Biology

The Master of Science in Biology offers a programme that permits students to select their area of specialization and acquire a diverse range of transferable skills. This Master begins with a core of courses that covers key topics in biology, with particular emphasis on methodological and quantitative aspects. The Master programme extends into courses in seven specialized areas representing the research topics for which the Institute of Biology at UniNE is particularly renowned. Students choose two of the specializations, of which one corresponds to the topic of their Master thesis.The 1st semester of the Master programme consists of a common core that focuses on fundamental concepts and methods in biology. Particular emphasis is placed on laboratory methods (molecular, chemical), quantitative tools (statistics, modelling, bioinformatics), scientific writing, and ethical aspects. Students also have the opportunity to participate in field excursions (alpine, marine, Mediterranean and tropical ecosystems) or to do internships to obtain workplace experience.The 2nd semester of the Master programme involves course work, mini-research projects and internships in two of the areas of specialization. Students develop a research plan in one of these areas, which forms the basis of their Master thesis during the 2nd year of the programme. The Master thesis research project (60 ECTS) allows students to develop their abilities in critical thinking, their organisational skills, and their intellectual and scientific independence.