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Do you want to know what kind of impact global change has on ecosystem functioning and biodiversity? How we can manage our natural resources in a sustainable manner? How animal behaviour can be explained from an ecological and evolutionary perspective? Or what we can learn from microbes in nature and how do we make them useful for mankind?

Explore life from genes to ecosystems

In the Master’s programme Environmental Biology you will have the chance to study the functioning of plants, animals and micro-organisms in their environment, and how they react to changes in that environment. We study these biological processes at different organization levels of life, from genes, cells and organisms, to populations and entire ecosystems. 

The research we offer is driven by grand societal challenges such as sustainable food production, the effects of climate change, conservation of biodiversity and the management of natural resources. The knowledge we gain, is applied to address these societal challenges.

My favourite component of this programme would have to be the major research project. It is a chance to spend nine months working on a research topic within your own field of interest, creating a project of your own in the process.

Tracks

Within the Master's you have a lot of freedom to tailor your own programme. You choose one of the following tracks to focus on: 

• Ecology and Conservation
• Animal Behaviour
• Plant Biology 
• Fungal Biology

Why in Utrecht

• We offer a multidisciplinary programme that integrates different levels of biological organisation, from genes to ecosystems. 
• We gain fundamental knowledge on the functioning of plants, animals and microbes, and apply it to address societal challenges. 
• Freedom to design your own programme, by choosing the track, research project and electives that best fit your interests. You also select one out of 8 thematic which are designed to equip you with skills for your future career in a direction that appeals you most.
• At , you can turn your ideas into working prototypes—whether through 3D printing, woodworking, or soldering. Have a research concept you would like to explore hands-on? Bring your idea, and they’ll help you make it yourself.

Introducing the Graduate School of Life Sciences

Life Sciences is one of the four of Utrecht ľ¹Ï¸£ÀûÓ°ÊÓ and is mainly organised in the Graduate School of Life Sciences (GSLS). The GSLS brings together the research expertise and facilities of the faculties of Science, Medical Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, in cooperation with UMC Utrecht, Utrecht’s academic hospital. Research at the GSLS is highly interdisciplinary, because scientific breakthroughs take place where physics, medicine, computer science, chemistry and biology interact. The graduate school offers 15 Master’s programmes with each a different focus. As a school we also offer one course for all students. During your first week the GSLS will offer you a (mandatory) one week introduction for all students: Introducing Life Sciences (part of the course Life Sciences Academy)