Master’s degree project in Chemical Ecology
The degree project may comprise 30-60 credits and can be carried out in a research group at the department of Biology, or at an external institution e.g. at another faculty or elsewhere.
Prerequisites for the Master’s degree project in Chemical Ecology
- 45 cr Advanced courses in Ecology including Chemical Ecology (BIOR55)
- A Bachelor’s degree including 90 cr in Cell Biology, Genetics, Microbiology, Ecology, Botany and Zoology plus 15 cr in Chemistry and 7.5 cr in statistics
Proposals for master degree projects in
Chemical Ecology and Conservation Biology
Pheromone communication in Stag beetles
The stag beetle, Lucanus cervus, is one of the largest terrestrial beetles in Europe. Despite its large size and spectacular appearance, little is known about its reproductive behaviour. Recent research has revealed that the species uses chemical cues for mate recognition, and both male- and female-produced candidate substances have been identified. Both sexes have an area of yellow setae on the femur of the first leg – “the yellow patch” – from which these substances are released.
A compound produced from the yellow patch in females elicits strong attraction in males over short distances in laboratory bioassays. The aim of this project is to evaluate this compound as a long-distance attractant under field conditions, and the potential to use the substance for large-scale monitoring of stag beetles. If the compound is attractive to males in the field, mark-release-recapture experiments will be performed to study the dispersing behaviour of male stag beetles using odour-baited traps. The effect of other female-released compounds on male behaviour will also be evaluated.
Female (top) and male (middle) stag beetle, and the yellow patch (bottom) on the femur of the first leg, a structure present in both sexes of beetles, from which sex-specific pheromone components are produced
So, if you are interested in doing fieldwork in one of the most beautiful areas of Sweden – the oak landscape in Blekinge – this is a project for you! As the main part of the project will be devoted to fieldwork, you need a driving licence and a car, and preferably a place to stay in Blekinge.
Please contact Glenn Svensson if you are interested in this proposal.
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Last modified 31 Aug 2011