Area
natural Sciences
Sub-Discipline
Other Natural Sciences
Austral University of Chile
- City: Valdivia,
- Commune: Valdivia,
- Region: Los Ríos Region
goals
The MCMG's main objective is to train specialists with the theoretical, experimental, and methodological foundation to visualize, analyze, and solve problems related to the function and organization of genes and other modes of inheritance (e.g., epigenetic inheritance) in natural populations of organisms or in organisms of human interest (domestic, commercially important, medical, or conservation-related). The program provides appropriate training for pursuing doctoral studies in Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, but also equips students with the ability to plan and develop professional activities related to decision-making regarding the consequences of global change and the biodiversity crisis, in relation to genetic resources.
Applicant Profile
University graduates holding a Bachelor's degree or professional title in fields related to genetics (e.g., Bachelor of Science in Biology, Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology, Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry, Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources Engineering, Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering, Bachelor of Science in Agronomy, Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Medicine, etc.) are eligible to apply to the program. To apply, you must complete the Application for Admission provided by the Postgraduate Studies Office (Form 301, Annex 16) and include the following:
1. Curriculum vitae (See attached sheet for instructions).
2. Certificate of title and/or degree.
3. Medical certificate attesting to health compatible with Program activities
4. Official transcript of grades from your last degree or diploma. (Including grading scale)
5. Grade ranking.
6. Two passport-sized photographs (3 x 4) with name and ID or passport number.
7. Two letters of recommendation from academics of recognized prestige.
8. Certificate attesting to adequate command of the Spanish language, for those who do not have it as their native language.
9. Letter explaining the motivations for entering the Program.
International students must have their documents legalized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In the case of the Undergraduate-Graduate Linkage, students pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree with a specialization in Biology who wish to enroll in the program must:
1.- Possess the academic degree of Bachelor of Science with a specialization in Biology (having passed the first eight (8) semesters of the degree).
2.- Letter of application identifying the Master of Science program with a focus on Genetics and the reasons for the application.
3.- Concentration of grades corresponding to the first eight semesters of the study plan completed.
4.- Letters of recommendation from two professors of the Faculty of Sciences, at least one of them being accredited in a postgraduate program of the UACh.5.- Possess a PGA (General Accumulated Average) equal to or greater than 5.0.
In the case of the Undergraduate-Postgraduate Linkage, the Marine Biology student who wishes to enter the program must:
1.- Have passed 8 semesters of the Marine Biology degree.
2.- Exhibit a cumulative overall average higher than the average for the Marine Biology degree.
3.- Submit an application and a letter stating your intention to enter this program (attach the background information that supports this request).
4.- Demonstrate proficiency in a second language in accordance with the requirements established by the Graduate School.
These backgrounds are analyzed by the Program Committee who determine whether or not the admission requirements are met.
It should be noted that the application requirements are clearly displayed on the website of the Graduate School of the Faculty of Sciences at the University and are advertised through posters during the second semester. Since 2010, information has been disseminated through various scientific societies in Chile and Latin America, such as the Chilean Society of Biology, the Chilean Society of Genetics, the Chilean Society of Ecology, and the Latin American Network of Genetics for Conservation. Applications are typically accepted in October of each year.
Graduate profile
Upon completion of the Master of Science Program with a specialization in Genetics, the graduate will have:
a) A solid conceptual background in the area of genetics.
b) Qualification to identify the variables (natural and anthropological) that should be considered to address scientific problems related to the use and conservation of genetic resources.
c) Ability to propose and/or direct research projects in areas of their competence.
d) Ability to communicate the knowledge generated in research related to genetics and evolution.
The program's students are Chilean or international university graduates with a Bachelor's degree or professional title in a field related to the program (e.g., Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences, Bachelor of Science in Biology, Biochemistry, Forestry Engineering, Natural Resources Engineering, Agronomy) and an interest in understanding and studying problems at different levels of biological organization from an evolutionary perspective. Several mechanisms exist to evaluate the graduate profile and its fulfillment in the graduate's training. These are discussed later but are based on the joint efforts of the Program Committee and the Graduate School, which supervise the course content and thesis projects annually. A key figure in this system is the Faculty Advisor (see section 4.3), who maintains close contact with the students, acts as a liaison with the Specialization Committee, and is familiar with the program guidelines and the graduate profile. In general, students and faculty members agree that the Program's objectives and goals, as well as the graduate profile, are clearly defined. In particular, on a scale of 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree), students and faculty members rated the clarity of the objectives (3.5 and 4.16, respectively) and the graduate profile (3.66 and 4.27, respectively) favorably (Appendices 14 and 15, Background Information Form).
Lines of investigation
– Evolutionary Ecology
– Quantitative Genetics
– Molecular ecology
– Population Genetics
– Phylogeography
– Evolutionary Genomics
– Transcriptomics
– Molecular systematics
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