The crisis in biodiversity is a crucial challenge for current and future generations. Every day, species diversity is rapidly declining. Despite the effort of evolutionary biologists to describe biodiversity patterns and processes, they are often missing from the dialogue about conservation of the biodiversity. This course is designed for those looking for an interdisciplinary programme at the interface of social and ecological systems.

The programme is suitable for:

- students who have a strong interest in evolutionary processes on biodiversity and conservation
- graduates of biology and related degrees
- professionals working within NGOs or research institutes who wish to further develop their skills

Course highlights:

- Field trip in a tropical environment (e.g. Mauritius) to undertake tropical biodiversity and a one week field trip to Jersey focusing on captive animal management and role of zoos in conservation.
- The programme is wholly grounded in practice and students develop field skills in ecology, laboratory skills in genomics, computing skills in statistics and GIS analysis, as well as proficiency in complex data analysis and mapping.
- Integrated approach to teaching the themes of conservation, evolution and biodiversity within and across all of the topics you will undertake.
- Specialist input from partner organisations including the Durrell Conservation Trust, Ebony Forest and Mauritian Wildlife Foundation.

In case overseas travels are not possible due to governmental restrictions, guest lecturers from diverse international organisations will be invited to provide equivalent learning outcomes. UK field activities will be considered.

Entry Requirements

Are you eligible to apply?

Curriculum

Applied and Theoretical Approaches to Biodiversity, Evolution and Conservation sciences

This module focuses on the understanding of a range of theoretical and practical aspects of different natural environments, from ecology, biodiversity, evolution and conservation science. The module will provide students with high-level research training in biodiversity, focusing on the interactions between physical and biological processes and patterns of complex ecosystems.

The module provides a broad understanding of the most up to date techniques in bioinformatics, genomics and computer-aided decision making for biodiversity conservation.

Research Project

This module aims to provide an opportunity for the student to develop original and independent research investigations aimed at integrating theoretical knowledge and technical expertise to solve a practical problem at a relevant postgraduate level using appropriate research techniques.

Students will conduct a substantive piece of field or laboratory research led by a specialist supervisor.

Careers

Graduates could pursue employment with NGO's specialising in biodiversity and conservation. You will gain expertise in bioinformatics and genomics and could find employment in biotechnology companies. You will also have the skills to undertake a PhD, or be employed in a range of establishments such as: