I. Introduction

     Southeast Asian Biological Diversity Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Sciences is an internationally affiliated research and educational institution, established for the purpose of promoting collaborative research in areas including biodiversity science, ethnobotany and traditional medicine, sustainable utilization of biological resources, ecological and environmental changes between China and Southeast Asian countries, including Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam and etc. It also aims to effectively enhance the level of local education, as well as scientific and technological strength in natural sciences.

Through the combination of research and education, our Institute aims to integrate research personnel resources in UCAS and Southeast Asia, with Myanmar functioning as the central hub and other Southeast Asian countries incorporated within a network to conduct research on biodiversity conservation, sustainable utilization of biological resources and natural geographical environment monitoring and protection. The Institute will carry out joint scientific research, tackle difficult problems in science and technology and cultivate talents to build the first comprehensive research network and education platform covering all nations in Southeast Asia. Our ultimate goal is to build the Institute into an important component in China’s "21st Century Maritime Silk Road" strategic system.

     The Master’s Program for International Students offered by the Southeast Asian Biological Diversity Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Sciences will be taught in English. The goal of the program is to cultivate outstanding international talents in areas such as biodiversity and environmental protection, sustainable utilization of biological resources and etc.

     After completing this program, students are expected to master the basic knowledge of relevant disciplines and acquire holistic thinking ability in a systematic, critical and scientific way. In addition, students should have a good command of research methods in relevant areas, the capacity to conduct biological related research, as well as an independent and innovative way of thinking.

II. Research Fields

(1)  Biodiversity Science

     Biodiversity Science is an interdisciplinary field for investigating the pattern, formation and change of biological diversity using macro and micro biological methods.  It seeks to reveal the evolutionary mechanisms leading to current patterns and processes of biodiversity, and to provide theoretical guidance for biodiversity conservation and sustainable utilization of biological resources.

     Major research directions include: (1) evolution and conservation of biodiversity; (2) biogeographic pattern formation; (3) adaptive evolution and conservation genetics; (4) discovery, description and recording of species diversity.

(2)  Ethnobotany and Traditional Medicine

     Ethnobotany studies the relationship between ethnic minorities (especially minorities without written languages) and plants. The primary task of ethnobotany is to record, explain and apply different ethnic minorities’ perceptions, utilization and protection of plants. Traditional Medicine studies the knowledge system of specific ethnic groups in terms of their health care, disease prevention as well as treatment by plant.

     Major research directions include: (1) ethnic botany and traditional medicine; (2) ethno-pharmacology and botanical pharmaceutical chemistry; (3) ethnobotany and biodiversity conservation; (4) ethnobotany and community development.

(3)  Sustainable Utilization of Biological Resources

     Sustainable Utilization of Biological Resources uses the characteristic bioresources in Southeast Asian as research objects. Based on the important scientific issues and key technologies in the process for developing, utilizing biological resources and its industrialization, we work on germplasm resources in collecting, conservation and quality evaluation; then investigate systematics and biogeography of the resources, and breed fine cultivars from the resources; further develop efficient and sustainable farming techniques, and utilization of the resources. Our main aims are to provide theoretical guidance and key technical support for the sustainable utilization of biological resources in Southeast Asian.

     Major research directions include: (1) systematics and biogeography; (2) comparative genomics and molecular evolution; (3) speciation and conservation of genetics; (4) discovering functional genes and active substances; (5) biotechnology and molecular breeding.

(4)  Ecosystem and Environmental Change

Using approaches of landscape ecology, community ecology, population ecology and molecular ecology,this field aims to investigate the mechanisms and regulating factors underlying forest ecosystem process and dynamics.

Major research directions include: (1) land use change; (2) monitoring forest ecosystem dynamics; (3) global change and ecosystem responses.

(5)  Development and Utilization of Bioenergy

      This field aims to tackle important scientific questions and also develop key technologies in the process of bioenergy development and utilization. Concerning the whole industry chain of bioenergy, research on development of new germplasm resources for bioenergy feedstocks, high efficient conversion technology of bioenergy and comprehensive utilization of bioenergy by-products will be conducted.

     Main research directions include: (1) development and sustainable production of new germplasm resources for bioenergy feedstocks; (2) functional genomics and genetic improvement of biofuel organisms; (3) breeding of elite varieties of biofuel plants and efficient cultivation techniques; (4) efficient conversion technology of bioenergy and comprehensive utilization of bioenergy by-products; (5) high value added products derived from biomass waste.

III. Life and Study at UCAS

     University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS) warmly welcomes young scholars around the world who are interested in botany, ecology, zoology and pharmacy to pursue studies in our Institute. UCAS provides students with world-class education and research resources and a well-funded research system that stands out in both practice and theory and performs by exceeding normal standards. UCAS has not only more than ten institutes conducting research on biodiversity with every lab well equipped and beautifully surrounded, but also an excellent tutorial system which can offer instructions to students at any time.

     International College of UCAS （http://ic-en.ucas.ac.cn/）offers a series of English-taught courses to international students, including professional courses, Chinese culture and Chinese language training program, to create a good academic atmosphere and help the students improve their professional knowledge acquisition and have a better understanding of Chinese culture. Besides, UCAS has also established educational cooperation with some world-renowned universities to provide more learning opportunities for students.

     In addition, UCAS also provides students with various and colorful extracurricular activities. The annual Faculty and Students Sports Games not only bring lightness to busy and stressful academic life, but also enhance their sporting spirit. Students’ societies such as Film Club are very popular among students. New Year's Eve Party, Welcome Party and Graduation Ceremony are also well-received. In UCAS, students will not only succeed in a special field but also improve themselves in all aspects.

     Biology education in UCAS is a combination of knowledge, with methodological techniques, communication and self-confidence, providing students with the skills to conduct and develop rigorous research and the confidence to share their findings through appropriate fora. School life here is incomparable. With all the opportunities here, students will achieve a comprehensive development and finish their M.A. studies by living their life to the full.

IV. Application Guidance

1. Qualifications of Applicants

(1) Non-Chinese citizens;

(2) Being healthy and willing to abide by the Chinese laws and decrees;

(3) Holding a Bachelor’s degree or its equivalent. The degree should relate with botany, ecology, zoology and Pharmacy. Students with a strong educational and research background holding a bachelor’s degree in other fields can also apply;

(4) Have an outstanding academic performance and strong research ability;

(5) Requirement of English proficiency for Non-English speaking applicants

a) Undergraduate major courses were conducted in English and marked on score sheet;

Or

b) TOEFL score is no less than 90 or IELTS overall band no less than 6.5.

2. Documents Submission (Bound and Placed in the Following Order)

(1) ADMISSION APPLICATION FORM FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS WITH A 2-INCH PHOTO AND APPLICANT’S SIGNATURE

Applicants shall fill in and submit the application information via the Online Application System for International Students at UCAS (http://adis.ucas.ac.cn) which would be officially launched around Dec. 15, 2016, and then print the admission application form (Net Version) produced by the system. The previous version of admission application form (Download) can be used but the applicants shall also complete online application procedure. The second part of the application form should be filled in by the applicant’s supervisor and institute/school. The applicant cannot apply to more than one supervisor or institute/school.

(2) CERTIFICATE OF FINANCIAL SUPPORT OR SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION FORM

For those who a. have already got financial support, please attach the certificate of financial support; b. are applying for scholarship program(s) to UCAS, please attach separate scholarship application form(s); c. are applying to study by self-support, please attach the affidavit of support from guarantors and a bank statement (original document or notarized copy).

(3) PHOTOCOPY OF REGULAR PASSPORT PERSONAL INFORMATION PAGE

Regular passport should have at least 2 years validity.

(4) ORIGINAL NOTARIZED PHOTOCOPY OF BACHELOR’S DEGREE CERTIFICATE

Those who have not graduated yet shall provide original pre-graduation certificates showing their student status and expected graduation time at their current academic institutions.

(5) ORIGINAL TRANSCRIPTS OR ORIGINAL NOTARIZED PHOTOCOPIES OF UNDERGRADUATE TRANSCRIPTS

(6) TWO ACADEMIC RECOMMENDATION LETTERS

The referees shall work in the relevant research field with the applicant, and should not be the expected supervisor. The letter must be on the letterhead paper, with the referee’s signature and date, and be sealed.

(7) CV & RESEARCH PROPOSAL

(8) PHOTOCOPIES OF ALL THE TITLE PAGES AND ABSTRACTS OF MAXIMUM 5 REPRESENTATIVE PUBLISHED PAPERS (IF ANY)

Please do not submit the photocopies of unpublished papers.

(9) BANK RECEIPT OF APPLICATION PROCESSING FEE

The application processing fee is RMB 600 or USD/EUR equivalent. For applicants outside mainland China, payments shall be made in US dollars or Euros in the form of a personal check or money order or traveller’s check attached to the admission application form, payable to UCAS. For applicants currently in mainland China, payments shall be made in Chinese currency by remitting money directly to the following bank account (Please specify that the remittance is for the application processing fee):

Beneficiary: University of Chinese Academy of Sciences

Account number: 11001059200053002790

Bank: Construction Bank of China

Beijing Municipal Dongfangguangchang Branch

SWIFT CODE：PCBCCNBJBJX

Or

Applicants may also submit the application processing fee to UCAS Financial Department.

Very Important Note: a) All the above supporting documentation should be in English or Chinese, otherwise notarized translations in English or Chinese are required; b) Incomplete application documents or inadequate documents will not be accepted; c) Application materials will not be returned and application fees are non-refundable.

3. Application Time and Process/Method

Application Time: December 20, 2016 – May 31, 2017.

Eligible applicants should send the hard/soft copies of above-mentioned application documents in sequence to one of following research institute (Very important note: The applicant cannot apply to more than one institute). The application will be reviewed by the institute to decide whether to accept the applicants.

Contact Information of Admissions Institutes:

● Office of Human Resources and Education, Xishuangbana Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences

Coordinator: Shuangyun Zhou, Yingrun Yang

Office Tel: +86 691 8713001, +86 871 6516 0966   

Email: yangyingrun@xtbg.ac.cn

Add: Menglun, Mengla 666303, Yunnan, P.R. China

● Office of Student Affairs of Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences
Coordinator: Chunjie Gu
Office Tel: +86-871-65110887  

Email: guchunjie@mail.kiz.ac.cn
Add: 32 East Jiaochang Road, Kunming 650223, Yunnan, P.R. China

● Office of Student Affairs of Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences

Coordinator: Yanmei Zeng, Yi Shen

Office Tel: +86-871-65223034-803  

Email: shenyi@mail.kib.ac.cn

Add: No. 132, Lanhei Road, Kunming 650201, Yunnan, P.R. China

● Office of Student Affairs of Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences

Coordinator: Hongjuan Yang

Office Tel: +86 10 62836218

Email: yanghongjuan@ibcas.ac.cn

Add: No. 20 Nanxincun, Xiangshan, Beijing 100093, P.R. China

● Office of Student Affairs of Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences

Coordinator: Hongjie Guo

Office Tel: +86 10 64807536

Email: fishguo@ioz.ac.cn

Add: 1 Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101, P.R. China

● Office of Student Affairs of South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences

Coordinator: Zhimin Lai

Office Tel: +86 20 37252738, +86 20 37252882

Email: zmlai@scib.ac.cn

Add: No. 723, XingkeRoad, Tianhe District, Guangzhou 5160650, P.R. China

4. Visa Application and Admission Registration

UCAS will send Admission Notices and Visa Application forms to the admitted students. The admitted students should bring their personal passport, Admission Notice, Visa Application Form (JW202/ JW201), and original Form of Physical Examination Record for Foreigners as well as other original documents of physical examination to the Embassy or Consulate of the People's Republic of China, and apply for a student visa (X1/X2 visa). Please keep the original Admission Notice and Visa Application Form (JW202/ JW201) which are needed for registration and residence permit application. Please do not entry China visa-free or with other types of visas other than X visa. After entry to China, students should register at the place indicated on the Admission Notice within the required registration period.

5. English-taught Specialized Courses

Botany

Zoology

Plant Physiology

Plant Genetic Engineering

Conservation Biology

Global Change Ecology

Advanced Ecology

Ecosystem Ecology

Developmental Biology

Molecular Biology and Genomics

Immunology and Biophysics

Climate Change, Environmental and Natural Resource Management

Plant Phylogeny and Biogeography

Cell Biology

Biological Statistics and Experimental Design

Biochemistry

Organic Structural Analysis

Medicinal Chemistry

Structural analysis of organic compounds（1,2）

Chromatography Theory and Applications

Information Retrieval and Use in Computer Sciences

6. Graduation Thesis

Students are required to conduct an independent research project under the guidance of a qualified supervisor who is interested in that project. In the second semester after registration, students are required to submit a research proposal and present a formal presentation. In the fourth semester, students are required to submit midterm progress report and make a formal academic presentation. To apply for a Master’s Degree, students are required to submit a graduation thesis in English (with English and Chinese abstracts) and participate in the thesis oral defense.

7. The Awarding of Degrees

A Master’s program normally lasts for 3 years. Certificate of Graduation and Diploma of the Master’s Degree will be awarded to students who have met the requirements of graduation and degree conferment, including the completion of the training program, good academic record, required publications as well as passing the M.A. thesis oral defense.

V. Fees and Scholarship

1. Application Fee, Tuition, and Costs:

(1) Application Fee: RMB 600 or USD, EUR equivalent (Non-refundable);

(2) Tuition: RMB 30,000/year;

(3) Accidental Injury and Hospitalization Insurance:

RMB 800/year, RMB 400/half year;

(4) Accommodation

Single room (Beijing): RMB 60/ day for one student

Shared rooms (Beijing): RMB 900/month for one student

(5) Outpatient service fee is paid according to the insurance scheme from insurance company.

Board expenses, travel expenses and other costs of experiments, meetings or trainings beyond the program curriculum are at the student’s own expense or at the discretion of their supervisor.

2. Scholarship

(1) Chinese Government Scholarship

The Chinese Government Scholarship covers many programs, including Bilateral Program, EU Program, AUN Program, PIF Program, etc., to sponsor international students and scholars to study and research in Chinese universities. The scholarship offers a fee waiver of registration, tuition, health insurance, on-campus dormitory accommodation, etc. Please refer to the website of the China Scholarship Council (http://www.csc.edu.cn/Laihua/) for detailed introduction, qualifications of applicants and admission process.

Eligible applicants may apply to the China Scholarship Council by recommendation of the related national official departments and Embassy or Consulate of the People's Republic of China. The scholarship usually starts in November and finishes the following April. Due to the different deadlines of countries, please check relevant information in time. The International Students Office of UCAS will offer pre-admission notice if needed.

UCAS is one of the Chinese Government Scholarship universities. Applicants may also apply by UCAS recommendation (see http://english.ucas.ac.cn/). But this is only for a small number of excellent international students who are not currently studying in China. 

(2) UCAS Scholarship for International Students

The UCAS Scholarship for International Students offers full scholarship for outstanding international students to pursue master degree at UCAS. It provides tuition fee waiver, health insurance, living allowance and on-campus dormitory accommodation. Eligible applicants also apply for this scholarship. Please refer to the UCAS website （http://english.ucas.ac.cn/）for more detailed information.

VI. Contact Information

Coordinator: Ms. Hu Menglin

International Students Office

University of Chinese Academy of Sciences

Tel/Fax: +86-10-82672900

Email: iso@ucas.ac.cn

Website: www.ucas.ac.cn

Add: No. 80 Zhongguancun East Road, Haidian District,

Beijing, 100190, China