Wildlife Conservation (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.

This module will cover key areas of forensic techniques used in the investigation of wildlife crime, including the following:

• Introduction to wildlife crime scene methodology and protocol 
• Roles and responsibilities of personnel in wildlife crime investigations 
• Forensic evidence retrieval, analysis and evaluation 
• Wildlife crime law and enforcement agencies 

The module is designed to provide students with:

An Introduction to the methods and procedures used in wildlife crime scene investigation

An appreciation of how wildlife crime law (national & international) is applied 

An understanding of the roles and responsibilities of individuals investigating  wildlife crime cases

An appreciation of health and safety aspects pertaining to the investigation of wildlife crime exhibits

An appreciation of evidence identification, packaging and storage of physical evidence

Practical experience of wildlife crime scene investigation through simulated small group exercises

Enable students to evaluate evidence and use appropriate analytical techniques to extract information pertaining to the investigation

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 a graduate-level overview of a range of the following:

1. Planning and designing field research studies
2. Field identification techniques for vertebrate and invertebrate wildlife
3. Estimation of wildlife abundance and distribution in the field
4. Direct and indirect marking techniques for wildlife studies
5. Sex, age and demographic indicators in wild vertebrates
6. Risk evaluation and ethics in wildlife research
7. Recording behavioural data in the field

This module provides students with an overview of standard field techniques in wildlife research. This includes the process of wildlife research planning, study design and field techniques for estimation of abundance, distribution, behaviour and demographic indices. It also provides training in the ethical issues and risk assessment issues associated with wildlife research.

Critically assess conservation physiology and the key methodologies employed (across the taxa) with a focus on stress endocrinology, immune function and disease function using in depth knowledge of the primary literature.

Understand the key elements of stress endocrinology, immune function and disease and how these are impacted.

Understand the theoretical and practical underpinnings of enzyme-immunoassays. Carry out an EIA in the laboratory and critically analyse the assay performance and endocrine data yielded.

Discuss the ethical considerations relevant to conservation physiology.

The aim of the module is to give students a critical appreciation of the practice, ethics and underlying science of Conservation Physiology - an newly emerging field. The module will focus on two prominent aspects of this field: endocrinology and immunology.

1. Threats to global biodiversity and scientific approaches to conservation
2. Applied Population Ecology
3. Landscape Ecology
4. Wildlife and Habitat Management
5. Protected area design, monitoring and management
6. Social and economic aspects of conservation
7. Conservation planning

This module aims to provide an introduction to cutting edge conservation research and to allow students to build their experience and expertise in subjects and methods used by conservation professionals. During the course, learners will be introduced to a range of ecological approaches that are currently applied to conservation problems. The module explores the importance of landscape patterns of ecological processes as well as cultural, socio-economic and political issues which are an integral part of conservation.