COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master’s specialisation in Evolutionary Biology at Leiden University offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to provide students with both theoretical knowledge and practical research skills in evolutionary science. The program begins with a Specialisation Orientation Course (3 EC) and an Advanced Statistics course (3 EC), equipping students with the foundational skills needed to analyse complex biological data. This is followed by core courses such as Genomic Architecture (6 EC) and additional compulsory courses (15 EC) that explore key concepts in evolutionary processes, genetics, and organismal adaptation. Students can further tailor their studies through elective courses ranging from 3 to 33 EC, allowing them to focus on areas of particular interest, including genomics, functional developmental genetics, paleobiology, behavioral biology, and evolutionary ecology. The central component of the program is the research project, spanning 60 to 90 EC, which enables students to conduct original investigations, often in collaboration with research groups or institutions such as Naturalis Biodiversity Center, providing access to unique collections and resources. The educational methods employed throughout the program are diverse and interactive, including colloquia, lectures, individual papers, laboratory work, presentations, research projects, seminars, workgroups, internships, and online discussions. This combination ensures students develop critical thinking, analytical, and experimental skills while gaining hands-on experience in evolutionary research. By integrating multidisciplinary coursework with extensive practical training and research opportunities, the Evolutionary Biology specialisation prepares graduates for advanced research, PhD studies, conservation biology, environmental management, and other professional careers in the life sciences. The program’s close ties to leading research institutions and emphasis on both conceptual and applied learning provide a robust foundation for understanding and investigating the mechanisms that generate and maintain biological diversity across the tree of life.