Zoology (Master)

Study Programme

Study Programme

Based on two compulsory modules, the elective modules allow for a specialisation in various directions and methods of zoological research. One main aspect of the programme is the practical scientific training in special courses, seminars and field trips, all of which prepare students for writing their master's thesis. Scientific methods and techniques (such as confocal microscopy, 3D reconstruction, electron microscopy, and methods used molecular biology), which are the core competences for professional work inside and outside the university sector, are conveyed in small groups of students.

Personal involvement and cooperation among the scientists at the Department of Integrative Zoology is facilitated by teaching in small groups. Being part of a scientific research group conveys the processes of modern science. The master’s programme comprises the profound knowledge of certain groups of animals and the professional application of specific research methods in the areas of high-tech morphology, imaging and molecular biology.

Student's Opinion ...

"Throughout my time in school I have always been very interested in natural science. Thus, choosing the bachelor's programme Biology was an easy choice. I am very happy with the bachelor's programme and now the master's programme Zoology as it allows me to choose my courses quite flexibly and according to my personal interest. The numerous field trips, which occasionally can be very adventurous, are a special highlight. The competent mentoring by the teachers gives me the impression to receive a well-founded training."

Jolanda Steininger, BSc

Teachers' Opinion ...

"The fascinating diversity of animals makes this degree programme so attractive. In the master's programme Zoology you have the chance to work with highly diverse animals. You study their structure, development and behaviour using modern techniques and you are involved in scientific research of new, previously unknown areas."

Prof. Dr. Harald Krenn, Department für integrative Zoologie

"The development of new, ultra-modern research methods which use laser scanning microscopy, computer aided imaging and molecular biological techniques, research in the area of organismic and evolutionary zoology have boomed over the past twenty years. As head of the Department of Integrative Zoology I am extraordinarily happy to provide professional education and training in most of these methods to interested students and to be able to present the broad range of modern scientific research to them.”

Prof. Dr. Andreas Wanninger, Head of the Departments for Integrative Zoology

Depending on the courses selected throughout the master’s programme, you can either continue with a doctoral/PhD programme or work in areas of applied science, for example:

• fundamental research at universities, museums and other research institutions;
• biological research for documenting, conveying and analysing scientific data;
• lab-oriented work in research and development in various areas of the medical and pharmaceutical industry;
• in areas of agricultural research;
• in animal and diversity protection in NGOs, organisations of environmental protection, in national parks and zoological gardens.