Environmental Biology

To tailor your education to your interests and career goals, the programme offers the flexibility to specialize in one of several focused tracks. Each track provides in-depth knowledge and skills within a specific area of environmental biology, enabling you to develop as a specialist while remaining connected to a broader interdisciplinary context.

Animal Behaviour

In this track, you will study how and why animals behave the way they do, exploring their actions and cognition through the lenses of ecology, evolution, and social dynamics. You will investigate a wide range of species — including primates and birds — and learn how behaviour is shaped by both internal mechanisms and external ecological pressures. This track also emphasizes the applications of behavioural research, such as in animal welfare and conservation.
 

Ecology & Conservation

This track equips you with the knowledge and skills to address urgent societal challenges related to ecosystem functioning, biodiversity loss, and nature conservation. By studying the ecology of plants, animals, and microbes, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of how these organisms interact with each other and their environments. This will prepare you for impactful work in research, conservation, or ecological consultancy — contributing to a more resilient and sustainable future for both nature and society.
 

Fungal Biology

This track is designed for students fascinated by the crucial yet often overlooked role of fungi in the environment. Fungi are key players in ecosystems — decomposing organic matter and forming symbiotic or pathogenic relationships with organisms such as plants. They are also used in bioremediation, as food, and in the production of molecules and materials. As such, fungi are at the forefront of innovations driving the shift toward a circular and sustainable economy.
 

Plant Biology

This track is tailored for students interested in the molecular and cellular biology of plants, with a strong emphasis on how these mechanisms operate in both physiological and agricultural contexts. A key strength of this track is its ability to bridge the gap between molecular biology and plant performance. You will explore how genes, proteins, and cellular processes influence plant growth, development, and stress responses, while also examining how plants interact with their environment — including other organisms and changing climatic conditions.