two bear cubs playing

Applied Ethology and Animal Biology, Master's Programme, 120 credits

For good animal welfare and husbandry, an understanding of animal behaviour and biology from an applied perspective is important. If you are interested in the well-being of animals and want to preserve biodiversity, this programme is for you.

Applied Ethology and Animal Biology, Master's Programme

Autumn 2021, Full-time, Linköping

Applied Ethology and Animal Biology, Master's Programme - Second admission round mainly for Swedish and EU/EEA students

Autumn 2021, Full-time, Linköping

Applied Ethology and Animal Biology, Master's Programme

Autumn 2022, Full-time, Linköping

Zoo collaboration

The programme is conducted in collaboration with Kolmården Wildlife Park, the largest and most renowned zoo in Scandinavia. Several teaching sessions are held at the zoo, where you acquire first-hand knowledge from experienced staff. You will gain in-depth understanding of the biology of stress and its role in animal welfare, the effects of domestication on animal behaviour, the physiology of behaviour, problems associated with keeping animals in captivity, and conservation biology.

Animal behaviour, interactions with humans

Courses are closely connected to ongoing research performed by teachers on, for example, how various genes influence animal behaviour, well-being and personality, the sensory world of mammals, and human-animal interactions. In addition to classroom lectures and seminars, you participate in several hands-on projects. 

Wide choices for degree project

A key part of the programme is a one-year degree project (60 ECTS), which allows you to specialise in a subject based on your interests. If you wish, you may perform your degree project at a zoo, government agency, organisation or company, in Sweden or abroad.

Syllabus and course detailsShow/Hide content

A detailed syllabus, curriculum and information on courses, including literature, can be found in our study information database via the link below. For entry requirements and tuition fees, please click the ”Admission requirements” tab at the top of the page.
Syllabus and curriculum

Career opportunitiesShow/Hide content

As a graduate, you will be well-acquainted with animal behaviour and its underlying mechanisms. Career opportunities include, for example, animal welfare inspector, wildlife conservationist, or advisor for zoos, private businesses, and animal or environmental agencies, to name but a few. You will also be qualified to pursue PhD studies.

Alumni insightsShow/Hide content

Thorbjörn - Germany - PhD Student

”This programme gave me a good overview of ethological topics. It was interesting and fun to get hands-on experience with various species ranging from farm animals to more exotic ones in Kolmården Wildlife Park. The extensive work on the thesis project provided me with in-depth knowledge and opened the door to my current PhD project. Having a full year to work on your thesis is one of the key characteristics of this programme.”

Stories from the programmeShow/Hide content

ResearchShow/Hide content

mus luktar på korvbit

Biology

From the genes in cells to animals and plants, and to complete ecosystems. Biology research at LiU covers a broad spectrum and encompasses ecology, zoology and genetics. 
Red Jungle Fowl

AVIAN - Behavioural Genomics and Physiology group

The AVIAN - Behavioural Genomics and Physiology group at Linköping University studies the genetic basis of behaviour and physiology. 

Ethology

Ethology is the study of animal behaviour and its underlying causes. At LiU, influential research is carried out into how various genes influence animal behaviour, well-being and personality. 

Application & admissionShow/Hide content

Tags Show/Hide content