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• Programme overview

• The programme starts in the first semester with background information on research methodology and the science behind marine conservation, while also focusing on marine conservation in practice through a module that spans 2 semesters. This will involve day workshops, often with external conservation organisations, to gain experience of the hurdles, issues and barriers faced in the 'real world' and solutions to marine conservation issues that our external partners are developing. We will also be exploring key methodologies from assessing the health of sea floor ecosystems to how marine conservation charities are run and you get the opportunity in teams to develop and present issues and solutions for a topic of your choice. In semester 2 we will also look more closely at how we manage marine ecosystems, and you have a choice of modules either focusing on environmental economics or conservation of small populations. The final semester is spent with an external partner undertaking your marine conservation project, which you have developed with the partner over the previous two semesters.

  Core modules

  MAR513
  Research Skills and Methods 20 credits

  This module aims to equip students with the practical skills and contextual framework for conducting high quality research. Emphasis is placed on workshop opportunities to acquire and practice research planning, analysis, communication, writing and oral presentation skills.

  50% Coursework

  30% Practicals

  20% Tests

  MAR530
  Managing Marine Ecosystems 20 credits

  The module will provide students with an understanding of marine ecosystems and their vulnerability to anthropogenic threats. Anticipatory and responsive management measures will be discussed, including relevant marine conservation agreements, legislation and policy.

  100% Coursework

  MAR532
  Marine Conservation Practice 40 credits

  This module focuses on how organisations undertake marine conservation in practice, the hurdles to this and how they are overcome, It allows direct interaction between practitioners and students through all-day workshops and field visits.

  50% Coursework

  50% Practicals

  MBIO505
  Marine Conservation Theory 20 credits

  This module provides the science and social science theory underpinning marine conservation practice. The module will be delivered using a series of "podules" covering several key "hot topics" that enables the theoretical background to be explored along with fast-moving conservation priorities and evidence.

  100% Coursework

  PROJ522
  MSc Dissertation 60 credits

  The student will complete an independent research project that they have designed. The project can be submitted in a journal paper format, a dissertation or another written format as appropriate to the discipline. The write-up will include project aims, research problem to be addressed, methodology, data analysis, interpretation, discussion/synthesis, conclusions, supported by Figures and Tables, as appropriate.

  100% Coursework

  Optional modules

  ANIM5007
  Small Population Conservation 20 credits

  The principles and problems of managing small populations of animals are explored both in situ and ex situ. The methods by which species can be conserved are explored and critiqued. In particular this module addresses obstacles and considerations for captive wild animal population management for conservation using a range of perspectives including reproductive, genetic, behavioural and practical considerations.

  100% Coursework

  GEES506
  Climate Change: Science and Policy 20 credits

  This module explores the science and policy of climatic change, including lessons from the past and the relevance of past climates to the global warming debate. We question climate change detection and attribution, feedbacks and uncertainty in climate change. We explore political actions through international political agreements and national policies and adaptation strategies and management of change in the UK

  50% Coursework

  50% Practicals

MSc Marine Conservation programme specification_6469