LMU Munich adds new evolutionary biology Master's program

How do environmental factors influence evolution? Which changes and developments play a role in the origin of new species? These are some of the questions evolutionary biology asks, questions given a new life with the advent of genetic decoding. In this spirit, in the coming winter semester 2006/07 the Faculty of Biology at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) Munich is launching the new Munich Graduate Program for Evolution, Ecology and Systematics (EES).

The English-language Master’s and PhD program is aimed at trained biologists and international graduate students. EES will particularly focus on population genetics, molecular systematics and the role of mathematical quantitative biology in evolutionary biology. The Master’s program is accepting 40 students a year who will also be given an aptitude test.

The course concept is interdisciplinary and internationally oriented, emphasizing personal and individual support for students. It includes plans for a mentoring program. Students will be expected to regularly present their work for discussion. They will also submit their own small Master’s thesis applications with the chance of receiving grants. And as another incentive, the best Master’s and PhD theses will be regularly awarded prizes.

The paleontology, geology and environmental studies wings at LMU Munich, the Max Planck Institute for Ornithology and the Bavarian State Collections will also be contributing. The research-oriented, international training program is enabled with EUR 304,200 from the Volkswagen Foundation.

Contact:

Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Stephan
Chair for Evolutionary Biology
Tel.: + 49 89 2180 – 74102
Email: stephan@zi.biologie-uni-muenchen.de