Here you can find a selection of possible master projects for inspiration. In addition, you can contact the research group of interest to see what they have to offer you! Please scroll all the way to the bottom of the page to see projects offered from all the participating universities or use the anchors below.
Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Norway
University of Gothenburg, Sweden
Uppsala University, Sweden
Fabien Burki’s research group
We aim to integrate the poorly studied protists (aka microbial eukaryotes) in global evolutionary models, using a combination of culture-independent genomic methods, analyses of environmental DNA, and phylogenetics. The main research themes in my lab are:
- Reconstructing the eukaryotic tree of life
- Taxonomically and phylogenetically resolving the eukaryotic environmental diversity
- Origin and spread of photosynthesis in eukaryotes
- The evolution of parasitism in marine invertebrates
- Method development in single-cell genomics using microfluidics
We are constantly looking for motivated students, do not hesitate to contact me if you are interested in working on these questions.
Website for more info: https://www.burki-lab.net/
Stockholm University, Sweden
Pollen in asexual dandelions – evolutionary genomics, biogeography and taxonomy
Dandelions (genus Taraxacum) are predominantly asexual plants (apomixis), reproducing through clonal seeds that are formed without pollination. Their prolific production of pollen is therefore an evolutionary paradox: natural selection would favour the loss of pollen production (male sterility) as the conserved resources can be reallocated to improve fitness. In this project, we investigate the evolutionary and ecological consequences of asexual reproduction from the pollen perspective. This includes investigations into the evolution of completely pollenless dandelions, which carries considerable taxonomic and geographic signal. Depending on your interest, you can focus on evolutionary genomics (gene expression, population genomics), evolutionary ecology (common garden experiments), biogeography (modeling the distribution of pollenless dandelions through time), or taxonomy (investigating the role of male sterility in taxon delimitation). Studies in an urban ecology context are also possible. Any of these research lines would involve a strong component of field work (Nordics and Central Europe) and herbarium-based research (Swedish Museum of Natural History, Gothenburg and Uppsala herbaria). There is scope for producing a high-impact scientific publication, as well as potentially describing new taxa of Taraxacum.
Contact/supervisor: Yannick Woudstra. Email: yannick.woudstra@su.se, Phone: +31683209800
Unraveling the systematics and evolution of cyanolichens in New Caledonia, an overlooked fungal diversity hotspot
This project investigates the systematics and evolutionary history of lichens in New Caledonia, a region renowned for its rich yet largely unexplored fungal diversity. Our primary goal is to advance taxonomic knowledge of an ecologically significant group of lichens within a relatively underexplored biodiversity hotspot in the Pacific. Specifically, we will reconstruct the phylogenetic relationships of lichens in the order Peltigerales using a robust phylogenomic framework. By integrating genetic data from natural history collections and focusing on a South Pacific context, the project will also examine the biogeographical history of these lichens. Combining extensive fieldwork with cutting-edge molecular systematics, this research offers an exciting opportunity for a motivated and curious master’s student interested in biodiversity, taxonomy, and evolutionary biology.
Contact/supervisor: Antoine Simon
Phylogeny of a group of Acoela (marine worms)
A large portion of biodiversity is still unknown, and this is especially true for marine habitats and microscopic organisms. In this project you will study the phylogeny of a group of microscopic marine worms that belong to the group Acoela. You will collect material from marine habitats, sequence DNA and perform a phylogenetic analysis of the group. The aim is to produce a phylogenetic hypothesis that can explain the evolution of morphological features in these animals and serve as a basis for their classification.
Contact/supervisor: Ulf Jondelius
New species of Acoela
In this project you will analyse the phylogenetic relationships within a group (genus) of Acoela using molecular data and describe and name new species based on studies of their morphology and on analyses of DNA sequences. The material has already been collected, prepared for histological study and partially sequenced. You will do some additional sequencing, perform phylogenetic analyses and morphological studies. The aim is to produce complete descriptions of the new species that will be published in a scientific journal.
Contact/supervisor: Ulf Jondelius
Radiations in tropical Trichoptera
One of the research projects in entomology aims at explaining the phylogenetic relationships and biogeography among the ultra high diversity of caddisflies (Trichoptera) on New Caledonia. New Caledonia is a small island in the Pacific Ocean and serves as a nearly isolated experimental laboratory for studying species radiations, and studies under the project covers working out phylogenetic hypotheses based on molecular data, and analyzing the biogeographic pattern of the group by using on modern modern analytical tools. The morphology of the insects will be examined by using light and compound microscopes. Scanning electron microscopy is used when needed. A part of the study will also include describing species new to science, and publishing results in a scientific journal.
Contact/supervisor: Kjell-Arne Johansson
Swedish Museum of Natural History
Phone: +46 (0)8 5195 4088
E-mail: kjell.arne.johanson@nrm.se
Beetle systematics
One fifth of all described species on earth are beetles, why beetle research is important and aquatic beetles are in focus for some of the research at the Swedish Museum of Natural History. We can offer master thesis subjects in the following categories: 1) Taxonomic, e.g. DNA Barcoding, description of new species, sorting out difficult species complexes/sister species 2) Phylogenetic, e.g. reconstructing phylogenetic hypotheses of evolutionary relatedness among species, genera or families and using the trees to propose natural classifications and test if previously suggested groupings are monophyletic 3) Evolutionary, here it is often about using phylogenetic trees/hypotheses to answer questions like how old is a group (dating), when did some colonization events or habitat switches occur and how many where they, how fast was the speciation in a group, or how did some characters evolve or co-evolve. Practically, master thesis projects in all three categories usually involves, but in different amounts, molecular lab work to collect DNA data, microscope studies of morphology, computer-analyses, e.g. various phylogenetic analyses of DNA data. They can also include collection in the field. We work a lot with the fauna of Madagascar but also the Swedish/European fauna and globally.
Contact/supervisor: Johannes Bergsten
Swedish Museum of Natural History
Phone: +46 (0)8 5195 4192
E-mail: johannes.bergsten@nrm.se
Morphology and systematics in brittle stars (Ophiuroidea)
This project studies the phylogeny and taxonomy of brittle stars with mainly morphological methods by means of SEM. Projects on different levels can be offered, e.g. studies of skeletal structures (e.g. arm plates, jaws, dental plates) to understand homologies, comparative studies of ontogeny in a phylogenetic context, as well as alpha taxonomic studies including description of new species. Training includes taxonomic methods and principles, identification of brittle stars, skills in SEM preparation and operating the instrument, and interpretation of images. The MSc project also includes digital image processing, database usage and design, and writing a scientific paper.
Contact/supervisor: Sabine Stohr
Swedish Museum of Natural History
Phone: +46 (0)8 5195 5105
E-mail: sabine.stohr@nrm.se
Morphology and systematics in Nematods
Nematodes are very diverse, abundant and ubiquitous, and play important role in ecosystem functioning and human life. This project focuses on the global diversity and evolution of free-living nematodes, and their interactions with other organisms (origin of parasitism). The putative MSc project can focus on: 1) a survey of the nematode fauna of Sweden or of New Caledonia, (2) a taxonomic study including the description of new species from around the world, or (3) metabarcoding analysis of nematode communities. It will include training in general sampling techniques, field work in Sweden, microscopy, identification, phylogenetic analysis, preparation of scientific publications.
Contact/supervisor: Oleksandr Holovachov
Swedish Museum of Natural History
Phone: +46 (0)8 5195 4273
E-mail: oleksandr.holovachov@nrm.se
Cenozoic Miocene Mammals from Central Europe
One research project at the Swedish Museum of Natural History deals with fossil mammals from Central Europe. The studies are focussed on the evolution, systematics, and biogeography of small mammals (insectivores, bats and rodents) during the Miocene thermal optimum about 18 million years ago. Morphologic, morphometric, and microstructure analyses are used to investigate specimens on genus and species level. Investigation includes light microscopy and scanning electron microscope, for both analysis and documentation.
Contact/supervisor: Thomas Mors
Swedish Museum of Natural History
Phone: +46 (0)8 5195 5107
E-mail: thomas.mors@nrm.se
Museomics and avian evolution
The research group for avian systematics at the Swedish Museum of Natural History use genomic data to study the evolution of birds. Our research is mainly focused on passerine birds in the Indo-Pacific region and the questions we address span from phylogenetics and biogeography to hybridization and population genetics. We welcome one or several students to participate in this work. In a typical project the student will map genomic data from museum samples against a de novo reference genome and then use the aligned data set to address specific evolutionary questions.
Contact/supervisor – Martin Irestedt
Swedish Museum of Natural History
Phone: +46 (0)8 5195 4059
E-mail: martin.irestedt@nrm.se
Lund University, Sweden
Patterns of morphometric variation and infra-specific taxonomy of a highly polymorphic Nordic vascular plant species
In the Nordic countries, the infra-specific taxonomy and variation of polymorphic but common and widespread plant species have not received much attention in recent years. As a consequence, there are several species or groups of species within which two or more infraspecific taxa are currently recognized in standard floras but for which the infraspecific taxonomy has never been thoroughly investigated. The aim of this group of projects is to select one such species or group of species, measure a set of variable characters and map their distribution throughout the Nordic countries based on herbarium specimens in the public herbaria, use various multivariate statistical methods to analyse to what extent the variation in different morphological characters correlate, and, ultimately, try to find out which (if any) combinations of characters that may be used for defining and circumscribing geographical or ecological races that may deserve to be recognized taxonomically. Depending on the species chosen, the study area may also be extended to regions outside of the Nordic countries. Pilot studies with molecular markers may optionally be added to these projects with the aim of assessing to what extent the morphometric variation correlates with the pattern of molecular variation, but without prior knowledge of a suitable molecular marker system for these particular plant species the odds for finding a marker system that may reveal suitable levels and patterns of variation may be rather high. Taxonomically complex or interesting species that would need to studied in this way include, but is not restricted to, Platanthera bifolia, Allium schoenoprasum, Bromus hordeaceus, Caltha palustris, Ranunculus polyanthemos, Ranunculus subborealis, Thalictrum minus, Thalictrum simplex, Anthylllis vulneraria, Lathyrus japonicus, Vicia sepium, Polygala vulgaris, Geum rivale, Potentilla argentea, Viola canina, Rumex acetosa, Veronica maritima/spicata, Pedicularis palustris, Campanula rotundifolia, Achillea millefolium, Carlina vulgaris, Cirsium arvense, Erigeron uniflorus, Gnaphalium uiginosum, Gnaphalium norvegicum/sylvaticum, Leucanthemum irkutianum/vulgare, Solidago virgaurea, Sonchus arvensis, Tripeurospermum maritimum and Valeriana sambucifolia. Yet another option would be to study the circumscription of the morphologically defined sections of the genus Hieracium.
Contact/supervisor – Torbjörn Tyler
Department of Biology, Botanical collections, Lund University
Phone: +46 (0)46 222 4234
E-mail: torbjorn.tyler@biol.lu.se
University of Gothenburg, Sweden
Molecular systematics of Clitellata
The overall aim of our research is to establish a classification of Clitellata (or Oligochaeta) that is congruent with a well-supported set of hypotheses of the clitellate Tree of life, including its deep as well as terminal nodes. The big picture deals with the phylogenetic position of Clitellata within the Annelida and the basal evolutionary history of the clitellate families and other higher taxa, such as Crassiclitellata (the earthworms). At the other end of the spectrum are the delimitation and identification of separately evolving metapopulation lineages (=species), primarily using a combination of rapidly evolving mitochondrial and nuclear genes. A number of widely distributed morphospecies of Clitellata, showing preliminary evidence of cryptic speciation are studied, and the amount of genetic within and between lineages will be analyzed. Morphological variation and ecological differences are also be evaluated when possible or necessary (as in the case of asexual species). We can offer a number of Masters projects (30, 45 or 60 credit points) dealing with taxonomy and phylogeny of selected groups of terrestrial, freshwater or marine clitellates.
Contact/supervisor – Christer Ersus, Professor emeritus
Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences University of Gothenburg
Phone: +46 (0)31 786 3645
E-mail: christer.erseus@bioenv.gu.se
Evolution of hummingbird pollination in tetraploid Silene spp.
We have in previous studies found that the large variation in e.g., ecology, morphology, and pollination exhibited by North American Silene species probably all stems back to a single polyploidization event in the Quarternary. However, reconstruction of the the species phylogeny was comprimised by the polyploidy. We now have developed a model to cope with this, and in this project you will specifically trace the origins of hummingbird pollination syndrome in the group. For calibration of the timescale, we will try to use fossil DNA sampled from permafrost. You will collaborate various aspects with scientists from USA, Germany, Scotland, and Norway. To be conducted with the Botany building research group.
Contact/supervisor – Bengt Oxelman
Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences University of GothenburgPhone: +46 (0)31 786 2678
E-mail: bengt.oxelman@bioenv.gu.se
What is Gentianella baltica (Murb.) Börner?
Gentianella baltica is a red-listed plant occurring at some locations on the Swedish westcoast. It is very similar to G. campestris, and differs mainly by being annual and flowering late in the season,instead overwintering as a rosette. You will test the genetic distictiveness using next-generation sequence data from several populations, and also from other closely related taxa. You will collect G. baltica in the field during September-October, and also use herbarium material. To be conducted with the Botany building research group.
Contact/supervisor – Bengt Oxelman
Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences University of GothenburgPhone: +46 (0)31 786 2678
E-mail: bengt.oxelman@bioenv.gu.se
Patterns in the accumulation of genetic data
Very few organism groups have genetic data for all or even for a large fraction of the species and analyses of diversity patterns therefore have to make assumptions about the placement of the missing species. For computational convenience and due to lack of knowledge it is generally assumed that they are placed randomly in the phylogeny even though there are good reasons to expect this to be wrong. In this project we wish to analyze the pattern of accumulation of genetic data among species to better understand what determines what species have and does not have genetic data in order to enable researchers to better include the missing species into evolutionary or ecological analyses
For this master project familiarity with spatial analyses, with the program R and with basic bioinformatics or phylogenetics is desired but not required.
Contact: Søren Faurby, soren.faurby@bioenv.gu.se
Co-extinction of scavengers and prey
Highest species richness of scavenging brids is currenty found in east Africa, just at the same area where most of the large mammals occur. Scavenging birds, however, also have seen a massive extinction in the Late-Pleistocne/Early-Holocene and in particular they used to be hihgly diverse in North and South America, feeding on the likewise diverse mammalian megafauna community that used to live there. The goal of this project is to estimate historic ranges of the extinct scavenging birds and compare these with previously estimated ranges for their mammalian prey. After this we will analyse the correlation between the historical diversities of scavenging birds and prey and compare with the contemporary pattern for both. Many scavenging birds are highly endangered and the resulting knowledge may both improve the understanding of co-extinction patterns as well as hopefully inform ongoing conservation efforts to avoid future extinctions.
This project will be conducted in collaboration with and co-supervised by post-doc Ferran Sayol.
For this master project familiarity with spatial analyses and with the program R is desired but not required.
Contact: Søren Faurby, soren.faurby@bioenv.gu.se
Mismatch between pollinators and plants
Oceanic islands have seen very large extinction rates, with as much as 90% of all extinct birds being island dwellers. As a function of this, many other species may potentially suffer in the future, as in the case of red flowered plants, which generally are exclusively bird pollinated. The goal of this project is to identify the fraction of plant species on various oceanic islands being red (and therefore likely bird pollinated) and compare these ratios with the recent diversity of pollinating birds as well as estimates of historic diversities of birds on islands, which are being estimated by post-doc Ferran Sayol. We will thereby be able to identify islands with a deficit of current pollinators, which therefore may be of particular conservation concern.
This project will be conducted in close collaboration with island biologist Manual Steinbauer (goo.gl/UEiG7T).
For this master project familiarity with spatial analyses and with the program R is desired but not required.
Contact: Søren Faurby, soren.faurby@bioenv.gu.se
Human alternation of the species-area relationship
As discussed above, there has been substantial extinctions of birds on islands, but at the same time a large number of non-native species has also been introduced to many islands. This project will analyze the combined effect of these two opposing factors and focus on the species-area relationship, which is one of the fundamental patterns of island biogeography. More specifically, the goal is to compare the relationship between island area and the number of bird species using three different datasets. 1) Current pattern including non-native species, 2) Current pattern only including native species and 3) Estimated pattern including current and extinct native birds.
This project will be conducted in collaboration with and co-supervised by post-doc Ferran Sayol and in in collaboration with bird macro-ecologist Tim Blackburn (goo.gl/9LWXfk)
For this master project familiarity with spatial analyses and with the program R is desired but not required.
Contact: Søren Faurby, soren.faurby@bioenv.gu.se
Global distribution of palm spinescence and mega-herbivores
To quantify the global distribution of spinescence in palms (e.g. broad-scale patterns of species richness of palms that have spines) and how this is related to the current and historical distribution of mega-herbivores. Many palms are armed, often fiercely, with spines (as in Aiphanes minima, pictured here). These likely evolved as a response to mega-herbivores as defense structures. Here, we will ask, where are global hotpots of spinescence in palms? Is the distribution of spinescence related to the distribution of extant and extinct mammalian mega-herbivores?
For this master project in plant evolution, familiarity with spatial analyses and with the program R is desired but not required.
Contact: Christine Bacon, christine.bacon@bioenv.gu.se
Developing models for rainforest evolution
Palms have been recorded in the fossil history of tropical rainforests since they first emerged (see Wing et al. 2009, depicted below). Along with other mega-thermal angiosperms, those that are frost-intolerant and have physiological requirements that largely constrain them to tropical environments, they have been proposed as models for rainforest evolution. In this project we explicitly test the idea of palms being models for tropical rainforest presence or absence at a global-scale. Using data from transects, we test whether their distribution matches current tropical biomes at various geographical scales.
For this master project in evolution/conservation, familiarity with spatial analyses and with the program R is desired but not required.
Contact: Christine Bacon, christine.bacon@bioenv.gu.se
Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Bryophytes
Our primary research goal is to get a better understanding of processes leading to speciation in bryophytes. For this we combine state-of-the-art genomic resources and bioinformatics, and extensive knowledge of the biology of these organisms. We have for long used peatmosses (Sphagnum) as our main study system. The major process leading to speciation in peatmosses seem to be ecological specialization, and adaptions to both water-level-gradient (the hollow-hummock gradient), and water chemistry (rich fens versus rain water fed bogs). In addition, peatmosses show many examples of spontaneous speciation by chromosome doubling (allopolyploidization).
Projects
- Speciation of bryophytes and the evolutionary significance of allopolyploidy
- Glaciations and the existence of refugia within the Scandinavian ice sheet – which bryophytes survived within the ice sheet?
- Peat cores – historical development of mires plant communities through time, revealed by DNA metabarcoding
- Taxonomy of bryophytes, species delimitation and relationships
Contact Kristian Hassel or Hans K. Stenøien for more information.
Genetic diversity in closely related non-biting midges
Non-biting midges (Diptera: Chironomidae) is one of the most species rich insect families on earth and many species are difficult to separate. Thus, identification using standard genetic markers (so-called DNA barcoding) is particularly useful when studying diversity of non-biting midges. Recent studies have shown that midge species diversity is larger than originally thought based on morphological analyses. This cryptic diversity will be investigated through several student projects that are focused on species groups with northern distributions.
The main goal will be to investigate if separate populations of selected midge species can be separated genetically and morphologically, and if they should be regarded as separate species.
Some fieldwork in Norway or other Nordic countries will be an advantage, but not necessarily required due to our existing comprehensive collection at the NTNU University Museum. Practical work includes collection, sorting, slide mounting and identification of all life stages. The projects involve digital microscopy and molecular analyses in the laboratory facilities at the museum. Data will be analysed using available phylogenetic, bioinformatic and biogeographic tools.
Contact Elisabeth Stur or Torbjørn Ekrem for more information.
Dark Taxa: Studying Life’s Hidden Hyperdiversity
Delve into the fascinating world of dark taxa—organisms that make up the majority of Earth’s biodiversity yet remain poorly studied. These taxa are essential to the functioning of our planet but pose significant challenges for researchers due to their elusive nature.
Whether your interests lie in fieldwork, genetic analysis, morphological studies, or ecological modelling, a project can be tailored to a specific group of dark taxa, offering countless opportunities for discovery. Field surveys may take you into underexplored environments such as forests, wetlands, or even urban areas, while cutting-edge tools like MinION nanopore sequencing allow for real-time DNA analysis to identify and understand these organisms at the molecular level. Complementary morphological studies provide further insights, and ecological analysis helps reveal the patterns and roles these taxa play in their environments.
Each dark taxon presents unique challenges and opportunities, and this project is designed to adapt to your interests and expertise. For more information or to start designing your own dark taxon project, please contact Emily Hartop.
Species delimitations in selected groups of beetles (Coleoptera) in northern Europe
The beetle fauna in northern Europe is generally well known when it comes to taxonomic borders between species, but still there are difficult taxonomic complexes where species limits are discussed or controversial. Modern methods with use of molecular data combined with traditional methods provide unique possibilities to resolve such research questions today.
We propose a study combining morphological measurements and data from different gene segments of mitochondrial and nuclear DNA to infer phylogenetic relationship. Material would be available from museum collections, private collections and own field work. There are several possibilities for choosing a species complex among insects for a master thesis in this topic, but we advice to choose a complex where material is easy to obtain and specimens are not too small and difficult to handle.
Contact Frode Ødegaard for more information.
Marine biology
We explore the fauna, species diversity and distribution along the Norwegian coast and in the deep Norwegian Sea. Projects will include taxonomy of different marine organisms, description of species, and assessment of diversity. We regularly find species new to science and learn a lot about species’ distribution that previously have been overlooked or never dealt with. Through morphological and molecular dentification of specimens we make descriptions and keys for identification. Integrated with DNA barcoding, new insight in our diversity is assessed, often leading to higher diversity measures than we thought we had. Would you like to contribute to obtain a better understanding of our marine biodiversity?
You will learn: identification of species by morphology and DNA barcoding; field work, use of different methods and sampling gear; use GIS to assess distribution; how scientific collections in museums work, and contribute to them; assess nature types. Sampling methods may include both traditional gear for soft and hard bottom habitats, but also technology using under water robotics.
Contact Torkild Bakken for more information.