture and environmental monitoring.</p><p>After your studies, you can work in various academic, governmental, or private sector settings, for example at biotechnology companies and environmental consultant agencies. You can also continue with research at public- or private-sector research laboratories.</p><h2>Opportunities for further studies</h2><p>After completion of your degree, you can continue with third cycle (PhD) education.&nbsp;</p><p><br></p>

Entry requirements

A Bachelor’s degree equivalent to a Swedish kandidatexamen of 180 credits, with a major in the biological area (or the equivalent). The biological area can be defined as e.g. Molecular Biology, Ecology, Biochemistry or Microbiology. A further requirement is proof of skills in English equivalent of studies at upper secondary level in Sweden, known as the Swedish course English 6 or English level 2. This is normally demonstrated by means of an internationally recognized language test, e.g. IELTS or TOEFL.

Education offerings

Each offering has its own dates and conditions. Closed offerings are retained as history and do not mean that a new application is open.

• Molecular Ecology – Master’s programme

  University of Skövde

  Skövde

  Start date: 31 August 2026

  End date: 6 June 2027

  Pace of study: 100 %