Animal Ecology PhD/iPhD/MSc (Research)

Program Overview

The Animal Ecology PhD/iPhD/MSc (Research) Program at the University of Glasgow prepares graduates to understand the impact of environmental change on biodiversity, human health, and animal health. Students investigate the relationship between environmental change and biodiversity, temporal delays in response to changes, and spatial models of biodiversity. The program combines coursework, research projects, and thesis writing, with assessment based on research originality, data analysis, and communication skills.

Program Outline

Animal Ecology PhD/iPhD/MSc (Research) Program - University of Glasgow

Degree Overview:

Objective:

To prepare graduates to understand the consequences of rapid environmental change on biodiversity, human health, and animal health.

Description:

This program focuses on research in the field of animal ecology, investigating the impact of factors like climate change, habitat loss, and pollution on ecosystems. Students will learn to analyze and predict the consequences of these changes on biodiversity and develop solutions for mitigating their impact.

Program Length:

• PhD: 3-4 years full-time, 5 years part-time
• iPhD: 5 years full-time
• MSc (Research): 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time

Outline:

Research Focus:

• Investigating the relationship between environmental change and biodiversity
• Temporal delays in response to environmental changes
• Spatial models of biodiversity accounting for temporal data

Modules:

• Candidates choose one of the listed MSc programs based on their research interests:
• Animal Welfare Science, Ethics & Law [MSc]
• Ecology & Environmental Biology [MRes]
• Quantitative Methods in Biodiversity, Conservation & Epidemiology [MSc]

Structure:

• The program includes a combination of coursework, research projects, and thesis writing.
• The iPhD program combines an MSc and PhD project in a 1+3+1 format.

Assessment:

Assessment Methods:

• Coursework assignments
• Research project presentations
• Thesis defense

Assessment Criteria:

• Research originality and quality
• Analysis and interpretation of data
• Communication skills

Teaching:

Faculty:

Experts in animal ecology with diverse backgrounds in statistics, mathematics, bioinformatics, and physiology.

• Professor Davide Dominoni: Expertise in behavioral ecology and animal welfare
• Dr. Sofie Spatharis: Expertise in spatial ecology and conservation
• Dr. Jason Matthiopoulos: Expertise in quantitative ecology and movement ecology
• Dr. Rebecca Mancy: Expertise in animal welfare science and ethics

Teaching Methods:

• Lectures
• Seminars
• Workshops
• Individual supervision

Careers:

Potential Career Paths:

• Research scientist
• Ecologist
• Conservation biologist
• Environmental consultant
• Policy analyst

Career Support:

• University of Glasgow Careers Service

Other:

• The program utilizes state-of-the-art statistical techniques like the Integrated Nested Laplace Approximation (INLA).
• Students gain experience in data management, Geographical Information Systems, and mathematical modelling.
• The program emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration and provides opportunities to work with researchers from other fields.
• The program is offered at the University of Glasgow's School of Biodiversity, One Health, and Veterinary Medicine, a renowned research institution with excellent facilities.

UK: £4,786 International & EU: £30,240 Prices are based on the annual fee for full-time study. Fees for part-time study are half the full-time fee. Irish nationals who are living in the Common Travel Area of the UK, EU nationals with settled or pre-settled status, and Internationals with Indefinite Leave to remain status can also qualify for home fee status.