MA/MS in Biodiversity

Objective(s) of a study programme: The aims of the programme are as follows: prepare well-educated wide-minded biologist, with skills dealing with biodiversity using up to date methods and technics, able to prepare and manage nature protection projects, capacitate critical and integrated evaluation and deal with biodiversity state, changes, ecology, sustainable development and protection. Learning outcomes: 1. Knowledge and its application 1.1. To be able to search for information sources, analyze, summarize, critical evaluate and systematize information, concerned wide area of biodiversity science. 1.2. To be able to use acquired knowledge when solving practical tasks, to conduct alternative decisions and outcomes. 1.3. Understands and applies Lithuanian and international law on biodiversity. 2.To be able for the independent scientific research 2.1.To be able to designate and apply research and analysis methods in taxonomy, biology and ecology. 2.2 To have skills of research of habitats, its conservation value and protections 2.3.To be able to prepare and manage nature conservation projects. 3.Special skills: 3.1. Understand the basics of structure, functioning and development of life, phylogenetic relationships, diversity and distribution 3.2. Are able to manage resources of biodiversity 4.Social skills: 4.1. Are able to discuss and defend results of own research, to prepare scientific paper or presentation for users, to develop the critical attitude to scientific and media data. 4.2. Are able to be leader, be responsible and work independently in team with other professionals 5. Personal skills: 5.1. Be capable to keep their professional competence throughout all life long learning process. 5.2. To develop their own professional interest in Biodiversity and related field. Activities of teaching and learning: Lectures, seminars, lab work, training, excursions to facilities of social partners, Master thesis, hands-on work. Methods of assessment of learning achievements: Continuous/intermediate (test, work during the exercise, performance report) and a final evaluation (exam) or credit. Exams and credits are carried in writing or orally and in writing. The results are evaluated by grades from 1 to 10 in ten-point grading system or are credited. The subject is settled, where the final evaluation is higher than 4 points, in the case of the credit is "credited“. The final evaluation of the results of subject is the cumulative grade, the composition of which is calculated according to the proportions indicated in subject‘s description. Study subjects (modules), practical training: Compulsory study subjects (modules) (65 credits): Phylogeny and systematics of organisms, Biodiversity studies, Scientific organisation of work, Studies of protected biota, Monitoring and assessment of environment and biota, Statistical methods for biodiversity research, Biogeography, Habitat studies, Forestry and agro-ecology, Molecular Systematics. Elective courses (20 credits): Applied botany, Applied Zoology, Plant Organography, Parasitology, Biodiversity Analysis and Modeling (GIS Methods), Database Biodiversity Research, Communications of environment protection, Biodiversity and Ecosystem Sustainability, Fungi Communities Ecology, Taxidermy. Courses devoted to master work preparation and defense (35 credits): Proffesional practice and Master‘s Thesis. Optional courses: Elective subjects include 20 credits from elective courses of the programme. Distinctive features of a study programme: Well-educated wide-minded biologist specialist of biodiversity who can deal with a wide range of issues related to biodiversity. Access to professional activity: • academic institutions: the Nature Research Center, Vilnius University, and other local and foreign academic institutions; • state institutions: the Ministry of Environment and its departments, municipalities and other institutions; • non-governmental organizations, private enterprises; • and elsewhere. Access to further study: The graduate will be able to continue further doctoral studies at the Lithuanian universities and the other EU universities.