University of Zurich

Overview

The PhD in Evolutionary Biology at the University of Zurich is designed to foster independent, hypothesis-driven research in the field of evolutionary science. This comprehensive programme emphasizes a blend of rigorous coursework, transferable skills training, and ongoing mentorship through an academic committee, ensuring that doctoral candidates are well-equipped for their research endeavors.

What you'll study

The structure of the PhD programme integrates a dissertation with a structured curricular component, tailored in collaboration with your doctoral committee. Key components of the programme include:

Required curricular components

• Topics in Evolutionary Biology (1 ECTS)
• Transferable skills training (4 ECTS) selected from approved courses
• Annual retreats organized by the programme (participation required; no ECTS)

Coursework (examples)

Depending on your research focus and the guidance of your doctoral committee, you may take courses such as:

• Illustrations in Natural History
• Eco-Physiology and Implications for Behaviour and Health
• Topics in Evolutionary Genetics and Computational Approaches
• Concepts in Evolutionary Biology
• Scientific Writing for Evolutionary Biologists
• Scientific Writing for Organismal Biologists

Dissertation and supervision

• Dissertation: Candidates must conduct an independent research project and prepare a dissertation based on their findings.
• Doctoral committee: Annual meetings are required to ensure progress and provide guidance; additional meetings can be arranged as necessary.
• Individual course plan: Further courses, beyond the compulsory elements, are determined individually in consultation with your committee.

Entry requirements

To gain admission to the PhD programme, applicants must adhere to the University of Zurich's academic regulations. A Master’s degree or an equivalent qualification from a recognized institution is essential. There are no general GRE/GMAT requirements; however, specific academic competencies related to biology, genetics, statistics, or other relevant methods will be evaluated in relation to the proposed research project.

Career prospects

Graduates of the PhD in Evolutionary Biology are well-prepared for a variety of career paths. They may pursue academic positions in universities and research institutions, engage in scientific research in various sectors, or contribute to policy-making and environmental conservation organizations. The skills acquired during the programme equip candidates to tackle complex challenges in evolutionary science and related fields.