Programme Specification for the 2025/6 academic year
MSc Evolution, Behaviour and Ecology with International Field Course
1. Programme Details
| Programme name | MSc Evolution, Behaviour and Ecology with International Field Course | Programme code | PTS1ECCECCCB |
|---|---|---|---|
| Study mode(s) | Level 1 |
Academic year | 2025/6 |
| 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
The following tables describe the programme and constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual programme review of this programme.
The following tables describe the programme and constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual programme review of this programme.
You may take optional modules as long as any necessary prerequisites have been satisfied, where the timetable allows, and if you have not already taken the module in question or an equivalent module.
If you have mobility or health disabilities that prevent you from undertaking intensive fieldwork, reasonable adjustments and/or alternative assessment can be considered.
This could include replacing a fieldwork module with an alternative in agreement with the Director of Education.
Stage 1
180 credits of compulsory modules:
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 |
| BIOM422 | Animal Behaviour and Global Challenges | 15 | No |
| BIOM423 | Evolutionary Principles in the Galapagos Island Field Course | 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
Full details of assessment regulations for all taught programmes can be found in the TQA Manual, specifically in the Credit and Qualifications Framework, and the Assessment, Progression and Awarding: Taught Programmes Handbook. Additional information, including Generic Marking Criteria, can be found in the Learning and Teaching Support Handbook.
8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning
9. University Support for Students and Students' Learning
Please refer to the University Academic Policy and Standards guidelines regarding support for students and students' learning.
10. Admissions Criteria
Undergraduate applicants must satisfy the Undergraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.
Postgraduate applicants must satisfy the Postgraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.
Specific requirements required to enrol on this programme are available at the respective Undergraduate or Postgraduate Study Site webpages.
11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards
Each academic programme in the University is subject to an agreed College assessment and marking strategy, underpinned by institution-wide assessment procedures.
The security of assessment and academic standards is further supported through the appointment of External Examiners for each programme. External Examiners have access to draft papers, course work and examination scripts. They are required to attend the Board of Examiners and to provide an annual report. Annual External Examiner reports are monitored at both College and University level. Their responsibilities are described in the University's code of practice. See the University's TQA Manual for details.
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
Not applicable to this programme.
18. Final Award
MSc Evolution, Behaviour and Ecology with International Field Course
19. UCAS Code
Not applicable to this programme.
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 | 24/09/2024 |
|---|
