Programme content
Period: September 2011 - September 2013
Language: English
This twoyear programme in ‘Master of Biology - specialisation Human Ecology’ addresses students with a background in Sciences. ‘Human
Ecology’ is a research master organised by the
Faculty of Sciences and Bio-engineering at the
Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB, Free University
Number of VLIR-UOS Scholarships:
Promoter:
Contact:
Prof. L. Triest
Mrs P. Vanden Borre
10
T +32 2 477 49 25 humanecology.applications@vub.ac.be of Brussels). It provides students with strong fundamental and applied knowledge by bringing http://www.vub.ac.be/DBIO together expertise at the scientific, technological and policy level for taking an integrated look at humanenvironment interactions. Understanding of earth’s ecosystems and their services, of specific governances and policy contexts provide graduates with tools to contribute and to play a key role in dealing with human ecological challenges in their home countries.
Human ecology deals with the environment in which humans and human society develop. In this development humans change their environment thereby not only impacting the ecosystems but also themselves. Since the nineteenth century and increasingly since the last decades our environment has come to comprise the entire planet. Concern for the human environment has therefore become a global and development issue, which is well reflected in the United Nations’ Millennium
Development Goals to ensure environmental sustainability. Challenges are formidable and reflected in the view that a geological era, the Anthropocene, should be delimited. Greater research efforts are needed for obtaining a ‘safe operating space’ for human populations.
While the issues at stake are universal to humanity at a global level, a great majority of people face environmental deterioration and ecological vulnerability in their direct neighbourhood. Local people in developing countries depend highly on various ecosystem goods and services. The lacking
(empowerment of) trans-national institutions, may lead to failures in dealing with global issues, because sovereignty is mainly exercised at nation-state level. This increases the need for a strong partnership on a common basis of knowledge, technology, objectives and policies. The global character of many environmental problems brings along a shared responsibility for capacity building.
Sound, science-based policies must be developed.
This two-year international course programme of a truly international character gives a unique opportunity to bring together scientists, both students and lecturers, with the different backgrounds needed. Human Ecology trains students in biological and ecological expertises on particular ecosystems, on various (bio-)monitoring and survey methods within specific governance and policy contexts.
The master programme with a total study load of 120 ECTS, equally spread over 2 years consists of 5 course types: compulsory courses, introductory electives, specialised electives, a master thesis and research management skills
1. Compulsory courses are on the major ecosystems, interactions with human activities
(Biocomplexity, Forestry and Agroforestry, River and Lake Ecology) and vice versa impacts on

humans (Mutagenesis and Carcinogenesis, Parasitology, Toxicology)
2. Introductory electives are refreshers on Mathematics, Statistics and Analysis of Biological Data
(this depending on student background) and on topics in Governance and Policy. A Guided Self-
Study deals with interdisciplinary environmental problems e.g. Biological Invasions. Introductions to
Environmental Chemistry and to GIS allow broadening the scope.
3. Specialised electives are on Sustainable Biodiversity and Biological resources (e.g. Conservation
Genetics, Restoration and Management), on Human Health and Risk (e.g. Genotoxicology and
Public Health), on Monitoring Methods (e.g. Earth Observation and Remote Sensing) and on
Environmental Policy (e.g. Law, Social and Economical Aspects of Nature Management,
Biotechnology, Water Engineering, Globalisation, Risk Assessment)
4. A master thesis consists of an individual research project related to ongoing research of promoters and their research groups.
5. Research management skills concern Governance and Policy in Development and Cooperation,
Bio-ethics, Scientific Presentation, Manuscript and Project Writing
Admission requirements
Human Ecology (specialisation of an International Master of Biology) is open to holders of a bachel or’s degree in biology, biochemistry and biotechnology, chemistry, geology, geography, geography and geomatics, bio-engineer science or environmental sciences.
For other bachelors in science, applied science and life sciences, equivalency will be evaluated based on scientific competences and skills of the students by the Steering Committee.
Adequate knowledge of biology (ecology, biodiversity, physiology, genetics and molecular biology), mathematics and chemistry at university bachelor level is an absolute requirement. Previous knowledge of statistics, geo- or soil science, law and environmental management is an advantage but not a prerequisite.
Type of diploma
Master degree
You must fill in all fields. Please notice, you can apply for only one programme for the coming academic year. You will receive an e-mail within maximum one. When the evaluation of the prescreening is negative you will receive an e-mail with the reason. When the evaluation is positive you will receive an e-mail with a link to the application form from the host university where the programme is organised. More detailed information and some documents are asked through this form for the second evaluation.