TO P R E T MAS
Evolutionary Biology Linking ecology and evolution
UNIVERSITY OF GRONINGEN THE NETHERLANDS Founded in 1614
Top Master in Evolutionary Biology
TOP MASTERS PROGRAMME IN EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences of the University of Groningen aims for a leading position in education and research by offering four master programmes that are linked to top-research groups in the Faculty. For these so-called Top Master programmes the brightest and most ambitious students from all over the world are selected. After having received their master's degree the students are optimally prepared for a subsequent Ph.D. programme and eventually for a scientific career in academic research. They are encouraged to compete for a Ph.D. grant at the University of Groningen. The Top Master Programme Evolutionary Biology is organized by the Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Studies (CEES), a graduate school of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences of the University of Groningen (RUG). CEES is the leading institute for ecological and evolutionary studies in the Netherlands and is emerging as a centre of excellence in Western Europe. Situated in the North of the country, the institute is surrounded by a variety of landscapes and habitats, including the Wadden Sea. CEES brings together a young and dynamic faculty that offers state-of-the-art theoretical and technical expertise. The institute has extensive collaborations throughout the world.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PROGRAMME The distinguishing feature of the new Top Master programme in Evolutionary Biology is the merging of ecology and evolution. This requires the integration of field, laboratory and theoretical approaches by bringing together underlying disciplines that have traditionally been separated such as genetics, community ecology and theoretical biology. This is the challenge of 21st century biology. Through intensive student-teacher interaction during seminars, practicals and individual research projects, students will gain a deeper understanding of principles underlying ecology and evolutionary biology. They will acquire extensive hands-on experience in their chosen area of specialisation, and develop critical thinking and advanced communication skills. The two-year programme starts each year in September. The first semester consists of three advanced courses of 6-8 weeks each. Thereafter, students will choose series of seminars, short courses and master classes ("current themes" courses) that meet their personal career objectives. At the core of the programme are two individually coached research projects of about 6 months each. Prof. Theo Elzenga is the academic director of the Top Master programme. Main teachers of the course programme are Prof. Leo Beukeboom (evolutionary genetics), Prof. Theo Elzenga (plant ecophysiology), Prof. Han Olff (community ecology), Prof. Jeanine Olsen (marine biology), Prof. Theunis Piersma (animal ecology), and Prof Franjo Weissing (theoretical biology). INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION We maintain intensive cooperation and exchange with comparable educational programmes at Uppsala (Sweden) and M端nster (Germany). We are currently establishing a network of master programmes with leading European institutes in ecology and evolution.
FIELDS OF RESEARCH Evolutionary ecology & genetics
The central question in evolutionary biology concerns the importance of genetic variation; how do natural selection and genetic variation interact and shape reproductive systems, enable the adaptation of organisms to changing environments and drive the evolution of new species? Life history theory is used in a functional framework to predict population structure – both demographic and genetic – in space and time. The dynamics of natural selection and competition are examined at different levels (population-individual-gene) through modeling approaches that emphasize the interdependence of ecological and evolutionary factors, through empirical approaches in the laboratory and field, and through molecular approaches including genomics. Natural populations of a variety of species are used. Examples include: mammals, shore birds, songbirds, seagrasses, marine algae, diverse micro-organisms, plants, Drosophila and parasitoid wasps. Behavioural ecology
Selection is a major evolutionary factor shaping not only the morphology and physiology but also the behaviour of organisms. Both natural selection on survival, reproduction and migration, and sexual selection involving male-male competition and female choice, play an important role. Strategic decisions on the timing of reproduction and on sex allocation are strongly affected by various trade-offs and constraints. These issues are addressed both theoretically and empirically in a number of research programmes.Topics include the energetics of migration and foraging in birds, sex allocation in warblers, dispersal and habitat choice in great tits, the evolution of reproductive isolation in parasitoid wasps and flycatchers, and the role of sexual selection in speciation. Research methodologies range from the use of miniature radio transmitters and detailed behavioural observations, to generating selection lines and applying genome mapping. Development of theoretical models and computer simulations play an integral role.
Conservation biology
The fate of small populations that are endangered as a consequence of the fragmentation and loss of habitats is a central theme in biodiversity research. In the institute, demographic and genetic aspects of (meta) population dynamics are studied both empirically and theoretically. Such studies generate important applications for scientifically based management programmes. Projects in this area include the restoration of coastal and inland wetlands and the sustainable use of fisheries. The dynamics of seed dispersal and sedimentation are studied along the mudflats of the Wadden Sea coast in terrestrial and sub-tidal plants. Other projects include the study of genetic erosion in experimental (meta)populations of Drosophila and natural populations of plants, birds and mammals.The application of molecular markers, such as microsatellites and mitochondrial DNA sequences, is an important technique in this field. Community ecology
Community ecology studies interactions between species such as the integration of physiological adaptations and constraints, competitive interactions, predation and succession. The combination of observations with experiments and theoretical modeling will yield a better understanding of the complex mechanisms that operate in nature. It includes macro-ecological studies, which infer mechanisms from large-scale observations and address how species diversity is maintained under stochastic and deterministic processes. At present, this is an area of major theoretical advancement focusing on the neutral theory of biodiversity, fractal geometry, self-similarity and complexity theory.Topics include plantherbivore interactions in terrestrial, wetland and marine domains, herbivore responses to, and effects on vegetation diversity and community structure. Study areas range from the African savannas, such as the Serengeti, through the temperate sub-tidal zones, wetlands and grasslands, to the arctic tundra.
DURATION OF THE PROGRAMME 24 months ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS Admission is on an individual basis by the Admissions Committee of CEES, following interviews with preselected top-level candidates. A Bachelor degree in the area of biology or equivalent and sufficient proficiency in English (TOEFL score of at least 550) are required. Admitted candidates can apply for a scholarship. International applications are encouraged. DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS The deadline for application is April 15. FURTHER INFORMATION A detailed description of the Top Master Evolutionary Biology including information about the application requirements and the admission procedure can be found on the website www.rug.nl/biol/evobio. For more general information on visa, housing, or living in the Netherlands, you should consult the Faculty website www.rug.nl/fwn/topmasters. More details about the research institute CEES can be found at www.rug.nl/biol/cees. Or contact: Prof. Franjo Weissing (f.j.weissing@rug.nl) or Prof. Theo Elzenga (j.t.m.elzenga@rug.nl) or Joke Nunnink (j.h.m.nunnink@rug.nl) Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Studies P.O. Box 14 9750 AA Haren Tel: +31 (0)50 363 23 11
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