Master of Science Programme in Ecology
Degree Designation M.Sc. (Ecology)
Curriculum Structure
Required Courses
Elective Courses not less than
Thesis
Total
Plan A1
36
36
Plan A2
2
14
20
36
Courses Description
Plan A1
Thesis
331-691
Thesis
Individual research in ecological problems under supervision of
the advisory committee
Plan A2
Required Courses
330-587
Principles of Scientific Inquiry
Principles of epistemology and philosophy of science, sources
of knowledge, limitation to an understanding of natural phenomena,
modes of acquisition of knowledge, scientific method and attitude,
principles of causality, scientific explanation, research process and
the use of elementary statistics in research design and the analysis
of biological data, statistical packages, publication of research
finding, ethical issues in scientific research
330-673
Seminar in Ecology I
Students are expected to present in the classroom a critical
review and a critical thought on the most recent published papers on
issues in ecology, evolution, taxonomy and biodiversity
330-674
Seminar in Ecology II
Credit
36(0-108-0)
Credit
3(2-3-4)
1(0-2-1)
1(0-2-1)
Students are expected to present in the classroom a critical
review and a critical thought on the most recent published papers on
issues in ecology, evolution, taxonomy and biodiversity. Students are
required to present a progress report of their Master’s theses in the
class
Elective Courses
330-504
Biogeography
Living organisms in a spatial and temporal context, concerning
with the analysis and explanation of pattern of distribution both in the
past and present time; cause of the varying pattern of occuring of
different species over the surface of the planet and the interaction of
physical change such as plate tectonics and the response of the
biological world by means of evolutionary change; seeking the
general framework of understanding the impact of human activities
to ecology and distribution of living organisms
Credit
2(2-0-4)
330-505
Systematics Biology
Principle of systematics biology; evolutionary of classification;
psychology; classification of microbe, animal and plant; case study
Introduction to the Philosophy of Science
The growth of knowledge of science through the Hypotheticaldeductive Model as refined by Karl Popper, the status of scientific
theories and their relationship to observation data, the extent to
which scientific theories rest on unprovable paradigms, and the
nature of scientific explanations, probability, universal causality and
Paticcasamuppãda, scientific reductionisms, the relationship
between science and technology, and the relationship between
scientific and other values
3(3-0-6)
Insect Morphology and Physiology
Morphology of structure of insects; comparative study and
functional aspects of organs and organ systems of various
4(3-3-6)
330-506
330-523
3(2-3-4)
330-562
330-574
330-579
330-585
330-586
representative insects
Population Genetics
Genetic variation could be produced, maintained and
eliminated by inferred frequencies and distribution of alleles within
the population
Computer Programming and Modelling Techniques in Biology
Application of computer programming and modelling
techniques in ecology, genetics, population and taxonomy using
synthetic mathematics, statistics and simulation
Design and Analysis of Ecological Studies
Development of problem-solving skills and practical solutions to
the collection of field data; Critical analysis and interpretation of field
data and previously published studies; Application of statistical
methodology to experimental design, focussing on data quality and
design robustness; Development of competencies in written and
verbal communication of scientific ideas and results
Behavioural Ecology
Hypotheses about adaptation and evolution of behaviour. To
test hypothesis on behavioral ecology; decision making process in
economics of animal behaviour; evolution between prey and
predator; resource competition for reproduction in food, habitat,
mating pair; conflict of sexes; sexual selection; group selection and
individual selection; parental care and mating system.
Application of Statistics for Biological Research
Sampling techniques, data collection, data analyses,
interpretation and statistical citation for publication; application of
descriptive, predictive and inferential statistics in biology especially
for describing distribution patterns, abundance and response of
populations to biological parameters; analysis of frequency, simple
linear correlation and regression, application of linear model and
3(2-3-4)
3(2-3-4)
3(3-0-6)
3(2-3-4)
4(3-3-6)
330-588
330-670
330-684
multiple linear regression, univariate and non-parametric statistics;
introduction to multivariate statistics will be explored and discussed
in relation to biological questions; exercises and special problems in
biology
Evolutionary Ecology
Adaptation of organisms to their environments, including their
interactions with members of their own and other species (the biotic
environment) as well as the physical environment; principle of
natural selection; the selective pressures imposed by the
environment and the evolutionary response; predictive and
optimization models; the comparative method; and direct
measurement of natural selection; problem-based learning, group
discussion, seminar presentation and essay writing
Scientific Diving and Data Collection
Establishment of competencies in SCUBA diving and
snorkelling (free-diving) sufficient to safely and reliably engage in
marine field work at an international standard; Development of
practical skills in diving operations, data collection, equipment use
and basic maintenance, and sample collection and storage for
various types of study; Exposure to different types of SCUBA and
free-diving equipment used in marine data collection; Development
of safety awareness and first aid/rescue skills, awareness of the
ways diving can affect physiology and techniques and skills to avert
potential health risks that can arise from diving; Application of skills
to plan and undertake multi-level and extended dive profiles safely in
the context of research diving operations
Special Topics in Ecology and Evolution
Students will be alert on the current development of ecology
and evolution by guest speakers, visiting professor or departmental
academics. The choice of topics for each semester will be left with a
course coordinator
4(3-3-6)
2(1-2-3)
2(2-0-4)
330-520
330-521
330-530
330-540
330-554
330-558
Advanced Plant Physiology I
Processes and mechanisms of energy production in plant cells,
carbohydrate metabolism and nitrogen metabolism
Advanced Plant Physiology II
Current interesting topics in plant nutrition, transport and
mechanism involving growth
Advanced Plant Taxonomy
Development of philosophy of classification systems of plants,
plant taxonomic problems and the solution techniques, taxonomic
revision works and current researches in plant taxonomy focusing on
flowering plants in the peninsular Thailand and the Malesian regions
Plant Growth and Development
Physiology under environmental stress, such as drought and
frost; factors controlling plant growth and development, and their
applications
Insect Ecology
Evaluation of environment factors affecting distribution and
abundance of insects. Analysis of insect population
oscillation. Application of ecological principles to integrated control
measures
Management of Terrestrial Ecosystems
Interaction between terrestrial ecosystems and human
culturesphere (or human ecosystems) and need for conservation
and management of these ecosystems for human well-being. The
functioning of terrestrial ecosystems at different temporal and spatial
scales. The relationship of abiotic factors (landscape, lithosphere,
hydrosphere and atmosphere) with vegetation, wildlife-vegetation
interactions, functioning of agroforestry ecosystems and specific
aspects of forest ecology are used to explain the conservation and
management of terrestrial ecosystems. Examples of application of
remote sensing and GIS for conservation and management.
2(2-0-4)
2(2-0-4)
3(2-3-4)
3(3-0-6)
3(2-3-4)
3(2-3-4)
330-559
330-589
330-512
330-514
330-524
Terrestrial ecosystem and managed ecosystem (agroecosystem,
silvicultural system)
Tropical Forest Ecology
Definition and classification of tropical forest formations,
evolution of tropical forests, role and importance of tropical forest
ecosystems, components of tropical forest ecosystems (flora and
fauna), community structures and functions, nutrient cycling, plant
and animal relationships, wildlife ecology, types and effects of
disturbance, forest succession and regeneration, ecological
techniques, present status and threat of the forests, conservation
and management
Coastal Botany
Distribution patterns, phytosociology, morphological and
physiological adaptations of native plants in various plant
communities along the coast in Peninsular Thailand and the
Malesian region together with identification techniques, current
researches in taxonomy, phytogeography and plant ecology of the
plant communities along the coast, focusing in peninsular Thailand
and Malaysia, including field surveys
Aquatic Insects
General biology of aquatic insects, evolution, collection and
preservation for identification, family identification, relation between
aquatic insects and environments
Teuthology
Morphology and morphometry; behaviour, growth; life history
and life strategy; roles in food chain; origin and evolution; phylogeny;
identification and classification; fossil and recent forms; ecology and
distribution; aquaculture and utilization
Ecophysiology of Seaweed
Examination of seaweed physiological mechanisms and how
ecological pressures dictate individual and physiological processes
3(3-0-6)
3(2-3-4)
3(2-3-4)
3(2-3-4)
3(2-3-4)
330-527
330-532
330-534
330-536
330-537
330-550
that lead to individual and community adaptation. To study seaweed
responses when they encounter with environmental changes; field
trip
Physiological Ecology of Marine Animals
Physiological adaptation of organisms to their habitats;
searching for food and foraging, energy allocation for food,
development rate, control of body size, reproduction plan,
adaptation to temperature and response to environmental stress
Biology of Mammals
General characteristics of mammals, adaptationin physiology
and morphology, identification, evolution, food, habitats and
distribution, growth development and behavior, population and
conservation field studies in natural situations
Biology of Molluscs
Morphology, anatomy, physiology, embryology, ecology and
taxonomy of molluscs, with emphasis on medical and economic
importance; special topics, such as the relationship between host
and parasite, pests and cultivation are also included; methods of
collection, identification and curation; field trips
Biology of Crustaceans
Detailed study of morphology, anatomy, physiology,
embryology, ecology and taxonomy of crustaceans; stress is
especially laid on the economic importance of decapods; field trips
Biology of Fish Larvae
Biology, taxonomy and ecology of fish larvae, effects of
environmental factors on survival of fish larvae
Coral Reef Ecology
General biology of coelenterates. Taxonomic survey of true
corals. Types and formation of coral reef. General features and
distribution of coral reefs. Interrelationships among coral associated
organisms and reefs. Productivity, nutrient cycling, utilization, coral
3(3-0-6)
3(2-3-4)
3(2-3-4)
3(2-3-4)
3(2-3-4)
3(3-0-3)
330-552
330-556
330-572
330-578
Thesis
331-692
reef degradation and conservation are also discussed. Field trips
and special projects are required
Mangrove Ecology
General
environmental
condition
of
mangrove
forests. Structure, species composition and distribution of mangrove
flora and fauna. Interrelationships among organisms and their
environment. Energy flow, nutrient cycling with emphasis on detrital
food chains. Utilization and conservation of mangrove forests. Field
trips and special projects are required
Plankton Ecology
Life history, dynamic interaction and production of
phytoplankton and zooplankton. Factors regulating distribution and
abundance of plankton, food web and fishery productivity,
techniques in sampling, count, identification and culture of
plankton. Field trips are required.
Algal Culture
Biology of algae, especially on economic algae, methods of
cultivation and site selection, environmental effects and factors
affecting growth, production, harvesting; discussion on progress
and problems in algal culture; field study included
Techniques in Plankton Identification
Biology of algae, especially on economic algae, methods of
cultivation and site selection, environmental effects and factors
affecting growth, production, harvesting; discussion on progress
and problems in algal culture; field study included
Thesis
Individual research in ecological problems under supervision of
the advisory committee
3(3-0-6)
3(3-0-3)
3(2-3-4)
3(1-6-2)
Credit
20(0-60-0)