Biology - Evolution/ Biology | |
 | University of TromsøThe University of Tromsø is the northernmost university of the world. Our location on the edge of the Arctic implies a mission. The Arctic region is of increasing global importance. Climate change, the exploitation of Arctic resources and environmental threats are topics of great public concern, which UiT takes special interest in. Studying and working at UiT allows you to explore global issues from a close-up perspective. |
| Course URL | http://uit.no/biologi/2916/12?SubjectId=1&From=0 |
| City | Tromsø, Norway |
| Programme duration | 2 years |
| Programme description | Isolated studies of living organisms are often interesting, but they get to be even more interesting when viewed with an evolutionary perspective. All living organisms, and also their behaviour, are formed in the evolutionary process and have thus many common traits. Such common behavioural traits are the theme for this course. You can, for example, study the signals used in courtship. The red coloration in the belly of courting Arctic char and the symmetry in reindeer antlers can both reveal information to potential mates about individual's ability to resist infectious organisms. Also in humans may signals about parasite resistance be important in mate choice. Body odours can for example reveal what kind of resistance alleles you carry. The ultimate cause for why resistance towards infectious organisms is mirrored in traits important in sexual selection is the fitness benefits from having resistant offspring. Such offspring have benefits in the co-evolution between rapidly evolving parasites, such as virus and bacteria, and slowly evolving hosts, such as humans and elephants. Infectious organisms are not the only forces in the evolution of free-living animals. They are important, but abilities for co-operation, avoiding predators and optimal foraging are also traits of large importance. Why do, for example, ants co-operate so well? The methods used in studies are many. They are modern and include video animations, molecular techniques, meta-analysis, comparative methods, and field observations. Master studies often include an independent field study, but that is not always the case.; The area of evolution is mainly related to questions in behavioural ecology, but students interested in other aspects of evolutionary biology will also feel at home. We often use humans as study objects and ?Evolutionary psychology? and ?Darwinian medicine? are important areas for studies. Other animals are however still the most studied models. |
| Application deadline | Deadline for international self-financed applicants: 1 March Deadline for Norwegians and applicants from the other four nordic countries: 15 April |
| Nokut certification | no |
| Formal prerequisites | At least 3 years of higher education with a major within the subject applied for is required.; English language proficiency required. |
| Subject area | Biology |
| Degree level | Master |
| Credits | 120 |
| Language of teaching | English |
