Marine Ecosystem Management (Taught)

The MSc in Marine Ecosystem Management is a one-year taught programme run by the School of Biology. The programme takes a holistic approach to understanding ecosystem function and services, and draws on the quantitative and diverse academic expertise within the University's Scottish Oceans Institute (SOI).

Highlights

• Modules include intense training in quantitative techniques (for example, statistical modelling and GIS).

• You might have the exciting opportunity to conduct fieldwork locally as part of a core module and further afield as part of optional field courses (extra cost applicable) including polar ecology in Antarctica or scientific diving in a tropical location.

• Core modules in marine ecosystem function and management are complemented by a selection from optional modules including marine conservation case study, biologging, population biology, fisheries research, and estimating abundance.

• Stimulating, small class sizes with a focus on student-led, experiential learning.

During Semester 1, students follow a coherent course of modules that provides sound training in essential skills for managing marine ecosystems. The first semester combines two compulsory modules with a choice of one of two further optional modules.

• Marine Biodiversity and Ecosystem Functioning
• Mathematical and statistical modelling for Biologists

In addition, students choose one optional module from the following:

• Environmental Drivers of Marine Habitats
• Geographic Information Systems for Environmental Management

Semester 2 combines one compulsory module with a choice of three optional modules.

The following module is compulsory:

• Ecosystem-based Management of Marine Systems

Students choose three optional modules. Here is a sample of optional modules that may be offered.

• Current Issues in Biologging
• Estimating Animal Abundance and Biodiversity
• Fisheries Research
• Population Biology
• Marine Conservation Case Study
• Predator Ecology in Polar Ecosystems - Antarctica
• Scientific Diving

Research Project:
Throughout the academic year, students complete a research project which will culminate in a written dissertation and the presentation of a poster at the MSc student conference. Projects may involve some fieldwork but will be primarily focused on the analysis of existing data. Students can choose from a range of projects suggested by supervisors and also take an active role in designing their own project plan.

If students choose not to complete the dissertation requirement for the MSc, there is an exit award available that allows suitably qualified candidates to receive a Postgraduate Diploma. By choosing an exit award, you will finish your degree at the end of the second semester of study and receive a PGDip instead of an MSc.