MSc in Marine Ecosystem Management

The modules published below are examples of what has been taught in previous academic years and may be subject to change before you start your program.

Semester 1

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

• Marine Biodiversity and Ecosystem Function: provides core biological and methodological classes covering environmental drivers, marine biodiversity, and ecosystem function, their importance and evaluation; module involves local boat-based data collection and analysis, including an introduction to Geographic Information Systems for Environmental Management
• Mathematical and statistical modeling for Biologists: applies mathematical ideas to questions in biology and introduces methods for fitting models to biological data mainly using R software.

Semester 2

Semester 2 combines two compulsory modules with a choice of two optional modules.

The following modules are compulsory:

• Ecosystem-based Management of Marine Systems: introduces the concept of 'ecosystem-based management', exploring its development from more simplistic, single-species approaches.
• Marine Conservation Case Study: explores in detail the ecological and socio-economical issues and approaches to managing stakeholder interests in a local marine ecosystem (with field day trips).

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

• Current Issues in Biologging: presents an introduction to the theory and practice of logging and relaying physical and biological data using animal-attached tags
• Estimating Animal Abundance and Biodiversity: introduces the main types of survey methods for wildlife populations
• Fisheries Research: provides an introduction to the utilization of fish stocks in a sustainable way
• Population Biology: covers the essentials of population dynamics and population modeling including population genetics, trophic interactions, and spatial dynamics
• Predator Ecology in Polar Ecosystems - Antarctica: theoretical and practical field course including a vessel-based trip to Antarctica (requires payment of an expedition fee, offered only if international travel conditions allow)
• Scientific Diving: field course at a tropical diving location (requires suitable diving qualifications and payment of expedition fee, offered only if international travel conditions allow).

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 project plans.

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.

Teaching

Teaching format

The course consists of two taught semesters and an independent research project finishing with a written dissertation and poster presentation.

The research project takes place during the entire year with a particular focus on the last three months from June to August.

The modular curriculum is designed to be coherent, providing integrated training for future careers in scientific research, management, or conservation. Teaching takes the form of:

• Lectures
• Seminars
• Debates
• Workshops
• Tutorials.

Practicals involve lab work, fieldwork, modeling, and computer-based data analysis.

Class sizes usually range from 5 to 30 students, depending on the module.

Support

There is a strong focus on small-group teaching so that students are individually supported and can ask for help when it is needed.

The aim is that graduates of this course will be part of the next generation of managers and marine scientists delivering integrated ecosystem management around the world.

Graduates of the course have undertaken careers in government agencies, environmental consultancies, and the commercial marine sector, both within the UK and abroad.

Further study

Many MSc graduates continue their education by enrolling in PhD programs at St Andrews or elsewhere. PhD students at the School of Biology at St Andrews have the opportunity to undertake a research degree in their chosen subject area where research interests span the breadth of biological science.