MSc in Wildlife Management Engineering

Name of the course: MSc in Wildlife Management Engineering

Name of the degree: Wildlife Management Engineer

BACKGROUND

The continuing coexistence of human society and wildlife species requires a well balanced compromise between the needs of modern society and the conditions for wild species to survive and propagate.

The evolution of wildlife conservation and management over the past 50 years is a fascinating story of how humans relate to the environment and the use of natural resources. Changes in human societies, new agricultural technologies and industrial developments have resulted in habitat losses, resource overuse and the global crisis from the loss of biodiversity.

The transformation of the former field of game management and recreational hunting to the modern science of wildlife conservation and management started at least half a century ago. Although the wildlife profession remains strongly rooted in game management, the field has expanded to non-game species, threatened or endangered species and pests or invasive species. Depending on the situation, wildlife management can mean conservation of declining populations or control of over-abundant populations. The new generation of wildlife professionals need a sound knowledge of ecological principles and applications, the ability to use traditional methods and innovative technologies, and an understanding of the interactions between wildlife and our society.

FOCUS

The MSc Programme in Wildlife Management Engineering focuses on the traditional knowledge, recent developments and new challenges of applied ecology and wildlife science. It integrates theoretical principles, practical developments, aspects of the human dimension of wildlife management, and quantitative methods to educate professionals for coping with the challenges of the 21st century.

EDUCATION PROGRAMME

Prerequisites: BSc or equivalent graduate degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Plant Production, or Animal Science (or equivalent in Veterinary Science), Biology, Ecology, Nature Conservation, or Management of Natural Resource is required. Applicants should have basic knowledge of mathematics and statistics. In addition, applicants must show competence in both written and spoken English.

Courses: Communication for Wildlife Professionals, Ethology and Behavioural Ecology, Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, Introduction to Biomathematics, Agricultural Strategies, International Wildlife, Geoinformatics in Wildlife Management, Conserving Forest Biodiversity, Environmental Physiology, Integrated Wildlife and Habitat Management, Game Hygiene and Processing, Wildlife Research Methodology, Product Marketing, Urban Wildlife Management, Feeding Ecology of Large Herbivores, Carnivores Ecology and Management, Game Damages and Damage Estimation, Genetics in Wildlife Management, Fundamentals of Forest Protection, Wildlife Population Ecology, and Wildlife Nutrition.

The MSc Programme requires a research thesis and consists of four semesters. The total number of credits required is 120. Thesis topics may be proposed by the students, but must relate to current wildlife management themes. Candidates should be ready to defend their completed thesis by the end of the 4th semester.

The programme covers a variety of aspects of the conservation and management of wildlife, as well as international laws and conventions concerning wildlife. It includes a field trip, an individual research project, and time for practical experience in a research or management organization. Most of the courses are taught by professors of the Institute for Wildlife Conservation, invited specialists on particular subjects, or experts with real-life knowledge and experiences. Students are obliged to take exams in both their compulsory and elective subjects.

The education will prepare the student for a career in national or international organizations where good knowledge regarding the conservation and management of wildlife is important. The programme can also be regarded as a first step into a research career. Because of its basis on contemporary theory and practice, it provides a conceptual foundation for those aspiring for top-level positions and career opportunities. PhD studies in wildlife sciences are also available in the Animal Sciences at the University.

Degree awarded: MSc in Wildlife Management Engineering

Language: All courses will be taught in English

Admission criteria:

• Undergraduate degree (BSc or equivalent) in relevant field of science or related area (degree qualifications are assessed individually in accordance with the diploma and its attachments, or with the Report of Study (Transcript)).
• When the field of degree is not related to the chosen MSc Programme, credits of the relevant courses in the Report of Study (Transcript) will be acknowledged by the admission office.
• Good command of English.

Costs:

Application:

With your application, you should include copies of the following papers:

- Bachelor-level Degree
- Scientific Activities and Results (not compulsory)
- Result in English Language Test
- Medical Clearance
- Curriculum Vitae