Marine and Coastal Resource Management (with optional Placement/Project year) MSc

1) Genetics as a tool for conservation

2) Genetic markers

3) The use of non-invasive genetic techniques

4) Population-level genetic processes

5) Phylogenetic Comparative Methods

6) Interpreting genetic data to inform management

This module aims to provide an introduction to cutting-edge genetic and genomic techniques that are used to inform conservation actions. During the course, learners will be introduced, both theoretically and practically, to the genetic approaches that are currently implemented to inform conservation management actions for species in the wild. The module explores the importance of genetic processes to species survival and how genetic techniques can be used as a tool to answered questions of conservation concern.

1. Introduction to module; 2. Project planning; 3. Literature searching, evaluation and referencing; 4. Identification of ethical issues and application for approval; 5. Quantitative research design; 6. Statistical methods; 7. Preparation for scientific dissemination: Preparing journal articles, scientific posters and oral presentations.

1. To provide the student with an opportunity to investigate systematically, and in depth, a topic of direct relevance to the programme of study and his/her personal interests.
2. To enable the student to draw on and contribute to the development of the growing body of knowledge relevant to the programme of study and his/her personal interests.
3. To present the outcomes of personal research in the form of a) scientific paper, in the form of a journal article, b) scientific poster and c) oral presentation.

This module provides learners with advanced theory and key practical skills related to:

1. Key ecological concepts and threats associated with the marine environment
2. Marine processes and habitats
3. Taxanomic identification of coastal flora and fauna
4. Identifying, measuring, sampling and monitoring intertidal habitats
5. Abundance, distribution, and community composition of foramnifera in coastal habitats
6. Trophic associations between planktonic, nektonic, and benthic communities
7. Assessment criteria for habitat management, and species conservation

This module provides advanced theoretical knowledge of the ecological processes that are fundamental to the field of marine ecology and equips students with cutting-edge field and practical skills for their professional career development. Associated topics are applied to coastal ecosystems in which geographic distribution, key species and habitats, and important ecosystem services are explored.

This module provides learners with advanced theoretical knowledge and practical skills in:

1. Key concepts of marine resource exploitation and management
2. Current and historical trends in global fisheries
3. Oil and mineral extraction
4. Aquaculture and mariculture
5. Tourism
6. Global and regional policy
7. Management design
8. Case studies profiling how biological knowledge can inform practical management for marine species and their habitats.

The module provides students with a detailed understanding of the key concepts associated with the exploitation of marine and coastal resources, the effects of overexploitation, and why marine resources need to be managed.  It provides insight into the legal frameworks that determine habitat management protocols, their governance, and enforcement.  This includes the process of designing best practice and policy recommendations for species and site management, which is a fundamental skill for professionals working in the sector. The module also provides graduate level introduction to the process of monitoring marine resource management post intervention in specific situations.

This module provides learners with advanced theoretical knowledge and practical skills in:

1. Planning and designing marine field research
2. Water based field techniques for surveying marine habitats
3. Field identification techniques for marine flora and fauna
4. Demographic indicators of marine species
5. Techniques for marine wildlife monitoring
6. Marine habitat assessment and management design
7. Risk evaluation and ethics in marine wildlife research

Learners meeting acceptance criteria have the option to undertake a non-credit bearing EN 14153-2/ISO 24801-2 certified diving qualification separately through GUE^*. This qualification can be augmented by a GUE scientific diving class as part of the field course. This training component meets the standards of the European Scientific Diving Panel.

^* Please note that students opting to undertake scientific dive training are subject to additional costs.

The aim of this module is to train students in fundamental water based field techniques for surveying marine habitats and species. The module is designed to deliver advanced marine biology theory and facilitate the development of a comprehensive range of practical and professional skills that are required by today’s employers in government, NGO, and consultancy sectors.  It also provides students with hands-on experience of marine habitat management and conservation.