Please click on this link to download a copy of our flyer:  MSc Environmental Biology: Conservation & Resource Management

This course takes a wide-ranging look at Environmental Biology. It emphasises the relationships between living organisms and the terrestrial, freshwater and marine environments and interactions that result from natural and anthropogenic processes. Advanced training is offered in the interpretation of local and global environmental issues, field and theoretical aspects of biology and ecology, and in analytical techniques.

Course Description

Compulsory Modules:

BIOM25 Science Skills & Research Methods (20 credits)
This lecture and practical based module covers science skills for students wishing to pursue postgraduate studies in Biological Sciences. It will teach students how to make good use of library and internet resources (including Web of Science, Voyager and Blackboard), to design and analyse their experiments, and to make presentations of their data during conferences and symposia. Lecture topics include Library and internet resources, including WoS, Voyager, e-mail, Blackboard + assignment, ethics and plagiarism, databases, spreadsheets, presentation skills, report writing. The module is taught in Teaching Block 1 (Sept-Dec).  Assessment for this module is 100% through continuous assessment. 

 BIOM37 Conservation of Aquatic Resources (20 credits)
This mdoule will provide students with an overview of management and conservation issues in aquatic resources.  Lecture topics include water management as well as case studies in conservation of aquatic organisms.  The module is taught in Teaching Block 1 (Sep-Dec).  Evaluation is by continuous assessment (50% of mark) and a formal examination (50% of mark).

BIOM31 Term Papers in Environmental Biology (20 credits)
In this module the students will learn to undertake an in-depth desk study based on a thorough analysis of appropriate scientific literature, and to prepare a detailed scientific review essay. Assessment for this module is 100% through continuous assessment.  Staff will provide essay titles and will assess the relevant submissions.  The title of the first term paper will be chosen by the course coordinator (40%) and the second paper will be chosen by the student (60%).

BIOM22 Environmental Assessment & Management (20 credits)
In this module the students will learn techniques and methods for Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), including the associated legislation that will enable them to assess the risks and impacts of different industrial and economic activities on environmental systems. They will also learn how to apply and develop models of ecological systems, how to predict potential impacts though modelling, and how to manage natural resources in a sustainable way. The module is taught in Teaching Block 2 (Jan-May).  Evaluation is by continuous assessment (40% of mark) and a formal examination (60% of mark).

BIOM32 Ecosystems (20 credits)
This module introduces students to terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, food webs, and the mechanisms by which biota interact and interrelate with the environment.  Students in this module will acquire an understanding for how to conduct research into free-living behaviour of marine and terrestrial organisms and understand the debate on anthropogenically driven environmental change, including climate change. This module is taught in Teaching Block 2 (Jan-Apr). Evaluation is by continuous assessment (60% of mark) and a formal examination (40% of mark).

GEGM10 Monitoring & Mapping the Changing Environment from Space (20 credits)
This module explains the use of remote sensing as a tool for gathering and analyzing information about human resources and the natural environment. It is appropriate for students who would find it valuable to understand how information about human activity and environmental change is retrieved from images of the Earth acquired by satellite or aircraft instruments. This module is taught in Teaching Block 2 (Jan-Apr). Evaluation is by continuous assessment (50% of mark) and a formal examination (50% of mark).

 Followed by a research project in Part Two:

BIOM34 Research Project in Environmental Biology (60 credits)
In this module students are given the opportunity to perform an in-depth piece of research. Topics vary widely; a list of titles is offered by staff, the Environment Agency typically offers a range of opportunities, and there is also potential for exploring your own interests (subject to logistical and safety constraints).  The investigation will typically last for 12 to 15 weeks.  The first two weeks will be spent undertaking a literature survey, a safety audit and in planning the research.  Students will be expected to spend an average of at least 30 h per week in the laboratory and/or field during the following 10 weeks.  The last three weeks will be spent completing the dissertation (of not more than 20,000 words).  An oral presentation on the project will be given in October after submission of the dissertation.

Career Prospects

The course develops skills necessary to work confidently in vocational areas such as conservation, environmental impact assessment, environmental management, monitoring and education, and fosters an objective, scientific and realistic approach to environmental biological issues that students may have to face in a professional capacity.  Graduates go on to work for government agencies such as CCW, Environment Agency, English Nature, Scottish Heritage, Fisheries Research Services, CEFAS.  Other organisations include Zoos, Wildlife Parks and Reserve, National Parks, Environmental Departments, Research and Development of SMEs as well as large companies.  Graduates also go on to do postgraduate research.

What our students say

I’ve spent four years as a student at Swansea University, three years as an undergraduate studying Marine Biology and a year as a postgraduate undertaking the MSc in Environmental Biology: Conservation and Resource Management. Whether studying or partying I can honestly say I had a fantastic time the whole way through! It was through my undergraduate study that I realised how amazingly diverse the marine ecosystem is, but also how vulnerable it can be and the level of exploitation it endures. This prompted me to undertake the MSc, which furthered my knowledge in many aspects of conservation and environmental issues around the world on sea and land. With my experience and expertise gained from studying at Swansea I have secured a job working with WWF Cymru in Cardiff as Marine Policy Officer where I am helping work towards a sustainable future for the Welsh marine environment. [David Parker, Marine Biology graduate and Environmental Biology postgraduate]