The MSc programme in Biodiversity Conservation of the Department of Biological Sciences aims at providing students with high quality education of international standing, allowing them to develop a deep understanding of the causes of biodiversity loss and a versatile thinking, so that they can play a role in addressing the challenges of the current biodiversity crisis. The programme entails theoretical coursework, field courses, computer-based practicals, as well as a research-based or literature-based dissertation. Graduates may continue their studies in PhD programmes in Cyprus or abroad, or find employment in various sectors including biodiversity conservation, education, research, environmental impact studies, environmental management and similar.

The Master Programme in Biodiversity Conservation has a minimum duration of 3 semesters and a maximum duration of 8 semesters. Students may be admitted to the program in both the Fall and Spring semester. For the completion of the programme, 90 ECTS are required.

The MSc in Biodiversity Conservation offers two alternative types of dissertations:

Option I (Table D): Research-based thesis, whereby the student performs original research (including laboratory work and/or fieldwork) under the supervision of a faculty member and prepares a thesis on the findings (BIO 831 Master Research Dissertation in Biodiversity Conservation, 30 ECTS). Students who do not complete their research dissertation in one semester can register for BIO 601 Continuation of Master Research Dissertation in Biodiversity Conservation.

Option II (Table E): Literature-based thesis, whereby the student prepares a scientific review on a specific subject through literature research (BIO 681 Scientific Methodology in Biodiversity Conservation, 15 ECTS).

The student must decide the type of dissertation (BIO 831 or BIO 681) by the end of the second semester.

The optional BIO 898 Work Placement allows the student to network with the local job market and future employers. The ECTS of this course count additionally to the 90 ECTS that are required for the fulfilment of the programme.

All students are required to attend the postgraduate seminar series (BIO 806 and BIO 807) in two separate semesters.

The offered courses are listed in Tables D and E (compulsory for Option I and II, respectively) and Table F (restricted elective for all students).

PROGRAMME REQUIREMENTS
TABLE D – Compulsory courses (Option I)

• BIO 616 Biological Data Analysis – 10 ECTS
• BIO 806 Postgraduate Seminar Series I – 0 ECTS
• BIO 807 Postgraduate Seminar Series II – 0 ECTS
• BIO 615 Soft Skills – 2.5 ECTS
• BIO 873 Conservation in Practice – 2.5 ECTS
• BIO 831 Master Research Dissertation in Biodiversity Conservation – 30 ECTS

TABLE E – Compulsory courses (Option II)

• BIO 616 Biological Data Analysis – 10 ECTS
• BIO 806 Postgraduate Seminar Series I – 0 ECTS
• BIO 807 Postgraduate Seminar Series II – 0 ECTS
• BIO 615 Soft Skills – 2.5 ECTS
• BIO 873 Conservation in Practice – 2.5 ECTS
• BIO 681 Scientific Methodology in Biodiversity Conservation – 15 ECTS

TABLE F – Restricted Elective courses (for Option I and II)

• BIO 601 Continuation of Master Research Dissertation in Biodiversity Conservation – 0 ECTS
• BIO 874 Island Biogeography and Conservation – 7.5 ECTS
• BIO 866 Marine Ecology and Conservation – 7.5 ECTS
• BIO 875 Alien Species and Conservation – 7.5 ECTS
• BIO 876 Conservation Genetics – 7.5 ECTS
• BIO 863 Behavioural Ecology and Conservation – 7.5 ECTS
• BIO 868 Field Biology – 7.5 ECTS
• BIO 877 Conservation Policy and Management – 7.5 ECTS
• BIO 865 GIS and Remote Sensing in Ecology – 7.5 ECTS
• BIO 878 Global Change Biology – 7.5 ECTS
• BIO 898 Work Placement* – 10 ECTS

* BIO 898 is optional and its ECTS do not count for graduation purposes.