Area
natural Sciences
Sub-Discipline
Earth sciences and environment
Austral University of Chile
- City: Valdivia,
- Commune: Valdivia,
- Region: Los Ríos Region
goals
The Master's program in Applied Ecology has the main objective of training specialists with a solid knowledge in Ecological Sciences, which allows the student to develop consistently in the academic or professional field, through the delivery of modern theoretical bases and updated methodological tools related to the multiple areas of application of Ecological Sciences, their current problems and future challenges.
Applicant Profile
Chilean or international university graduates with a bachelor's degree or professional title in fields related to ecological sciences (e.g., Bachelor of Science in Environmental or Biological Sciences, Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry, Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology, Forestry Engineering, Natural Resource Conservation Engineering, Agronomy, Veterinary Science, Geography) are eligible to apply to the Master's Program in Applied Ecology. To apply, applicants must complete an Application for Admission, available on an online platform, and attach the following documents: i) a certified copy of their degree or diploma, ii) an official transcript of grades from their most recent degree or diploma and their class ranking, iii) a letter of intent explaining their application, iv) a curriculum vitae, v) two letters of recommendation from prominent academics in the field, and vi) proof of adequate Spanish proficiency for non-native Spanish speakers. Admission to the Program is annual, taking place in the first semester of each year. Therefore, applicants' documents are accepted up to three months before the start of academic activities. Thus, the application deadline is set for December of the previous year. Since 2017, an online application system (http://www.postgradociencias.uach.cl/postulaciones/) has been implemented, substantially improving the organization and analysis of applicants' documents for the program.
To review applications and monitor the selection process, an ad hoc committee of faculty members is appointed, comprised of three program professors (at least one of whom is a committee member). This committee determines whether an applicant meets the minimum admission requirements and/or if a leveling plan is necessary. Admissible applicants (i.e., those initially shortlisted) must attend a personal interview with the Program Committee to complete their application. Applicants unable to attend the interview in person may request it via electronic means such as videoconference. The admission interview aims to gain a deeper understanding of the applicant beyond what is presented in their curriculum vitae. Specifically, the interview explores their motivations for applying to the program, their current and future interests, potential research areas, connections with or knowledge of faculty members, and specific questions of general knowledge in ecological sciences. This evaluation is based on a rubric that considers the following topics: maturity in responses, level of general knowledge, clarity of interests, and level of perseverance. All background information is evaluated with a score from 0 to 5, which is then converted to a grade from 1 to 7, allowing for the creation of a ranking of applicants.
Graduate profile
The program's design incorporates the participation and collaboration of various faculties to foster a comprehensive understanding of ecological issues. Therefore, graduates of the Master's Program in Applied Ecology will be able to:
a) Have a solid conceptual background in ecology.
b) Apply their conceptual training in experimental activities and sample designs in the field.
c) Generate strategies for better use and conservation of natural resources.
d) Identify (through the scientific method) environmental variables (natural and/or anthropogenic) that compromise the use and conservation of natural resources.
e) Be able to contribute, from an expert perspective, to decision-making regarding the use of natural resources in public and private institutions.
f) Generate, direct and evaluate scientific projects in areas of their competence.
g) Communicate the knowledge generated in their research.
Lines of investigation
The faculty of the Master's Program in Applied Ecology comprises a highly qualified, interdisciplinary group. All faculty members actively pursue their research lines, which are funded by competitive national and international grants. They have the opportunity to share their research findings with students through various teaching activities at both the graduate and undergraduate levels. In general terms, the research areas developed within our program are:
•Global and Social Change,
•Ecosystem Ecology,
•Population and Community Dynamics,
•Functional Ecology, and
•Management and Conservation of Natural Resources.
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