MSc Species Identification and Survey Skills

Title:

Animal Survey and Assessment

Code:

BIMASA

Convenor:

DR Manuela Gonzalez-Suarez

Summary:

This module aims to provide students with an understanding and practical experience of the methods used to survey and monitor animal populations (vertebrates and invertebrates). Emphasis is on species found in the UK and routinely involved in conservation and consultancy projects. The module will cover material on general biology and ecology of different animal species, and provide context for how survey and monitoring contribute to biodiversity assessment and conservation strategies.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 100%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Botanical Field Skills

Code:

BIMBFS

Convenor:

DR Jonathan Mitchley

Summary:

This module introduces students to field botanical skills and the common families of vascular plants and orders of bryophytes in the UK, it develops practical identification skills and the use of keys and other advanced aids to the identification of plants including herbarium skills.  The module develops understanding of the biogeography and ecology of plants and vegetation and it introduces the methodology of Phase 2 NVC survey in the UK.

Assessment Method:

Practical 20%, Set exercise 20%, Report 20%, Class test 40%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Ecological Consultancy Skills

Code:

BIMECS

Convenor:

DR Jonathan Mitchley

Summary:

This module develops key professional skills associated with the office-based elements of ecological consultancy. The module introduces the ecological consultancy industry (how it works, what it does and why it is needed), covers relevant wildlife legislation and planning policy, background data searches, development planning, project management and project tendering.  It explains some of the current biodiversity assessment tools employed by the industry including landscape ecological analysis, ecological impact assessment, biodiversity net gain and ecosystem services.  It also covers practical techniques such as GIS, Remote Sensing and quantitative analysis of ecological data.

Assessment Method:

Set exercise 50%, Report 50%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Molecular Methods for Species Identification and Survey

Code:

BIMMSIS

Convenor:

DR Hyun Soon Gweon

Summary:

This module will provide students with molecular techniques used to identify and survey species. The module will cover the basics of molecular biology to the modern molecular techniques which are increasingly becoming an important tool for environmental monitoring and survey.

Assessment Method:

Oral 20%, Report 80%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Environmental Consultancy

Code:

GVMENVC

Convenor:

DR Udeme Dickson

Summary:

You will work in a team of students to deliver an Environmental Consultancy project for a client which will involve planning and executing a sampling strategy, collecting primary data, plotting spatial data, interpreting the data to make recommendations, writing a consultancy-style report, and presenting findings to an expert panel.

You will benefit from a genuine environmental consultancy experience that can be used as a convincing case study to demonstrate competencies to future employers.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 60%, Oral 25%, Set exercise 15%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

MSc SISS Placement

Code:

BIMPLACS

Convenor:

DR Jonathan Mitchley

Summary:

This module provides the student with the opportunity to carry out work with a professional Ecological Consultancy. The student will work as directed by the consultant, carrying out surveys, tendering for projects, writing reports etc.  To achieve these ends the student will need to draw on much of the material learned during the preceding two terms.

Assessment Method:

Practical 40%, Oral 20%, Portfolio 40%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Research Project (SISS)

Code:

BIMRPS

Convenor:

DR Alastair Culham

Summary:

This module provides the student with the opportunity to carry out some original research into some aspect of ecology and conservation, including literature review and assessment of methodology. To formulate questions that can be answered within scientific methodology. To report and discuss results in a standard form suitable for scientific publication.

Assessment Method:

Dissertation 100%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.