Programme Specification for the 2023/4 academic year
MSc Evolutionary and Behavioural Ecology with International Field Course
1. Programme Details
| Programme name | MSc Evolutionary and Behavioural Ecology with International Field Course | Programme code | PTS1BIOBIOCJ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Study mode(s) | Full Time |
Academic year | 2023/4 |
| Campus(es) | Cornwall Campus |
NQF Level of the Final Award | 7 (Masters) |
2. Description of the Programme
The MSc Evolutionary and Behavioural Ecology with International Field Course programme is taught by the staff of the Centre for Ecology and Conservation (CEC), whose evolutionary and behaviour research groups are amongst the most dynamic in the UK. As an MSc student you will be integrated into these groups and conduct cutting-edge research projects that aim to make genuine contributions to the field of evolutionary and behavioural ecology. The goal is to prepare you for a future research career.
You will be trained in critically evaluating and synthesising recent research findings from the primary literature on various aspects of evolutionary and behavioural ecology, learn molecular techniques and handle specific software for genomic analyses, quantify animal behaviour in the lab and the field, become familiar with the use of theoretical models in animal behaviour, trained in experimental design and statistical analyses, undertake a substantial piece of independent research, and present your work to a discerning audience.
The Centre is the fastest growing institute of its kind in the UK and an integral part of the School of Biosciences at the Penryn Campus. Research is almost exclusively organismal, with particular emphasis on social mammals, birds, turtles, insects and microbes. We also specialise in modelling animal behaviour and species interactions and see this as essential and complementary to our whole approach. The other area of emphasis which underpins much of our work is quantitative and molecular genetics; fundamental to the evolutionary process and to conservation biology and policy issues.
3. Educational Aims of the Programme
This programme aims to:
- provide you with knowledge and understanding of topics that underpin our understanding of research-informed frontiers in evolutionary and behavioural ecology.
- provide you with a scientific, intellectual, and practical training that will enhance your employability and prepare you for autonomous lifelong learning.
- enable you to experience a supportive learning environment that fosters your academic and personal development.
- train you to identify and understand problems that relate to evolutionary and behavioural ecology.
- provide you with a thorough knowledge of the philosophical basis of the scientific method.
- develop your problem solving ability.
- provide you with a thorough understanding of how to conduct an independent research programme.
- provide you with the quantitative skills that will allow you to conduct scientific research.
4. Programme Structure
5. Programme Modules
You are also permitted to take the five-credit module LESM910 Professional Development Experience in any year. Registration on this module is subject to a competitive application process. If taken, this module will not count towards progression or award calculation.
Stage 1
180 credits of compulsory modules
a If you have mobility or health disabilities and want to undertake fieldwork, then reasonable adjustments and/or alternative assessment can be considered.
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIOM4009 | Research Project | 90 | Yes |
| BIOM4046 | Evolutionary and Behavioural Ecology: Frontiers and Approaches | 30 | No |
| BIOM4025 | Statistical Modelling | 15 | No |
| LESM006 | The Art of Science | 15 | No |
| BIOM4019 | African Behavioural Ecology Field Course (a) | 30 | No |
6. Programme Outcomes Linked to Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods
Intended Learning Outcomes
A: Specialised Subject Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
1. Recount core knowledge, and demonstrate critical awareness of current problems and/or new insights in Evolutionary and Behavioural Ecology, much of which is at, or informed by, the forefront of the field of study. | Lectures, seminars, discussion groups, oral presentations, poster presentations practical laboratory and field skills, independent reading, synthesis and essays (see module descriptions). | ILOs 1-5: Key skills: oral presentation, poster presentation, written report. Research Project: literature review, project report. Statistics module: data handling exercises, field data report, discussion sessions. Subject-specific modules: essay, discussion sessions and oral presentation, behavioural short report, laboratory report. Field course: poster presentation, behavioural monitoring training and project. |
Intended Learning Outcomes
B: Academic Discipline Core Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
6. Collate and synthesise information from multiple sources; | Lectures, seminars, discussion groups, oral presentations, poster presentations practical laboratory and field skills, independent reading, synthesis and essays (see module descriptions). | ILOs 6-9: Key skills: oral presentation, poster presentation, written report. Research Project: literature review, project report. Statistics module: data handling exercises, field data report, discussion sessions. Subject-specific modules: essay, discussion sessions and oral presentation, behavioural short report, laboratory report. Field course: poster presentation, behavioural monitoring training and project. |
Intended Learning Outcomes
C: Personal/Transferable/Employment Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
10. Deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, make sound judgements in the absence of complete data, and communicate your conclusions effectively and clearly in writing and orally to specialist and non-specialist audiences. | Lectures, seminars, discussion groups, oral presentations, poster presentations practical laboratory and field skills, independent reading, synthesis and essays (see module descriptions). | ILOs 10-13: Key skills: oral presentation, poster presentation, written report. Research Project: literature review, project report. Statistics module: data handling exercises, field data report, discussion sessions. Subject-specific modules: essay, discussion sessions and oral presentation, behavioural short report, laboratory report. Field course: poster presentation, behavioural monitoring training and project. |
7. Programme Regulations
Classification
8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning
You will be located in the Centre for Ecology and Conservation (Penryn campus), where close working relationships are fostered. You can expect reasonable access to all teaching staff through appointments and will in addition receive formative feedback from various discussion groups/in-lecture exercises throughout the delivery of each module and therefore receive essentially continuous feedback during the taught component of the programme. Project supervisors provide academic and tutorial support once you move on to the research component of the programme. In addition, the Programme Director will offer every student a meeting each term with an academic who provides guidance and feedback on assessment performance. Your progress will be monitored and you can receive up-to-date records of the assessment, achievements and progress at any stage.All modules will have ELE pages.
ELE is the University of Exeter's online Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). It provides an online set of integrated tools to support e-Learning activities and enables students to access course materials and use tools such as Discussion Forums and Quizzes to interact online.
Student/Staff Liaison Committee enables students and staff to jointly participate in the management and review of the teaching and learning provision.
9. University Support for Students and Students' Learning
10. Admissions Criteria
11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards
12. Indicators of Quality and Standards
The programme is not subject to accreditation and/ or review by professional and statutory regulatory bodies (PSRBs).
13. Methods for Evaluating and Improving Quality and Standards
14. Awarding Institution
University of Exeter
15. Lead College / Teaching Institution
Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy (ESE)
16. Partner College / Institution
Partner College(s)
Not applicable to this programme
Partner Institution
Not applicable to this programme.
17. Programme Accredited / Validated by
0
18. Final Award
MSc Evolutionary and Behavioural Ecology with International Field Course
19. UCAS Code
C793
20. NQF Level of Final Award
7 (Masters)
21. Credit
| CATS credits | ECTS credits |
|---|
22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group
23. Dates
| Origin Date | 26/10/2006 |
Date of last revision | 21/11/2022 |
|---|
