Master Biology: Global Change Biology at the University of Antwerp

The Master of Biology: Global Change Biology focuses on the underlying drivers and the far-reaching consequences of global change. You will learn about the multifaceted nature of global change, encompassing changes in climate, land use and biogeochemical cycles; how human activities influence ecosystems and biodiversity, and how such changes impact all levels of biological organisation, from molecules to ecosystems.

Master Biology: Biodiversity, Conservation and Restoration at the University of Antwerp

Biology is a fundamental scientific discipline focusing on formulating and testing hypotheses through observations and experiments in the lab or the field. As a Biology student, you will actively participate in state-of-the-art research performed at the Department of Biology. Teaching is conducted by professors and supported by the expertise of research groups. In the Master of Biology: Biodiversity: Conservation and Restoration, the emphasis lies on the global biodiversity crisis, one of the key elements of global climate change.

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Master Biology: Global Change Biology: Study Content

The Master’s programme comprises of 120 ECTS credits, to be acquired over a two-year period. Each year you register for 60 ECTS credits (deviations between 54 and 66 ECTS credits are possible).

English is the teaching language for all courses in the Master of Biology: Global Change Biology.
In the first year the entire first semester, and also the main part of the second semester, consists of compulsory courses. During the first semester students decide the optional courses they will take, and they also choose a subject for their Master’s project. These two components of the programme are largely undertaken in the second year of the programme.

You will be trained in a variety of research methods, both via the practical and theoretical courses and via specific courses on skills relevant for global change biology. Laboratory skills are sharpened during a 12 ECTS credits worth, integrated practical class. Field work skills are also acquired during a two-week field course on ecohydrology in a pristine ecosystem in Poland.

The Master’s project is the final part of the Master’s programme, where you conduct a scientific study under supervision. 

Master Biology: Biodiversity, Conservation and Restoration: Study Content

You acquire insight into the causes and consequences of the current worldwide loss of plants, animals and other species, as well as the theory and practice of managing endangered species and the conservation and restoration of habitats. Links with society, for example, biodiversity policy, legislation and international treaties, will also be highlighted. Students will undertake an internship with an external organisation involved in conservation and/or restoration.

The Master of Biology: Biodiversity: Conservation and Restoration comprises 120 ECTS credits, to be acquired over a two-year period. Per year you register for 60 ECTS credits (deviations between 54 and 66 ECTS credits are possible). English is the teaching language for all courses in the Master. In the first year, the entire first semester, and also the main part of the second semester, consists of compulsory courses. During the first semester students decide which
optional courses they will take, and they also decide their Master’s project topic and Conservation internship. These components of the programme are largely undertaken in the second year.

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Master Biology: Global Change Biology: Career

Biology is related to the broader society in many ways, and biologists’  employment is consequently much broader than generally thought.

The increasing recognition that global change poses a clear challenge to society, makes expertise on the subject a widely sought asset for any future professional career. As a specialist in global change biology, you will develop the skills to analyse policy, influence decision-making and implement novel solutions for a sustainable economy.

Graduates in Biology specialised in Global Change Biology are specifically prepared for positions which require them to analyse policy and influence decision-making in the field of global change mitigation. Graduates are often employed by non-governmental organisations (NGOs), consulting agencies and government bodies at both national and international levels.

Research offers another career opportunity, both abroad and in Belgium with its well-developed research landscape in the field of biodiversity. The recognition of the value of biodiversity for ecosystem services to society means that a specialisation in conservation and restoration is a much-sought asset.

Master Biology: Biodiversity, Conservation and Restoration: Career

Biology is related to the broader society in many ways, and biologists’ employment is consequently much broader than generally thought.

Fundamental and applied scientific research (> 40% of graduates) at universities and institutes (in Flanders for example KBIN, INBO, VIB, KMDA,etc.) is a first major job opportunity. A research career usually starts with a PhD, through an appointment as university assistant, PhD grantee or project collaborator.

The private sector offers many possibilities in Research & Development (often after having acquired a PhD) and in marketing, among others in the medical, pharmaceutical and
biotechnology sectors and in industrial labs. 

In Belgium, biologists are also much sought-after by government bodies (at a federal, regional, provincial and communal level), by nature associations, and by consultancies, especially in the environmental sector. 

Approximately one fifth of graduates becomes a teacher in secondary schools or in higher education.

The value of biodiversity to society means that expertise and specialist knowledge in conservation and restoration is a much sought-after asset. As a specialist in conservation and restoration, you will analyse policy and influence decision-making in the field of biodiversity protection. Research offers another career opportunity, in Belgium and also abroad.

Graduates in the Master of Biology: Biodiversity: Conservation and Restoration are specifically prepared for positions that require them to analyse policy and influence decision-making in the field of biodiversity protection. Graduates are often employed by non-governmental organisations (NGOs), consulting agencies and governmental bodies at both national and international levels.

Research offers another career opportunity, both abroad and in Belgium with its well-developed research landscape in the field of biodiversity. The recognition of the value of biodiversity for ecosystem services to society means that a specialisation in conservation and restoration is a much sought asset.

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Master Biology: Global Change Biology: Admission requirements

To be eligible for the Master of Biology: Global Change Biology, a student should have a strong scientific background, including knowledge of mathematics, physics, and inorganic and organic chemistry. Knowledge of the main principles of statistics is crucial. Candidates should also be acquainted with plants, animals and other organisms (diversity, evolution, cell biology, biochemistry, physiology, genetics, etc.). Familiarity with ecology in particular is a necessity. In addition, an understanding of the physical environment (land, oceans, atmosphere, the deep Earth and the biosphere) is useful. Students also need to have basic computer skills (word processing, spreadsheets). If basic computer skills are lacking, to take tutoring before coming to Belgium is strongly recommended. Holders of the Flemish diploma of Bachelor in Biology have direct admission. Holders of a Flemish academic Bachelor or Master in exact, medical, engineering or industrial sciences have admission after permission.

Since the programme is taught in English, candidates with a prior degree issued outside Belgium, the Netherlands or Luxembourg are required to demonstrate their proficiency in English. 

Master Biology: Biodiversity, Conservation and Restoration: Admission requirements

To be eligible for the Master of Biology: Biodiversity: Conservation and Restoration, a student should have a strong scientific background, including knowledge of mathematics, physics, and inorganic and organic chemistry. Knowledge of the main principles of statistics is crucial. Candidates should also be acquainted with plants, animals and other organisms (diversity, evolution, cell biology, biochemistry, physiology, genetics, etc.). Familiarity with ecology in particular is a necessity. In addition, an understanding of the physical environment (land, oceans, atmosphere, the deep Earth and the biosphere) is useful. Students also need to have basic computer skills (word processing, spreadsheets). If basic computer skills are lacking, to take tutoring before coming to Belgium is strongly recommended. Holders of the Flemish diploma of Bachelor in Biology have direct admission. Holders of a Flemish academic Bachelor or Master in exact, medical, engineering or industrial sciences have admission after permission.

Since the programme is taught in English, candidates with a prior degree issued outside Belgium, the Netherlands or Luxembourg are required to demonstrate their proficiency in English. 

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Übersicht der Masterstudiengänge - University of Antwerp

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Why choose UAntwerp

Our university is located in the city of Antwerp, in the heart of Belgium and Europe. The port of Antwerp is one of the biggest in the world. The city of Antwerp is not just an ancient medieval and baroque city, full of history. It is also a bustling metropolis with a vibrant social scene, impressive architecture and cultural contrasts. Over 170 nationalities live here, more than in New York! This cosmopolitan vibe is also reflected at the University of Antwerp.

First-rate research and education make the University of Antwerp a wonderful place to study and to work. We foster the nexus between research and education. Internationalisation is key to our mission. It is no coincidence that the University of Antwerp is a partner in a highly promising European University Network, the Young Universities for the Future of Europe www.YUFE.eu.

As home away from home to over 20,000 students, the University of Antwerp prides itself on operating on a human scale. Our faculty and staff will welcome you into top-notch infrastructure on one of our four campuses. While you’re here you are also invited to enjoy our vibrant cultural programming, sports facilities and many other available student services.

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Orientation year

After completing your studies you can choose to look for work opportunities in Belgium. You can apply for an orientation year and extend your stay in Belgium by 12 months. Guidance and administrative assistance with this process is available through the university.

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