Dr. Alexander Kotrschal

Assistant Professor

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Biography

Alexander Kotrschal is an Assistant Professor in the Behavioural Ecology Group at Wageningen University. His research interests encompass various aspects of animal behaviour, particularly focusing on evolution, cognition, and phenotypic plasticity. He predominantly works with fish species, including cichlids from Lake Tanganyika and guppies from Trinidad, as well as conducting research on subjects such as wild house mice and domestic animals. Kotrschal has been involved in large-scale experiments aimed at understanding the evolution of brain size in vertebrates through artificial selection. His current research investigates the role of predation in cognitive evolution, collaborating with postdoctoral researchers at Stockholm University. He also serves as an Associate Editor for the journal Evolutionary Ecology and has received the Niko Tinbergen Award in 2016 for his contributions to the field. Kotrschal is actively seeking opportunities to mentor students, particularly those interested in hands-on research experiences in his new fish lab and field trips.

Research Interests

Courses

Behavioural Ecology Methods in Behavioural Biology

Requirements for Wageningen University

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:2.8
IELTS
Listening
Required:6
Reading
Required:6
Writing
Required:6
Speaking
Required:6
Overall
Required:6.5
TOEFL
Listening
Required:20
Reading
Required:20
Writing
Required:20
Speaking
Required:22
Total
Required:90
PTE
Listening
Required:59
Reading
Required:59
Writing
Required:59
Speaking
Required:59
Overall
Required:62
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a field of science relevant to the selected programme Sufficient academic performance (unweighted average 70% or 7.0/10.0) Basic knowledge of Statistics and Mathematics
Application Checklist
  • Bachelor's degree certificate (or recent transcript if not graduated)
  • Transcript of academic records
  • Proof of English proficiency
  • Curriculum Vitae (max 2 pages)
  • Statement of Purpose (optional but recommended for specializations)
  • Copy of passport
Specialization Notes

Master's programs are 2 years (120 ECTS). Admission decisions are usually issued within 6-8 weeks.