MSc Plant Diversity Projects
Training in Practical research skills
From mid-May until mid-September students of the MSc Plant Diversity engage in a piece of intensive research. Projects vary from highly field oriented, such as UK vegetation survey or ethnobotanical studies abroad to very lab-based including molecular phylogenetics and computational modelling. Project choices are guided by a published list of available projects submitted by staff at Reading, Kew, the Natural Histroy Museum, RSK Carter Ecological, the RHS and other interested organisations. Work is hypothesis-led and gives each student a chance to develop high quality skills in practical research. Where possible students are encouraged to publish their projects with their supervisors. Recent projects include:
- A morphological and molecular study of possible hybrids between Quercus robur and Q. cerris ((in association with the RHS)
- A phylogenetic test of Darwin's naturalisation hypothesis
- A vegetation survey of the 'natural areas' of Kew Gardens with management and education recommendations (Based at RBG Kew)
- An investigation into the ecological requirements of Lysandra coridon (Chalkhill Blue) on Magdalen Hill Down, Hampshire.
- Conservation of the Colombian Orinoco Basin natural ecosystems: how the different Protected Area categories are helping?
- From forest to heath and back again, a Breckland Tale
- Getting elbow room in the Mediterranean
- Placing Plectranthus bracteolatus (in association with RBG Kew)
- Progress towards a Revision of Cistanche (in association with RBG Kew)
- Taxonomy of the Asplenium tenerum complex (Aspleniaceae) with particular reference to Malesia (in association with the NHM)
- The effect of different techniques of management for Cornus sanguinea L. on chalk grassland.
- Taxonomy of West African Ceasalpinoideae (Based at RBG Kew)
Summer Term and Summer, 60 credit, Dr Alastair Culham and colleagues.