CNS Postgraduate Prospectus 2015-16 by Bangor University

College of Natural Sciences

COLLEGE OF NATURAL SCIENCES

POSTGRADUATE PROSPECTUS 2015/16 www.bangor.ac.uk/cns

WELCOME

Our international links are extensive and our research interests extend across a range of habitats with global signiﬁcance from coral reefs to the polar ice caps.

College of Natural Sciences

The college is comprised of three schools: The School of Biological Sciences, which offers a range of degrees from evolution and ecology to cellular and molecular biology; the School of Environment, Natural Resources and Geography, which offers degrees in environmental sciences, geography, conservation, forestry and natural resource management; and the School of Ocean Sciences, which offers a range of courses from marine biology, through to oceanography, applied marine sciences, and coastal geography. Bangor provides a superb range of marine, freshwater, wild and farmed terrestrial environments locally, as well as access to experience and opportunities through the global reach and connections of the academic staff and former students. First-class research and teaching facilities are there to be used by students including molecular biology and DNA sequencing facilities, a Botanic Garden, experimental grounds, a University-based farming business, experimental areas for forestry, as well as the university research vessel, RV Prince Madog. The Biocomposities Centre, and the Centre for Applied Marine Science (CAMS), are major contributors to knowledge transfer and enterprise in the College.

Our Graduate School provides dedicated support to graduate students and offers the ﬁnest environment for personal and academic development for students across disciplines and from different backgrounds and countries. Bangor is a friendly and welcoming place to study where individual aspirations can be met because of its size, accessibility of staff and friendly atmosphere. It is a great place to be a student and we are conﬁdent that you will not only learn a lot, but that you will have a hugely enjoyable time doing so.

“A long established university (founded in 1884) and dedicated to academic excellence. Recognised for world-leading research and rated in the top 10 in the UK for student satisfaction (NSS 2014).”

Design: viewcreative.co.uk

The College of Natural Sciences at Bangor University is one of the leading centres in the UK for teaching and research in biology, environmental sciences, geography, and ocean sciences. We aim to educate and train a new generation of scientists aware of societal needs in a world-class research-led environment.

LOCATION Bangor is the ideal location for the study of natural sciences, set between the mountains and forests of Snowdonia National Park and Gwynedd’s dramatic coastline, providing a ‘living laboratory’ for much of our teaching and research. The School of Ocean Science is ideally situated on the banks of the Menai Strait on the Southern part of the Isle of Anglesey, whilst Biological Sciences and Environment, Natural Resources and Geography are based in the centre of Bangor.

HOW TO FIND US Bangor is situated on the north Wales coast and is easy to reach from any part of the UK. If you’re coming to Bangor by car, there are excellent road links along the north Wales coast, linking to the UK motorway network.

FACILITIES There are excellent facilities at Bangor, including large, modern, well-equipped teaching and research laboratories; a £3.5 million seagoing research vessel and three smaller inshore vessels; a Botanic Garden; a Natural History Museum with extensive invertebrate and vertebrate collections; a Research Farm; along with extensive marine and freshwater aquaria. Seabird, seal and dolphin populations are resident locally and accessible for ﬁeld study. Collaborative links with local and overseas organisations give us access to environments from the deep sea to tropical rain forests.

The College is associated with the Environment Centre Wales, a research institute for the integration of environmental sciences which is a partnership venture between Bangor University and the Natural Environment Research Council’s Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (CEH). The Centre is housed in a state-of-the-art building using energy efﬁciency measures, natural light and renewable energy technologies. The building has an international reputation as an exemplar building of sustainable design and construction, and is one of only three buildings worldwide to have received a commendation for its sustainable credentials.

A major redevelopment of the campus has recently taken place, including a £10 million business and management centre, a dedicated building for the study of environmental sciences, and a £35 million development of student residences to meet the high demand for contemporary living accommodation. Furthermore, a £42m University Performing Arts and Innovation Centre is due to open in 2015, which will be home to cutting-edge teaching and learning facilities, a theatre with a capacity of between 450-550 seats, cinema space, a studio theatre as well as social facilities including bars, dining and park areas.

The nearest airports are Liverpool and Manchester International, which are both less than 2 hours away. Bangor is on the main railway line to Holyhead and is served by direct trains to London Euston (approximately 3.5 hours travelling time), Manchester, Birmingham and Cardiff. The railway station is a short walk from most of the University buildings. Direct Ferry Connections from nearby Holyhead to Ireland are fast and frequent.

Bangor

www.bangor.ac.uk/cns

CONTENTS

1. College of Natural Sciences a. b. c. d.

Facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .03 Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .03 Research . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .05 Postgraduate Programmes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .06

e. Research Knowledge Transfer and Enterprise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .06

2. School of Biological Sciences a. Postgraduate Courses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .09 b. Module Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 c. Research Degrees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

3. School of Environment, Natural Resources and Geography a. Postgraduate Courses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 b. Module Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 c. Research Degrees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

4. School of Ocean Sciences a. Postgraduate Courses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33 b. Module Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36 c. Research Degrees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39

5. International Students. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40 6. Tuition Fees, Scholarships and Admissions Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41 7. Study Somewhere Special . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42

College of Natural Sciences

RESEARCH The College of Natural Sciences has an international research reputation in areas critical to society, such as research into the implications of climate change, the promotion of sustainable development and the conservation of biodiversity. More than 80% of our research has been rated as worldleading or internationally excellent (REF 2014). This places the College in the top 20 amongst UK universities in the subject areas of Environmental Science and Agriculture. Research strength is growing rapidly in the College with its quality rating increasing by 20% since the 2008 assessment, the 5th highest increase of any UK university in Environmental Science. Through its strategic alliance with Aberystwyth University in the Biosciences, Environmental and Agricultural Science, the College is now in 4th place in UK in “research power” (the quantity of high-quality research) in Agriculture and 14th in Environmental Science. A particularly notable component of this success is the rating of the impact of the College’s research on the economy, society and the environment, with more than 60% of the cases rated in the highest category of “worldleading”. This research with impact ranges from: •conservation and sustainable management of ﬁsheries and peatlands (including the use of advanced biological techniques) • predicting and combating climate change through improved ocean forecasting, marine energy production and carbon footprinting of food products. • breeding new varieties of rice, maize and pearl millet improving farmer livelihoods and food security

• biotechnology to improve production of healthy food ingredients

Our research is organised into the following research groups:

ENVIRONMENTAL AND EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY Environmental and evolutionary biology integrates the fields of genomics, physiology and ecology to explore the interactions between populations, species, communities and the broader environment on both contemporary and historical timescales. We address major fundamental questions such as the role of environmental change and ancient hybridisation in the generation of cichlid fish diversity and the energetics of transHimalayan bird flight. We also apply our expertise in plant genetics for the sustainable production of biorenewables, in environmental metagenomics to mitigate pollution, in microbial biotechnology to understand major tree diseases and in reptile genomics in developing public health provision of effective anti-venom to treat snakebites. We have recently strengthened our research capacity in bioinformatics, analysis of full genome sequences and ancient DNA.

EARTH SYSTEM SCIENCE AND CLIMATE CHANGE The earth system science and climate change theme aims to integrate new discoveries of past climate change with those of the impacts of contemporary climate change on ecosystems, communities and organisms, investigating potential mitigation through marine renewable energy and enhanced management of terrestrial and coastal environments. For this we draw on our expertise in palaeoceanography, sclerochronology, ocean physics, tidal mixing, ocean and terrestrial biogeochemistry, ecology and applied psychology.

INTEGRATION OF CATCHMENT AND COASTAL PROCESSES Research is directed at the physical, chemical, and biological processes and responses that characterise the coupled land-ocean system between river catchments and the edge of the continental shelf. Emphasis is on the major challenges that arise from climate change and human activity since the land-ocean boundary is both the most intensively exploited by man and the most susceptible to climatic perturbations. Much of the research is focused on critical interfaces in the system: land/river, river/estuary, estuary/shelf, shelf edge, sea bed, sea surface.

ECOSYSTEM CONSERVATION AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Marine, wetland, forest and agroecologists work with biogeochemists, modellers and social scientists to address threats to biodiversity by climate change, habitat loss, over exploitation and invasive species. The world-leading Centre for Evidence-Based Conservation uses systematic review to provide evidence on environmental management and conservation targeted at the needs of managers and policymakers. Signiﬁcant research is undertaken on Ecosystem Services and Poverty Alleviation, including a major project investigating whether capturing the value of providing global ecosystem services can reduce poverty in Madagascar. A major conduit for addressing sustainability issues in the marine environment is the SEACAMS (Sustainable Expansion of the Applied Coastal and Marine Sectors) collaborative research programme, which aims to facilitate collaborative research with the commercial marine sector.

www.bangor.ac.uk/cns

POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMMES We offer a wide range of taught postgraduate degrees, and formally structured research degree programmes at the Masters and doctoral level. Many of these are one-year, full-time, taught Masters (MSc and MA) programmes but there are also distance learning courses, and two-year taught Masters’ programmes that result in a double degree award. Many of the taught Masters courses have a common structure involving a series of modules designed to deliver specialised education and training. Field courses and outside visits are an integral part of many of our programmes. Students also complete a piece of original research in a chosen ﬁeld relevant to their degree subject. The taught part of the course runs from late September

to early June, followed by the dissertation phase, which runs from June to September. Applicants are normally expected to have a first degree in an appropriate subject but the College also welcomes enquiries from individuals with different qualifications or relevant experience. The College offers Master of Research (MRes/MScRes), Master of Philosophy (MPhil), and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) research programmes in a wide range of subject areas that reflect our research expertise. As well as offering strong support for research activities, the College offers unique opportunities for students to conduct project work under internationally recognised supervisors. Students

also beneﬁt from our extensive local, national and international links with state and private sector organisations. The MRes/MScRes is a one-year full-time research programme that differs from a taught Masters programme by placing more emphasis on research. It is also available on a part-time basis. To obtain a PhD, which normally takes 3 years full-time, the student is expected to conduct independent research that will make an original contribution to knowledge about that particular subject and present this in the form of a thesis. The MPhil usually takes 2 years full-time to complete, and also involves independent research and completion of a thesis but this may be extension of existing knowledge rather than an original contribution.

RESEARCH KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER & ENTERPRISE Knowledge transfer and enterprise activities are carried out by the Biocomposites Centre, SBBS and Centre for Applied Marine Sciences (CAMS). The Biocomposites Centre is at the forefront of research, development and the commercial application of bio-based alternatives to synthetic materials in manufacturing and industry. SBBS is a newly emerging group of sustainable development specialists who appraise businesses

College of Natural Sciences

to help them understand where they’re at, in terms of sustainability, and advise them how to improve. The Centre for Applied Marine Sciences (CAMS), which is embedded in the School of Ocean Sciences, provides contract research and consultancy services in ocean modelling, marine biology, coastal zone management and aquaculture and incorporates SeaCams (Sustainable Expansion of the Applied Coastal and Marine Sectors); a partnership of internationally

recognised marine research experts from three leading Universities in Wales; Bangor, Aberystwyth and Swansea.

BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES “I CHOSE TO STAY IN BANGOR BECAUSE I LOVE THE CITY AND SURROUNDING AREA, AND CAN’T FAULT THE LEVEL OF TEACHING AND SUPPORT PROVIDED BY THE ACADEMIC SCHOOLS AND THE UNIVERSITY. HERE AT BANGOR WE ALSO HAVE A THRIVING POSTGRADUATE COMMUNITY, WITH ITS OWN FORUM AND SOCIAL CLUB WHICH BRINGS TOGETHER STUDENTS FROM ALL ACADEMIC SCHOOLS. I WOULD DEFINITELY ENCOURAGE MORE POSTGRADUATES TO STUDY AT BANGOR!”

LINDSAY PEPPIN PHD IN WILDLIFE FORENSICS www.bangor.ac.uk/biology

The School of Biological Sciences offers degrees across the spectrum of modern biology, including zoology and conservation. We pride ourselves on our supportive and friendly atmosphere, the international standard of our research and the high quality of our teaching. Some of our plant biology teaching and research is carried out in the Treborth Botanic Garden situated along the Menai Strait which offers landscaped gardens, and a range of grassland and woodland habitats. The School is unusual in boasting its own Natural History Museum with a large collection of vertebrate and invertebrate specimens, and extensive marine and freshwater aquaria. We currently offer undergraduate degrees in Biology; Biology with Biotechnology; Zoology; Zoology with Animal Behaviour; Zoology with Conservation; Zoology with Herpetology; and Zoology with Marine Zoology. Master degrees are available in many of our undergraduate degree programmes. To achieve a Master you will study a fourth year, following on from three years of undergraduate study. During this extra year you will undertake an individual research project, accompanied by 30 taught credits.

School of Biological Sciences

As a postgraduate you can study one-year taught Masters Degrees in Molecular Biology with Biotechnology; Wetland Science and Conservation; and Wetland Science for Pollution Control. One year research (MRes/MScRes) degrees, are also available. These differ from the taught Masters programmes by placing emphasis on research methods and the research project. Some of the areas available for research degrees are the application of metagneomics and other genetic and OMICs approaches to the discovery and monitoring of species and community diversity, as well as the exploration of microbial habitats rich in industrially-relevant enzymes; behavioural ecology of threatened species; speciation and evolution of venom and venomous snakes and other reptiles; population genetics and morphological, physiological and behavioural adaptation to changing environments in a variety of organisms; paleogenetics and paleogenomics; host-symbiont evolution and molecular parasitology; crustacean neuroendocrinology and neurogenetics; cellular and molecular mechanisms of nervous system development; carbon storage and cycling in relation to aquatic and wetland systems; A full list of topics can be found on the School website.

We receive substantial ﬁnancial support from Research Councils, charities, government departments the European Commission, and British and overseas industry. Our postdoctoral base is strengthened by individuallysponsored Fellowships from the NERC and the European Commission (e.g. Marie-Curie). Our diverse interests facilitate a wide exchange of interdisciplinary ideas and techniques and promote collaborations both within the School and with colleagues in other institutions and industry, in the UK and Overseas.

‘BANGOR UNIVERSITY HAS BEEN PLACED IN THE 100 TOP UNIVERSITIES IN THE WORLD IN A NEW TABLE LISTING THE MOST INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITIES WORLDWIDE, PUBLISHED BY THE TIMES HIGHER MAGAZINE.’

BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES POSTGRADUATE COURSES MSC MOLECULAR BIOLOGY WITH BIOTECHNOLOGY This taught postgraduate degree course provides intensive training in this important area of biology and is designed both for new graduates and for those wishing to develop and extend their expertise in this area. The course has a strong practical emphasis and will provide the advanced theoretical and practical background necessary for employment in the Biotechnology industry, as well as equipping students with the knowledge required to pursue advanced studies in this area. The course consists of a taught component and a research project. During the taught phase of the degree, you will take a range of modules covering Agrobacterium Ti plasmid based plant transformation vectors and the development of transgenic crops; the use and

interpretation of microarrays and proteome systems; the development of transgenic ﬁsh and the diagnosis of ﬁsh diseases using molecular markers; bioremediation, biomining and the use of bacteria to degrade novel organic pollutants; and stem cell technologies and the diagnosis of genetic disease using single nucleotide polymorphisms. During this part of the course, you will also take part in intensive laboratory exercises designed to introduce you to essential techniques in molecular biology and biotechnology including nucleic acid and protein extraction, PCR and QTL analysis, northern, southern and western blotting etc.

COURSE STRUCTURE  Marine Biotechnology  Plant Biotechnology  Techniques of Molecular Biology & Biotechnology  Environmental & Industrial Biotechnology  Genomes & Molecular Genetics  Bioinformatical Analysis Tools  Medical Biotechnology  Project Preparation  Research Project

The research project will take place during the summer and will be conducted under the direct supervision of one of the staff involved in teaching the course. Students will be able to choose their research project from a wide range of topics related to the taught material.

www.bangor.ac.uk/biology

MSC WETLAND SCIENCE AND CONSERVATION

MSC WETLAND SCIENCE FOR POLLUTION CONTROL

This taught one-year course will give students a thorough understanding of all aspects of wetland science and ecology. Students will also gain experience and knowledge on the complex conservation, restoration and management issues associated with wetlands. Field and laboratory work will cover the latest techniques in environmental analysis needed for contemporary wetland monitoring and experimentation.

This taught one-year course will give students a thorough understanding of all aspects of wetland science required for understanding, design and construction of treatment wetlands for pollution control. Students will learn the theoretical and practical skills needed in the application of a range of treatment wetlands for pollution control and water management. Field and laboratory work will also cover the latest techniques in environmental analysis needed for contemporary wetland monitoring and experimentation.

COURSE STRUCTURE  Wetland Ecosystem Services  Wetland Classes and Biodiversity  Wetland Hydrology and Biogeochemistry  Wetland Conservation and Management  Wetland Field Course  Project Preparation  Research Project

COURSE STRUCTURE  Wetland Classes and Biodiversity  Wetland Hydrology and Biogeochemistry  Wetland Ecosystem Services  Wetland Field Course  Constructed Wetlands  Project Preparation  Research Project View our location, take a tour of the campus, and have a look at our courses on our Virtual Open Day at bangor.ac.uk/virtualopenday-international

School of Biological Sciences

BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES MODULES

BIOINFORMATICAL ANALYSIS TOOLS The purpose of this module is to teach PG research & Masters students how to utilise online bioinformatics tools to analyse (i) DNA & RNA, (ii) genomes and (iii) proteins. These skills are essential for the successful completion of modern research projects and provide PG students with transferable employability skills. The teaching strategy uses problem based-learning in combination with three workshops. These workshops take place in a computer room allowing students instant access to the software tools. They are structured according to the three main biological topics (DNA & RNA, genomes, proteins) and equip students with the tools required to solve a set research problem. Students are offered two drop-in sessions to resolve any issues they may encounter during the problem solving exercise.

CONSTRUCTED WETLANDS This module covers the main theoretical and applied aspects on the use of treatment wetlands to improve water quality. It will also look at some of the other ecosystem

services provided by treatment wetlands, such as habitat creation and carbon sequestration. Students undertaking this module will gain a detailed understanding of designing and constructing effective treatment wetlands.

10% per year! From artisanal roots, the current focus of the industry is now ﬁrmly based in modern technologies. This module aims to introduce students to marine biotechnology by addressing topical issues.

ENVIRONMENTAL & INDUSTRIAL BIOTECHNOLOGY

MEDICAL MICROBES, VIRUSES AND PARASITES

This module will be broadly divided into two sections – the first dealing with bioremediation and biomining and the second dealing with the use of microorganisms to tackle marine oil pollution as well as to enhance oil recovery. The first section will cover various aspects of metal-microbe interactions, most specifically the use of micro-organisms that live in extremely acidic environments (acidophiles). In the second section, the use of Alcanivorax borkumensis, the key player in marine oil degradation worldwide and the first marine oil-degrading bacterium ever sequenced, will be examined.

The aim of this module is to develop an understanding of the medical and molecular aspects of infection and toxins. Topics covered will include medically important bacteria, viruses, parasites and venoms. The microbial section of the module will discuss “normal flora”, its role in disease and factors affecting microbial pathogenesis. Infectious disease of major and minor organ systems and the efficacy of antibiotics and in vitro techniques used to measure antibiotic susceptibility will be explored. The section on viral disease will discuss major human blood borne viruses. The final section of the module will explore the molecular aspects of “parasitical diseases” and venoms.

MARINE BIOTECHNOLOGY During the last 20 years marine biotechnology has been, and continues to be, of prime importance to aquaculture worldwide. This truly global industry is one of the few that continues to grow at approximately www.bangor.ac.uk/biology

MEDICAL BIOTECHNOLOGY

PROJECT PREPARATION

WETLAND FIELD COURSE

This is a lecture module designed to equip students with an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the medical aspects of biotechnology. Topics covered will include; bioinformatics in medicine, cancer immunotherapy, stem cells in regenerative medicine, biomaterials in regenerative medicine, pharmacogenomics of angiogenesis, novel antimicrobial agents and their design and other future medical biotechnologies.

The purpose of this module is to prepare students for the research project. The student will become proﬁcient in researching (processing, interpreting, evaluating and presenting published research information) and improve their presentation skills (via written scientiﬁc reports, posters and seminars). They will also become familiar with a key research topic.

A week-long ﬁeld course to include 5 day-long ﬁeld excursions to contrasting wetland sites. The site visits provide opportunities to observe, identify and study the ecology of characteristic plants and animals of all the major wetland habitats within the location. Introductory lectures describe the ecological and evolutionary environment of the destination.

RESEARCH PROJECT

PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY

WETLAND CLASSES AND BIODIVERSITY

All registered students who have passed the theory modules undertake a research project under the supervision of a member of academic staff. The project addresses a biological question or topic by practical experimentation in a laboratory setting. Experimental work will be conducted either as an individual or as a member of a small group researching related aspects of a single topic. This module is designed to give students experience in conducting independent research.

This module aims to cover aspects of plant biotechnology from transformation to societal issues to do with genetically modiﬁed crops. Agrobacterium biology will be covered in detail, including the construction of Ti plasmid vectors and how these are used in plant transformation. This module will also cover modern methods of plant breeding including QTL analysis and marker assisted selection with respect to breeding for abiotic stress resistance.

School of Biological Sciences

The purpose of this module is to explain in detail to students the scientiﬁc basis for classifying global wetlands, critically evaluate common classiﬁcation schemes, and discuss their implications for the biodiversity and adaptations required for life within wetlands, and the surrounding environment.

WETLAND HYDROLOGY AND BIOGEOCHEMISTRY

WETLAND ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

The objective of this module is to provide participants with the concepts involved in biogeochemical cycling of nutrients, metals, and toxic organic compounds in wetlands and aquatic systems. Participants will learn practical contemporary wetland monitoring and experimentation techniques.

This module is designed to give the student an in-depth understanding of wetland ecosystem services, their uses at economic, social, cultural and scientiﬁc levels. The module starts with a general introduction to ecosystem services and will cover deﬁnition, characterisation and methods used in evaluation of ecosystem services. The use of ecosystem services in assigning economic value to wetlands will then be covered, along with the generation practical valuation to drive conservation practices. Finally the module focuses on current use of ecosystem service valuations and possible risks, associated with long term reliance on these practices as the sole driver of conservation practice.

The environmental and ecological signiﬁcance of biogeochemical processes will be described in relation to elemental cycling, water quality, carbon sequestration, and global climate change.

“The course is great for graduates who are interested in extending their knowledge of biotechnology issues – the modules cover a range of topics from oil remediation, medical biotechnology to GM crops, and ways in which to assess and remedy these with the use of molecular genetics. The workload is intensive yet manageable and the staff are extremely helpful and will always make time for students who request assistance.” LIZ SMITH MSc Molecular Biology with Biotechnology

www.bangor.ac.uk/biology

BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES RESEARCH DEGREES (MRES/MSCRES/PHD/ MPHIL) The School supports a vigorous research base in a number of areas including animal behaviour, endocrinology, energetics and physiology, molecular ecology, ﬁsheries genetics, microbial biodegradation and bioremediation, genomics of microorganisms and plants, plant systems and technology, and wetland biogeochemistry. Research within the School is supported by a range of national and international funding agencies and there are links with industrial and academic partners all over the world.

School of Biological Sciences

Our researchers, whose current funding exceeds £5.7 million, are supported by a new aquarium, animal and plant growth facilities and our molecular research needs (from ecology to cell biology) beneﬁt from the newly-established Biomolecular Technology Unit within the School. This Unit provides a strong platform for our rapidly growing suite of biomolecular instrumentation, enabling leading edge/novel research approaches to be developed. For those people interested in Ecology/Environmental research, this is a strong theme

within the School and Bangor generally, with some 90 academics in four major departments involved in teaching and research under this broad umbrella, and external research funding totalled some £14 million between 1996 and 1999. Research degrees are offered in the following broad subject areas:    

Animal Physiology and Behaviour Cellular and Molecular Biology Ecology and Evolution Plant Systems and Technology

MRES/MSCRES The Masters by Research programme is a full-time 1 year degree by research (also available on a part-time basis), and differs from a taught MSc in placing more importance on the research project. This degree will equip you with conﬁdence and competence in the latest research skills and allow you to apply for further research training (PhD) programmes, or to directly apply for research positions in universities or research institutes. Initially, you will develop important generic skills such as literature searching, knowledge essential for professional conduct such as research ethics and health and safety legislation, proposal writing, and subject-speciﬁc skills tailored to your individual requirements. Your

project plans will be developed as part of this generic skills component in association with your supervisor. As this is a crucial component of your degree (consisting of 120 credits in an MRes or 180 credits in an MScRes), you are encouraged to approach a potential supervisor and agree a project title before you make a formal application. If you are not sure who to approach, the Graduate School staff can provide advice. These degrees are available for students in any School of the College.

‘RESEARCH SUBMITTED BY THE SCHOOL OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES HAS BEEN RECOGNISED AS BEING WITHIN THE TOP 20 IN THE UK IN THE RESEARCH EXCELLENCE FRAMEWORK (REF 2014).’

“I chose to study at Bangor as I was impressed by the published research from the School of Biological Sciences as well as the obvious enthusiasm of the staff for the subjects they are teaching. During the course I had the opportunity to learn a wealth of genetic and bioinformatic techniques and felt as though the university was committed to providing me with the tools I needed in order to produce the most successful research results possible. All in all the high teaching standard and the fantastic natural surroundings of the university would make studying at Bangor a wonderful and worthwhile experience for anyone.” CAROLINE KERBYSON MRes Ecology

www.bangor.ac.uk/biology

SCHOOL OF ENVIRONMENT, NATURAL RESOURCES & GEOGRAPHY “WITH THE SNOWDONIA MOUNTAIN RANGE AS A BACKDROP, AND BORDERED BY THE MENAI STRAIT, I CHOSE TO STUDY AT BANGOR BELIEVING THAT THIS WOULD BE AN IDEAL SETTING FOR ENVIRONMENT BASED COURSES, AND THIS WAS CERTAINLY THE CASE. IT ALSO EQUIPPED ME WITH PRACTICAL SKILLS SUCH AS USING GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION SOFTWARE AND CARRYING OUT STATISTICAL ANALYSES, WHICH HAVE ENABLED ME TO GO ON TO WORK IN THE ENVIRONMENTAL FIELD.” ANNA KAYE JONES VATION & LAND MSC CONSERVATION NT GRADUATE MANAGEMENT

School of Environment, Natural Resources & Geography

This friendly School is highly rated for the quality of its teaching, student satisfaction and its pastoral care of students. The School has a worldclass reputation in research, with particular expertise in forest ecology and management; environmental and soil science; agricultural systems; agroforestry; biodiversity conservation; and tropical ecosystems. The School has a wide range of modern facilities including a dedicated Research Station, which accommodates investigations into the production of novel crops and livestock, biomass crops, woodlands and horticulture on farms. The School hosts other major internationally and nationally recognised research centres such as the Centre for Evidence-Based Conservation, and the Centre for Integrated Research in the Rural Environment. Much of our research is undertaken overseas and we have projects in countries as far apart as Vietnam, Ethiopia, Antarctica and Peru. Our location is not only a beautiful place to live; it also provides unique opportunities for study in the disciplines we cover, particularly the natural environment, land use and conservation. The Snowdonia National Park is less than 20 minutes

away and this provides a ‘living laboratory’ for much of our teaching and research. We offer a wide range of degree programmes at undergraduate level, such as Conservation with Forestry; Environmental Science; Environmental Management; Environmental Conservation; Geography; Forestry; and Applied Terrestrial and Marine Ecology.

Many of our programmes are professionally accredited, including our forestry-related programmes which are accredited by the Institute of Chartered Foresters (ICF) and our Environmental programmes, which are accredited by the Institution of Environmental Sciences. Furthermore, we are IEMA Approved for the Associate Certiﬁcate in Environmental Management course.

Our taught Masters programmes include Agroforestry; Conservation and Land Management; Environmental and Business Management; Environmental Forestry; Plant Conservation; Sustainable Tropical Forestry; and Sustainable Forestry and Nature Management. We offer taught postgraduate distance-learning programmes in Forestry; Tropical Forestry; and Food Security in the Changing Environment. Research degrees are offered in a wide range of environmental subjects; such as Plant and Soil Science; Natural Resources Ecology; Conservation and Management; and Crop and Forest Science. We also offer, in conjunction with the Business School, an MBA in Environmental Management.

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ENVIRONMENT, NATURAL RESOURCES AND GEOGRAPHY POSTGRADUATE COURSES MSC AGROFORESTRY In this one year course, you have the opportunity to learn about how trees, people and agriculture can be combined in sustainably managed farms, forests and landscapes. There is a long tradition of agroforestry practice in many parts of the world, but recently it has become a major focus in international development and is now at the forefront of innovation in natural resource management. Bangor is a world leader in agroforestry teaching and research with strong institutional links to ICRAF (the World Agroforestry Centre) and other leading international organisations. The course equips you to deal with the principal forces driving change in farming and forestry, from thinking globally about issues like climate change and carbon trading to dealing with practical issues of how to manage trees on farms at a local level. This involves taking a human perspective to land use management while emphasising an ecological approach in agriculture. The course has a world focus and the University has speciﬁc links with agroforestry organisations where project work can be done in Africa, 18

Asia, Europe and the Americas, as well as an active programme in Wales. Our graduates are either already employed when they start the course or have a strong track record in ﬁnding employment within the sector. This course is partially accredited by the Institute of Chartered Foresters. COURSE STRUCTURE  Agroforestry Systems  Silviculture  Natural Resource Management  Natural Resource Development  Field Study Tour  Research Planning and Communication  Research Project/Dissertation

MSC CONSERVATION & LAND MANAGEMENT The one year course in Conservation and Land Management is intended for students with a strong interest in land use who want to increase their knowledge of conservation issues. The course aims to provide students with a broad and balanced understanding of the fundamental science underpinning Conservation and Land Use.

School of Environment, Natural Resources & Geography

The course addresses issues concerned with sustainable use of the countryside. It examines habitats, wildlife and landscapes and the natural and human factors inﬂuencing them. The course also examines how economic activities such as farming and forestry can be managed in an environmentally acceptable way, and how human enjoyment of the countryside can be incorporated within an integrated land use approach. Students with degrees in biology, law, environmental studies, social sciences, geography, economics and psychology have graduated from this course and gained employment with conservation agencies, NGOs and government organisations and with academic institutions both in the EU and overseas. The course is designed with a ﬂexible modular format that enables students to specialise in topics that are directly of interest to them. COURSE STRUCTURE  Conservation Science  Agriculture and the Environment  Evidence-based Practice in Conservation  Management Planning  Research Methods  Field Study Tour  Research Project/Dissertation

MSC ENVIRONMENTAL AND BUSINESS MANAGEMENT Sustainable development is a principal goal and a key policy feature of many of the major institutes and governments of the world. A key element of achieving sustainable development is the balance of Environmental, Economic and Social development drivers. This course will take an integrated view of environmental management within a business context and will provide the specialist interdisciplinary training that is required to fully integrate sustainable development objectives into businesses management. By integrating modules from Bangor Business School and The School of Environment, Natural Resources and Geography, it will train students to be sophisticated environmental managers who can interpret legislative and audit requirements and deliver them in a manner conducive to continued economic development. The programme includes highly topical case studies from across these sectors reﬂecting changing strategies and alternative approaches.

COURSE STRUCTURE  International Strategic Management  Organisations and People  New Venture Creation  Business Planning for the Green Economy  Finance for Managers  Strategic Environmental Management*  Green Technologies  Research Project/Dissertation *This module is approved by the Institute of Environmental Management & Assessment (IEMA) for the Associate Certiﬁcate in Environmental Management course

MSC ENVIRONMENTAL FORESTRY This one-year course will develop your understanding of how forests function, and of the ways in which they can be managed to provide the wide range of ecosystem goods and services that we require.

practicals and forest visits beneﬁting from the excellent range of forest and woodland types, and management, in north-west Wales, during which students are able to discuss policy and management issues with forestry professionals. The course also has a strong international ethos, being heavily inﬂuenced by our long record of research in forests throughout the tropical world. The MSc Environmental Forestry course, which is fully accredited by the Institute of Chartered Foresters, has been running for more than 25 years, and its graduates are now working in forestry all over the world. COURSE STRUCTURE  Forest Resources & Assessment  Silviculture  Natural Resource Management  Forest Management Planning  Research Planning and Communication  Field Study Tour  Research Project/Dissertation

This course is intended primarily for students who already have an interest in forestry and who wish to learn more about the environmental and societal beneﬁts provided by forests. Lectures, seminars and independent learning are supported by an active programme of ﬁeld www.bangor.ac.uk/senrgy

MSC FOOD SECURITY IN THE CHANGING ENVIRONMENT (DISTANCE LEARNING) This programme, provided jointly with IBERS at Aberystwyth University, provides students with a detailed understanding of the principles and processes of sustainable food production, including social and environmental contexts. It will equip students who already have work experience in the food supply chain to implement the latest research into sustainable systems thinking, and will facilitate cutting edge careers for those who want to enter the food production and supply chain. Guided reading and recorded lectures and a discussion forum are the main methods of learning. Each module is supported by a study guide, with links to supplementary materials such as books, journal articles, scientiﬁc reports, videos and podcasts. Extensive use is made of the University’s virtual learning environment platform (Blackboard), and there is regular communication between students and module tutors on the forums. Studying through distance learning, allows students in fulltime employment or with other

commitments, to study for a high quality, internationally recognised postgraduate qualification. All the modules comprising the programme are designed to be stand-alone, and it is possible to study any number of individual modules, although we would encourage you to work towards a Postgraduate Certificate (three taught modules), a Postgraduate Diploma (six taught modules), or a full MSc (six taught modules plus a research dissertation). COURSE STRUCTURE  Global Food Security  Climate Change  Upland Farming Systems  Carbon Foot-printing and Life Cycle Assessment  Soil Management  Agriculture and Society  Resource-efficient Farm Management  Agro-ecosystem Services Assessment  Research Methods  Research Project/Dissertation *Students also have the opportunity to study a range of productionoriented modules from Aberystwyth University under this programme.

School of Environment, Natural Resources & Geography

MSC FORESTRY (DISTANCE LEARNING) This course has an excellent reputation for producing high quality, adaptable and professional graduates. Many of our alumni have successfully used the course to help them change careers, gain promotion, develop their business and/or simply satisfy their curiosity for trees and forests. The course is designed to provide students with training in the management of forest resources, understanding of the scientiﬁc, academic and practical principles which underpin forest management and forest ecosystem function and the interrelationships between government, industry and communities’ forests and associated land-use. The course, fully accredited by the Institute of Chartered Foresters, is designed to be of speciﬁc interest to: • Individuals seeking academicallybased education in forestry; • Individuals seeking a career in the management of trees and forests; • Individuals wishing to undertake further study while employed in the forestry, or a related, profession.

Teaching and learning for each module is supported by a guided reading handbook plus various learning materials hosted on our Blackboard ‘virtual learning environment’, such as online lectures and seminars, e-books, journal articles, scientiﬁc reports, podcasts, and discussion forums. Field practical classes and forest visits take place during the week-long study tour that is held in England and/or Wales in the spring. Studying through distance learning allows students in fulltime employment or with other commitments, to study for a high quality, internationally recognised postgraduate qualiﬁcation. The course has two distinct ‘streams’, enabling greater choice and specialisation for students

COURSE STRUCTURE (‘ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT’ STREAM)  Silviculture  Forestry Study Tour  Forest Ecosystems  Natural Resource Management  Forest Management Planning  Forest Inventory, Assessment and Monitoring  Research Project/Dissertation COURSE STRUCTURE (‘TREES, FORESTS AND PEOPLE’ STREAM)  Silviculture  Social lssues in Forest Management  Forest History, Policy & Management  Agroforestry Systems and Practice or Natural Resource Management  Sustainable Use of Non-Timber Forest Products  Forestry Study Tour  Research Project/Dissertation

MSC FORESTRY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT (TRANSFOR-M) TRANSFOR-M (Transatlantic Forestry Masters) is a two-year taught masters programme leading to a European degree and a Canadian degree (i.e. a dual degree) in forestry and environmental management. The programme is offered by a consortium of six universities, three in Canada and three in the European Union. Students acquire a global view of modern sustainable forestry and environmental management, and multi-cultural perspectives on environmental, economic and social issues. Bangor-based TRANSFOR-M students typically spend their ﬁrst year at a Canadian university and their second year at Bangor University, where they complete a dissertation that is jointly supervised by the two institutions. They pay Bangor University tuition fees in both years.

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MSC PLANT CONSERVATION This one-year course will provide students with a thorough understanding of the principles and processes that underpin plant conservation including the social and environmental contexts. Bangor University possesses a world class cohort of conservationists, as well as access to the ﬂourishing. Botanic Garden at Treborth and Henfaes Research Centre. These resources provide educational facilities, such as extensive glasshouse space for experimental and horticultural practice, and an extensive global display of plants assembled over 50 years for teaching and demonstration. There are excellent opportunities for botanically orientated postgraduates in a wide variety of ﬁelds from botanic gardens to countryside survey and research, conservation management and environmental education. COURSE STRUCTURE  Conservation Biology  Evidence-based Conservation  Issues in Plant Conservation  Plant Diversity and Ecology  Natural Resource Management  Field Trip  Research Planning and Communication  Research Project

MSC SUSTAINABLE TROPICAL FORESTRY This Masters Course in Sustainable Tropical Forestry (SUTROFOR) is a world-class programme aimed at preparing qualiﬁed graduates to deal with contemporary tropical forestry. The two year programme is funded by a grant from the EC Erasmus Mundus programme and offered by a ﬁve university consortium.

Copenhagen, Dresden) followed by a second study year at one of four other institutions.

MSC SUSTAINABLE FOREST & NATURE MANAGEMENT

The aim of the first year is to provide a thorough and broad introduction to sustainable tropical forestry. This allows students to choose freely among the five specialisation options in the second year. The first year ends with the Joint Summer Module including field work in a tropical country. Specialisation options in the second year are agroforestry systems (Bangor), socio-economics of tropical forestry (Copenhagen), tropical forest management (Dresden), environmental management and policies for tropical forests (Montpellier), or ethics and responsible trade in tropical forest products and services (Padova).

This two-year Masters Course in Sustainable Forest and Nature Management (SUFONAMA) is a world-class programme aimed at preparing highly qualiﬁed graduates to deal with contemporary forest and nature management. The programme is funded by a grant from the EC Erasmus Mundus programme and is offered by a ﬁve university consortium.

Funding is available for qualiﬁed International and EU students on a competitive basis. For further details and the application procedure please visit www.sutrofor.eu This degree is fully accredited by the Institute of Chartered Foresters. COURSE STRUCTURE YEAR 1  Forest Resources & Assessment  Silviculture  Natural Resource Management  Contemporary Tropical Forestry  Location Speciﬁc Knowledge  Joint Summer Module  Research Methods

YEAR 2 Agroforestry Systems Silviculture  Natural Resource Management  Research Planning and Communication  Field Study Tour

For further details and the application procedure please visit www.sufonama.net This degree is fully accredited by the Institute of Chartered Foresters.

 

Students may opt for year 1 or year 2

The Course consists of a year of study in one of three institutions (Bangor,

The Course consists of a year of study in one of three institutions (Bangor, Copenhagen, Goettingen) followed by a second study year at one of four other institutions. The aim of the first year is to provide a thorough and broad introduction to sustainable forest and land management. The first year ends with the Joint Summer Module including field work in a chosen country with good forest and nature management facilities. Students can freely choose one of the following specialisation options for their second year of study, including conservation & land management (Bangor), economic management of forest and nature (Copenhagen), timber and non-timber forest product use and processing (Goettingen), Scandinavian and East European forestry (Sweden), and mountain forestry and watershed management (Padova). Funding is available for qualified International and EU students on a competitive basis.

School of Environment, Natural Resources & Geography

COURSE STRUCTURE YEAR 1  Forest Resources and Assessment  Silviculture  Natural Resource Management  Management Planning  Field Study Tour  Research Planning and Communication  Joint Summer Module

YEAR 2        

Conservation Science Evidence-based Practice in Conservation Agriculture and the Environment Management Planning Field Study Tour Research Planning Research Project/Dissertation

Students may opt for year 1 or year 2

MSC TROPICAL FORESTRY (DISTANCE LEARNING) The Tropical Forestry MSc represents a natural addition to our highly successful and well-respected MSc Forestry, MSc Environmental Forestry and MSc Agroforestry degree courses. The course provides part-time students from across the world with training in the management of forest resources, understanding of the scientific, academic and practical principles which underpin forest management, forest measurement and forest ecosystem function and the interrelationships between government, industry and communities’ forests and associated land-use. This distance-learning course is designed to provide students with training in the subject of tropical forestry, understanding of the scientific, academic and practical principles which underpin forest conservation, protection and management and forest ecosystem function and the interrelationships between government, industry and communities’ forests and associated land-use. Suitable applicants include individuals working in forestry/ forest-related industries/natural resource management, particularly in the fields of planning, regulation, policy, monitoring and environmental protection. The course is also suited to individuals working in forestry education who wish to further their knowledge and expertise in order to improve their teaching.

Teaching and learning is supported by a guided reading handbook plus various supplementary materials, such as books, journal articles, scientiﬁc reports, online lectures, podcasts, discussion forums and the Blackboard ‘virtual learning environment’. The course is part-time and the MSc is completed in three years. The wide range of backgrounds, expertise, interests and skills amongst both the staff and students on the programme make for a hugely enriching learning experience. The School has been awarded a number of prestigious, fully-funded scholarships by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in relation to this course. The scholarships are available to students from developing commonwealth countries. This degree is fully accredited by the Institute of Chartered Foresters. COURSE STRUCTURE  Agroforestry Systems and Practice  Forest Inventory, Assessment and Monitoring  Sustainable Use of Non-Timber Forest Products  Social Issues in Forest Management  Silviculture  Tropical Forestry Study Tour  Research Project/Dissertation

“Soon after graduating I obtained the job role of Assistant Forestry Manager in the Midlands for one of the UKs largest rural property management companies. Whilst writing up my dissertation, I volunteered as a forest ranger for a community forest and then worked in an oak sawmill for a short period of time. The MSc along with this ‘hands-on’ experience meant I was in full time employment before I had even graduated. An Environmental Forestry degree from Bangor University opens up so many doors into the forestry world and it is an extremely respected university within the profession.” HUGH DAVIES MSc Environmental Forestry Graduate

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ENVIRONMENT, NATURAL RESOURCES & GEOGRAPHY MODULES AGRICULTURE AND THE ENVIRONMENT

AGRO-ECOSYSTEM SERVICES ASSESSMENT

This module reviews agricultural systems and practices, the scientiﬁc principles underlying them and their impact on the environment. It then considers the scope of relevant EU and UK government legislation and codes of practice aimed at minimising negative effects, including the role of agri-environment schemes and discusses their impact at the farm level. The role of the different agencies involved is also explored.

This module will introduce students to the ecosystem services framework to assess pasture-based food production, with an emphasis on the critical importance of considering landscape context and scale factors when assessing the sustainability of farming practices.

AGRICULTURE AND SOCIETY This module will study the environmental, economic and social implications of pasture based agriculture from an ethical perspective. Topics will include global climate change and resource pressures, the distribution of environmental costs associated with current farming systems, the distribution of market power within food supply chains, costs and beneﬁts arising from a transition to sustainable farming, political drivers, and global food security and food sourcing.

AGROFORESTRY SYSTEMS This module examines key issues in Agroforestry and introduces the concepts behind this land use system and ways in which it is practiced around the world. Topics covered are the principles of ecological and biophysical interactions, and the social, economic and ecosystem beneﬁts. Case studies are used to illustrate the ecological interactions and the social and economic aspects of agroforestry.

APPLIED PLANT CONSERVATION The overall aim of this module is to highlight the varied approaches to plant conservation and to examine an interdisciplinary range of tools available for conservation action.

School of Environment, Natural Resources & Geography

This module is structured according to two main themes - ‘Plants’ and ‘People’ representing both species led and human centered approaches to conservation. Within these themes we will have lectures, seminars, workshops and practical classes to examine ‘approaches to plant conservation’. Guest speakers from National Botanic Garden of Wales, Plantlife Wales, Natural Resources Wales, Botanic Gardens Conservation International will coordinate sessions, providing an opportunity for students to meet plant conservation practitioners

BUSINESS PLANNING FOR THE GREEN ECONOMY This module explores the process of establishing a venture from idea generation to the completion of a business plan which incorporates environmental planning and management. It takes the student through the actual process of developing a business plan and its different components, the market and sustainability.

BOTANY AND ECOLOGY

CLIMATE CHANGE

This module provides the taxonomic, systematic, morphological, evolutionary, biogeographical and ecological understanding required to make informed decisions about in-situ and ex-situ plant conservation at local, national and international level.

This module will provide a detailed assessment of the state of knowledge on climate change – the science, its impacts, adaptation and mitigation, and crucially how it is perceived by the public, taking a global perspective. It discusses, using practical examples and case studies, how agriculture can adapt to the consequences of, and mitigate its effect on, climate change. It will not have in-depth coverage of climate models.

CARBON FOOTPRINTING AND LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT This module will consider in detail the principles and practices of life cycle assessment and carbon footprinting, in relation to eco-efﬁciency assessment and improvement of pasture based farming systems. Case studies and structured carbon foot-printing exercises will demonstrate how LCA and CF can be used to determine and assess Greenhouse gas mitigation options. Students will be informed of the latest developments in agricultural LCA methodologies, focusing on biodiversity, soil quality and water consumption. The role LCA in food supply chain improvement will be examined in the context of retailer management and global food security.

CONSERVATION SCIENCE This module considers questions such as ‘in a post-wild world what should be the focus of conservation attention?’ ‘What are the relative roles of ecology, economics and social science in conservation?’ ‘What are the advantage and disadvantages of the introduction of market-like mechanisms into conservation policy?’ We look closely at the current and emerging drivers of biodiversity loss world-wide, while carefully analysing the range of responses.

CONTEMPORARY TROPICAL FORESTRY This module allows the student to undertake a desk-based research project looking in depth at a current forestry-or environmentally-related issue, culminating in a student conference. Sources such as tabloid and broadsheet daily and Sunday newspapers, broadcast media, the internet, ‘popular’ scientiﬁc journals and peer-reviewed scientiﬁc journals will be consulted.

EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE IN CONSERVATION This module concerns the interface between conservation science, policy and practice. It introduces students to the concept of evidence-based practice, the theoretical basis and methodological approach, focusing on systematic review as a rigorous critical appraisal of evidence, through to dissemination of information and its practical application. The module will use real examples of partnerships between scientists and conservation bodies aimed at improving effectiveness of conservation actions.

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FIELD STUDY TOUR

FOREST ECOSYSTEMS

This ﬁeld study module provides opportunities for students to see and discuss how the principles of natural resource management, presented in earlier parts of the course, are put into practice by resource managers working on behalf of various stakeholders to achieve a range of different objectives. Visits will be made to research sites, sites of conservation interest, farms, forests, national parks etc. Wherever appropriate, local staff (wardens, conservation ofﬁcers, farm and forest managers etc) will participate so that students have opportunities to gain from their experience and knowledge. Hence this will also give students an insight into the roles and responsibilities of different professionals, and so help inform their career choices.

The purpose of the module is to present the occurrence and ecology of different forest types. Emphasis will be placed on forest biota and soils, and nutrient cycling and hydrology. The module will provide students with the opportunity to acquire knowledge and understanding of specialist areas of forestry ecology.

FINANCE FOR MANAGERS This module is designed for those who aim to achieve a basic understanding of ﬁnancial management and control, and who require an understanding of ﬁnance in order to manage an organisation effectively. Financial planning and control are central themes, as well as the appraisal techniques of investment projects.

FOREST HISTORY, POLICY AND MANAGEMENT In recent decades there has been an increasing demand from society for the forestry sector to simulate ‘natural’ processes, structures and attributes in managed forests. At many governance levels (global, regional, national, local), policy, legislation, regulation, grant schemes and other incentives have been put in place to fulﬁl this demand. This module will question many common misconceptions about forestry and will provide students with a much broader and deeper understanding of this vast subject.

School of Environment, Natural Resources & Geography

FOREST INVENTORY, ASSESSMENT AND MONITORING The purpose of the module is to consider ways in which forest resources can be assessed and recorded, enabling growth and development to be scientiﬁcally monitored. The module will provide students with the opportunity to acquire knowledge and understanding of the specialist areas of mensuration, forest inventory and forest resource assessment and monitoring. The module will enable distance learning students to work with each other, through the introduction of a group assignment.

FOREST MANAGEMENT PLANNING Students will gain an understanding of the multi-dimensional complexities of forest management planning in the countryside by applying knowledge gained in other modules in a ‘real world’ context. Based around a study site (e.g. a watershed, farm, tenanted estate, woodland, etc.) the module provides training in the gathering of relevant information and the application of appropriate evaluative and modelling techniques to prepare a management plan/strategy document to a professional standard

FOREST RESOURCES & ASSESSMENT Students will be introduced to world forest resources and policy. They will gain an understanding of the ecological information needed to implement forest policy, and for forest management and conservation: what is known already, what assessment and research methods are used, and how the results can be applied. Applications relate, in particular, to ecosystem services, sustainable forest management, criteria and indicators, and adaptive management. A key feature of the learning outcomes is practical skills in planning, carrying out, and analysing and interpreting the data from three forest assessments

FORESTRY STUDY TOUR This module is a week-long study tour of important and interesting ﬁeld sites usually in England and/or Wales. Each year the tour focusses on an issue of contemporary relevance. You will meet and discuss with practicing foresters and land managers in conservation organisations, research institutes and public agencies. The residential nature of the study tour means that fulltime and part-time students can fully immerse themselves in the subject for a week. Assessment is through a post study tour write-up and reﬂection.

GLOBAL FOOD SECURITY Provision of food is already one of the greatest global challenges and is going to intensify as population approaches a projected 9 billion by the middle of this century. Intended for non-specialists, the module will describe the existing situation and likely future prospects, how we have met food demand in the past and might in the future, how global food systems are managed, and ways in which we are trying to reduce the environmental impact of food production and overcome constraints to food security.

GREEN TECHNOLOGY This module reviews the environmental consequences of economic activities, including energy generation, waste management, food and water supply, consumer goods. It then goes on to consider recent policy initiatives and drivers and examines key green technologies.

JOINT SUMMER MODULE The module includes a twoweek ﬁeld course to a tropical environmentally diverse area, such as Costa Rica or French Guiana. Students are taken to a variety of sites which demonstrate a range of natural and managed vegetation, and a range of conservation and sustainability issues. Some of these involve meeting and discussion with local experts. In the second stage of the module, students work in small teams on a project evolved in discussion with the teaching staff.

LOCATION SPECIFIC KNOWLEDGE This module aims to impart a thorough understanding of the importance of field work preparation. This will be achieved through acquisition of in-depth factual location specific knowledge, building on theoretical knowledge obtained in other courses, relevant to tropical forestry issues and development of practical skills with emphasis on ability to collect, analyse and evaluate appropriate qualitative and quantitative information, and combining this with choice of appropriate research tools in order to plan high quality field work. This module is a pre-requisite for students to attend the Joint Summer School Module.

MANAGEMENT PLANNING The module explains the concepts that underpin management planning for conservation and the process of planning using the Conservation Management System methodology.

Additional components include landscape, recreation, archaeology and land law. The module is assessed on an individual basis by the production of a plan for a protected site.

MANAGEMENT RESEARCH This module analyses the philosophical basis for research in the management sciences, and examines a number of key methodological issues and approaches. Research designs for both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies are developed, including interviews, case studies, focus groups, surveys and experiments.

NATURAL RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT The purpose of this module is to introduce the international natural resource development context to students and to give a practical grounding in project planning. During the module, students will develop a full project proposal in line with funding guidelines for an agroforestry based natural resource development intervention.

NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT The purpose of this module is to give students a theoretical understanding of the systems approach to managing natural resources to provide various ecosystem services, as well as a practical grounding in the ways in which natural resource managers can draw on a variety of knowledge sources to inform themselves and others of the impacts of land management interventions.

NEW VENTURE CREATION This module evaluates the role of entrepreneurs and small ﬁrms as the lifeblood of an economy; to examine their contribution to innovation, wealth creation and employment; and to gain insights into the concepts of entrepreneurship and routes to new venture creation.

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ORGANISATIONS & PEOPLE

students will devise, conduct and write up a policy-relevant scientiﬁc study.

SOCIAL ISSUES IN FOREST MANAGEMENT

This module examines key issues arising from contemporary research in organisational behaviour and human resource management. It provides an integrated analysis of management, organisations and people, developing the conceptual, strategic and practical skills necessary for managers in complex, global organizational contexts.

RESEARCH PROJECT/ DISSERTATION

The purpose of the module is to consider the ways in which social, cultural, economic and political factors can inﬂuence the shape and scope of forest management systems and how these may affect the livelihoods of communities living in or close to forests. The module will provide students with the opportunity to acquire knowledge and understanding of the specialist areas of social and rural development forestry.

PARTICIPATORY FOREST MANAGEMENT Emphasis is on the political and socioeconomic aspects of participatory / community forestry as a means to promote rural development and conserve forest / nature resources in an equitable manner. Central themes are the theoretical foundation of participatory / community forestry vis á vis the tragedy of the (unmanaged) commons, conﬂict management, institutional arrangements, policy, legislation and economic incentives.

RESEARCH METHODS The module aims to support the dissertation planning process and encourage critical thinking about the research process. The course covers principles of hypothesis generation, sampling, study design, spatial methods, social research methods, quantitative & qualitative analysis, and presentation of research ﬁndings. The practicals illustrate examples of these principles and also cover subject speciﬁc methods for conservationists, foresters and agroforesters.

RESEARCH PLANNING AND COMMUNICATION Overall, this module seeks to develop students’ understanding of the role of science and the scientiﬁc process in formulating and addressing context relevant questions, and communicating scientiﬁc output to different audiences. During the course of the module, 28

The research project provides students with the necessary resources and time to independently investigate a speciﬁc scientiﬁc topic (chosen by the student with appropriate guidance of the academic staff). It aims to provide experience of undertaking and reporting an independent research project.

RESOURCE-EFFICIENT FARM MANAGEMENT This module will demonstrate application of a quantitative systems approach to select priority farm management practices that optimise the resource efﬁciency, and minimise the environmental impact, of food production on pasture-based farms. The module will be divided into units that address key resource efﬁciency challenges for pasture based systems.

SILVICULTURE The purpose of the module is to develop students’ understanding of the principles and practice of silviculture in temperate forests, the place of silviculture in sustainable temperate forest management, and the role that silviculture can play in delivering ecosystem services from temperate forests.

SILVICULTURE FOR AGROFORESTRY The purpose of the module is to develop students’ understanding of the silviculture of single trees and trees in complex systems. This module focuses on tropical agroforestry systems and considers the interaction of tree management systems with the physical environment (soils, climate etc.) and with human beings.

School of Environment, Natural Resources & Geography

SOIL MANAGEMENT This module will provide a practical and theoretical overview of soil management. Sustainable soil management is reviewed in relation to increasing food production efﬁciency, whilst limiting the environmental impacts and decline in soil quality and services. The dynamic function of the soil system will be explored, including ecosystem services, nutrient budgets, carbon cycling, greenhouse gases and mitigation.

STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT This module is designed to provide an understanding of the principles of sustainable development, environmental legislation, environmental auditing and assessment, and green technological development. *This module is approved by the Institute of Environmental Management & Assessment (IEMA) for the Associate Certiﬁcate in Environmental Management course.

INTERNATIONAL STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT This module analyses strategic decision-making within business. You will develop a critical understanding of the strategic processes of business management, the interconnections with the functional domains of marketing,

human resource management and corporate ﬁnance, the management of knowledge systems.

SUSTAINABLE USE OF NON-TIMBER FOREST PRODUCTS The purpose of the module is to give students an understanding of the ways in which forests may be managed in ways which recognise the value and enterprise development potential of non-timber forest products (NTFPs). The module will provide students with the opportunity to acquire a detailed knowledge and understanding of the increasing role of non-timber forest products in modern forest management.

TROPICAL SILVICULTURE The purpose of the module is to develop students’ understanding of silviculture and tropical forest management and the interaction of management systems with the physical environment (soils, climate etc.) and with human beings. It enables students to acquire knowledge and understanding about silviculture and its place in forestry.

TROPICAL FORESTRY STUDY TOUR This module is a two-week long study tour of important and interesting ﬁeld sites in a country with signiﬁcant tropical forests, usually in Africa

TROPICAL FORESTS, PEOPLE AND POLICIES This module takes a people-oriented approach to issues that all natural resources managers in developing countries should be familiar with Emphasis is on the relationships between people and forest use and conservation in developing countries.

UPLAND FARMING SYSTEMS This module will examine the environmental, economic and social viability of alternative upland farming systems. The course will explore upland environments and land use; socio-economics of upland farming; production and marketing of food from upland farming; impact on ecosystem service provision; drivers of future change in the management of upland environments; and methods of ecological and economic appraisal appropriate for upland farming.

“After spending 8 years working in various banks I decided to go back to school and study forestry, a topic I had always been deeply interested in. However, I needed to keep working and Bangor was the ideal solution for me as it offered the ﬂexibility of following a distance learning course while providing one of the best forestry tuitions in Europe. Following graduation, I started to apply for forestry-related positions. I am now leading a dynamic team working on the development of sustainable forestry in my country Belgium and abroad, and I am using the knowledge and many of the skills I was taught and attained during my degree on a regular basis.” THOMAS DAVREUX MSc Forestry (distance learning) Graduate

www.bangor.ac.uk/senrgy

ENVIRONMENT, NATURAL RESOURCES & GEOGRAPHY RESEARCH DEGREES (MRes/MScRes/ PhD/MPhil) The types of research undertaken vary widely across the environment and land use spectrum. Much of our research is undertaken overseas and we have projects in countries as far apart as Vietnam, Ethiopia, Antarctica and Peru. In addition to this ﬁeld work, and our laboratories in Bangor, the school runs its own research centre 5 miles outside the city, which is home to long-term experiments in forestry, agroforestry, animal breeding and ecology. The School also hosts major internationally and nationally recognised research centres such as the Centre for Evidence-Based Conservation and the Centre for Integrated Research in the Rural Environment. The research reputation of the school is evident in the number of research projects that it runs; we currently have more than 60 students undertaking research for their PhDs. Their work is undertaken over a three-year period, and results in the production of a thesis and several scientiﬁc papers. This concentration of postgraduates concerned with environmental and resource management topics makes the school a considerable force in terms of global research. We attract visiting scholars from every corner of the globe, who in their turn contribute to a lively and invigorating atmosphere within the School. 30

Some examples of our current projects include:ces and Assessment Habitat connectivity – review of evidence for landscape-scale interventions to facilitate species’ response to climate change  Assessment of drought effects on ecosystem services  Integrating local and scientiﬁc knowledge in conservation management in Nicaragua  Sustaining and restoring biocultural diversity of indigenous sacred sites in Southern Ethiopia  Conservation and management of natural resources, under the challenges of a changing climate in Bangladesh  Carbon – and biodiversity-based payments for ecosystem services in the Peruvian Amazon  Antarctic ecosystems – partitioning of resources between plants and microbes  Investigating the interactions between agricultural productivity and biodiversity conservation in Central America  Greenhouse gas emissions and carbon balance of intact and degraded mangroves 

School of Environment, Natural Resources & Geography

MRes/MScRes The Masters by Research programme is a full-time 1 year degree by research (also available on a part-time basis), and differs from a taught MSc in placing more importance on the research project. This degree will equip you with conﬁdence and competence in the latest research skills and allow you to apply for further research training (PhD) programmes, or to directly apply for research positions in universities or research institutes. Initially, you will develop important generic skills such as literature searching, knowledge essential for professional conduct such as research ethics and health and safety legislation, proposal writing, and subject-speciﬁc skills tailored to your individual requirements. Your project plans will be developed as part of this generic skills component in association with your supervisor. As this is a crucial component of your degree (consisting of 120 credits in an MRes or 180 credits in an MScRes), you are encouraged to approach a potential supervisor and agree a project title before you make a formal application. These degrees are available for students in any School of the College.

SCHOOL OF OCEAN SCIENCES “I WAS REALLY KEEN TO STUDY FOR MY PHD AT BANGOR AS I APPRECIATED THE FRIENDLY YET PRODUCTIVE ATMOSPHERE AT THE SCHOOL OF OCEAN SCIENCES. ONE OF THE BEST THINGS ABOUT BEING A STUDENT IN BANGOR IS THE SUPPORT OFFERED TO POSTGRADS. WE’RE OFFERED SKILLS TRAINING AND GIVEN ACCESS TO SPECIALIST EQUIPMENT AND ACADEMIC EXPERTS AND HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO COLLABORATE ON OUR WORK. THE GENERAL CAMARADERIE WITHIN RESEARH GROUPS IS ALSO A PLUS.”

GARETH JOHNSON PHD IN FACILITATION & BIODIVERSITY IN THE MARINE BENTHOS www.bangor.ac.uk/sos

The School of Ocean Sciences is one of the largest university marine science departments in Europe and a leading international research institution, which is ideally located on the shores of the Menai Strait in north Wales. A range of undergraduate degrees are offered in Applied Marine Biology, Marine Biology, Marine Biology with Zoology, Marine Vertebrate Zoology, Ocean Sciences, Oceanography with Computing, Coastal Geography, Geological Oceanography, and Marine Environmental Studies. Four-year extended degree programmes are offered in Marine Sciences. One-year taught Masters degrees are offered in Applied Marine Geoscience, Applied Physical Oceanography, Marine Biology, and Marine Environmental Protection. Research degrees are also offered in a wide range of marine subjects. The School is an actively seagoing research institution with an international reputation for the quality of its research on shelf seas and shallow marine environments. Ocean margins, shelf seas, estuaries and the coastal zone are the key elements of the marine system with respect to climate change

School of Ocean Sciences

impacts (sea level, ecosystem functioning) and anthropogenic interactions. Our activity accordingly encompasses blue skies, strategic and applied research, and active knowledge transfer. The School’s research culture is based on a multidisciplinary, earth systems, approach to the investigation of shallow marine systems and processes. The Centre for Marine Sciences (CAMS) spearheads our third mission, has very close links with relevant national and international agencies, governmental bodies and the user community, provides policy advice, and has had a profound impact on applied shelf sea science through work on particle tracking, oil spill management, and aquaculture and marine conservation. The School of Ocean Sciences has excellent support facilities for both teaching and research. These range from large, modern, well equipped teaching laboratories to high tech’ research laboratories; from a local area PC based computer network to powerful number crunching workstations used in numerical ocean modelling; from photographic and desktop publishing graphics systems to in-house electrical and mechanical

workshops capable of designing and building state of the art oceanographic equipment; from a ﬁltered seawater supply direct from the Menai Strait to tropical and cool water marine aquaria. Our strong seagoing capability is enabled the RV Prince Madog, a state-of-the-art research vessel, and an inshore boat ﬂeet. All our postgraduate taught programmes have been accredited by the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST), and as such facilitate your progression to Chartered status in later professional life.

OCEAN SCIENCES POSTGRADUATE COURSES

MSC APPLIED MARINE GEOSCIENCE This course is primarily intended for students with an interest in developing their theoretical knowledge and practical skills for offshore geophysical and geotechnical survey. The course will give students an appreciation of how to survey and the necessary understanding to put the results into an overall marine geological context. A series of modules have been designed to explain the processes that form and characterise a wide variety of sedimentary environments, from the littoral zone to the deep ocean. Those controls range from the dynamical, chemical, climatic to geological; all are inter-related. Students also gain knowledge and understanding of survey techniques in order to map these environments and thereby gain a better understanding of the processes that shape them. The ﬁnal facet of the course involves an explanation of how these sedimentary materials react to imposed loads how they behave geotechnically. This programme has an extremely strong employment record. Past students have found employment in

the offshore development industry (oil, gas, renewables), geophysical contract companies (particularly those serving engineering contractors), river and harbor boards, the offshore detrital mining industry, government laboratories, and with certain specialist engineering and dredging contractors. The course may also serve as a conversion to allow a pure science graduate to proceed into postgraduate research in the marine geosciences. COURSE STRUCTURE  Key Concepts and Techniques  Practical Oceanography  Sediment Geotechnics  Sedimentary Environments  Literature Review and Project Planning  Climate and Climate Change  Geophysical Surveying  Research Project/Dissertation

“I moved from Newfoundland, Canada to Menai Bridge to attend the MSc course in Marine Biology in 2010/2011. As someone interested in all aspects of marine biology, this course was perfect for me. It provided the theoretical background in topics ranging from statistical analysis to invertebrate aquaculture (and everything in between), and the practical experience in habitat, fisheries and marine mammal surveys. As well, it provided solid instruction on the development and implementation of research ideas and experimental design. Once I completed the MSc in Marine Biology, I felt confident that I had the background and practical experience to apply for a variety of positions within the field of marine biology. Since graduating, I have worked as a science technician for a university and as an intern for a nonprofit organisation developing a coastal resource inventory. I am currently employed as a post-graduate research assistant at Bangor University’s School of Ocean Sciences under a European Fisheries Funded project about the sustainable use of fisheries resources in Welsh waters.” JULIA PANTIN, MSc Marine Biology

www.bangor.ac.uk/sos

MSC MARINE BIOLOGY This one year course combines theory and practical training in the field and laboratory to provide advanced training in Marine Biology and aims to elevate recent Natural Sciences graduates and those mature students with relevant experience to the level of being independent marine biologists so that they may successfully follow careers in the public, private and higher education sectors of the UK, and overseas, or embark on doctoral research. The taught phase of the course covers the major themes of marine ecology, habitat ecology and coastal survey, marine fisheries, marine vertebrates, and marine invertebrates. In the second phase of the course students study research design and planning, which is followed by an extensive research project and completion of a dissertation. Past students have found employment in the public, private and higher education sectors of the UK, and overseas (e.g. Bahamas, Borneo, Cayman Islands, Mozambique, South Georgia), or continued their education and scientific training by undertaking doctoral research in the UK or overseas.

School of Ocean Sciences

COURSE STRUCTURE  Marine Research Skills  Marine Vertebrates  Coastal Ecology and Habitat Survey  Marine Fisheries  Marine Invertebrates  Research Design and Planning  Research Project and Dissertation

public or voluntary sectors in the ﬁeld of marine environmental protection in the UK and abroad. The course also equips students with the knowledge and skills to conduct doctoral research. COURSE STRUCTURE Marine Ecology Skills Marine Fisheries  Coastal Habitat Ecology & Survey  Marine Impacts and their Assessment  Marine Conservation and Coastal Zone Management  Research Design and Planning  Research Project and Dissertation 

MSC MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION This course provides theoretical and practical training in measuring and quantifying marine resources and the effects of conflicting usage upon them. The aim of the course is to broaden the student’s awareness of the economic potential of the ocean, to generate an understanding of the major marine biological resources and the physical processes controlling these resources, to provide theoretical and practical training in measuring and quantifying these resources and the effects of conflicting usage upon them, and to enhance those skills necessary to manage effectively the sea area of national jurisdiction. It provides a sound scientific basis on which to develop policy and make decisions on marine resource exploitation and protection around the world. To date, most graduates have taken up employment in the private,

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MSC PHYSICAL OCEANOGRAPHY Physical Oceanography is primarily intended for students with an interest in developing their theoretical knowledge and practical skills in physical oceanography. It gives students an appreciation of the practical techniques used to observe and describe the ocean, along with the theoretical framework on which our understanding of the physics of the ocean is based. The ﬁrst phase of the course is taught, introducing the student to the physics of the ocean and its role in the climate

system. Modules cover oceanographic theory and its application, as well as practical oceanography. The latter includes an introduction of stateof-the-art instrumentation, remote sensing, numerical modelling as well as practical experience working on small boats and the University’s stateof-the-art research vessel, the Prince Madog.

During the second phase of the course the student begins to focus on speciﬁc aspects of the subject, initially through an extensive literature review and then a research project. The research project, which forms a major component of the course, is selected in close consultation with the students to be of direct relevance to their intended future work. For overseas students, well founded projects based on investigations being undertaken in a home institute are encouraged. Many past students hold posts in the marine industries, particularly in consultancy companies that provide services in oceanography to the oil industry and companies concerned with engineering operations in shelf seas. There are opportunities in Government Laboratories and agencies with responsibility for estuarine and coastal waters. Many graduates have continued to higher degrees and an academic career. COURSE STRUCTURE  Key Concepts and Techniques  Climate and Climate Change  Practical Oceanography  Estuaries and Shelf Processes  Literature Review and Project Planning  Dynamics, Tides and Waves  Research Project/Dissertation

“I chose the MEP course for it’s unique balance of training in research, critical analysis and practical skills highly relevant to marine environmental management. Every aspect of the course has been enjoyable and allows students to build skills and expertise steadily throughout the year, independent of previous experience. No two weeks are the same! The staff and facilities are also fantastic, including the university research vessel, RV Prince Madog.” CLAIRE SZOSTEK MSc Marine Environmental Protection

www.bangor.ac.uk/sos

OCEAN SCIENCES MODULES

CLIMATE & CLIMATE CHANGE This module aims to introduce the factors and processes which control the Earth’s present day climate, in particular natural climate variability, anthropogenic climate change, climate change impacts, future climate change and mitigation strategies. These issues are addressed by developing models of the Earth’s climate, elucidating the role of the oceans in regulating the Earth’s climate, examining natural climate variability over different geological timescales, and assessing inter-annual and inter-decadal climate variability and the impacts of climate change.

COASTAL ECOLOGY & HABITAT SURVEY This module covers the principles of ecological surveys in relation to a range of coastal habitats, and to put that knowledge into practical use by undertaking surveys in intertidal habitats of north Wales. The module begins with the principles and background behind ecological surveys, including an in depth look at the variability inherent to many marine ecological systems, followed by lectures on different coastal habitats and the kinds of survey techniques utilised. A practical exercise is 36

School of Ocean Sciences

undertaken involving group work to make surveys at a diverse coastal site nearby.

DYNAMICS, TIDES & WAVES The module introduces the governing principles and the application of Newton’s Laws of motion to geophysical fluids. It covers classical Hydrodynamics and Waves, the equations of motion and continuity, rotation, streamfunctions, vorticity, and rotational and irrotational flow. Various simplified forms of the equations will be considered including linear surface gravity waves in ‘deep’ and ‘shallow’ water, and geostrophic balance. These equations will then be applied to looking at waves on beaches and the response of the upper ocean to winds. Finally we will consider the role of energy lost through friction in mixing the water column through generating turbulence.

ESTUARIES & SHELF PROCESSES This module concerns itself with identifying and parameterising the processes which determine water column structure, circulation and movement of sediment in continental shelf seas and estuaries. The module will cover air-sea exchange (of heat

momentum and gases), turbulence and mixing processes, shelf sea and estuarine fronts, impact on the biological oceanography, tides in estuaries, criteria for entrainment, transport and deposition of sediment, bedforms and coastal morphology.

GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYING This module concerns itself with the principles of geophysical surveying within the context of applied marine geoscience; speciﬁcally for its use in engineering and environmental geophysics. It deals with understanding the different techniques with which the Earth’s sub-surface can be mapped as well as the theory underpinning these techniques. The aim of the module is to enable the student to have a broad overall understanding of geophysical surveying for engineering and environmental applications; but this coupled with the theoretical and practical understanding that enables them to critically analyse the acquired datasets.

KEY CONCEPTS & TECHNIQUES This module provides students with some of the key skills they will need for their Masters course and their project work. These skills include

literature searching; referencing software; mathematics for marine scientists; MATLAB programming; an introduction to oceanography; and an introduction to sediment processes.

administration and use of coastal land and water will be considered, as well as the legal problems involved in regulating the increasing pressures on the marine environment.

LITERATURE REVIEW & PROJECT PLANNING / RESEARCH DESIGN & PLANNING

Socioeconomic analysis will be introduced with examples drawn from recreational ﬁsheries and tourism.

The prime element is the literature review, the purpose of which is to ensure that you are aware of background literature in the general area of your research project topic. It is an essential step in project design. At the conclusion of the literature review, you will be able to complete a project proposal form outlining the speciﬁc hypotheses to be tested and the overall plan for the project.

MARINE CONSERVATION & COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT The module will consider the use of satellite and other remote sensing techniques in the monitoring and studying of the marine environment, with emphasis on biological applications and coastal zones. The inter-related framework of public and private law governing the

Finally, there will be an overview to the history, need, framework, methodology, current and future practice of coastal zone management, and a review of genetic conservation.

MARINE FISHERIES The course will provide a broad overview of fisheries biology and detailed training in the techniques used in the assessment of finfish population dynamics. The following topics will be covered: the current status of global marine finfish fisheries; bivalve, gastropod/ echinoderm, cephalopod, crustacean and finfish fisheries will be reviewed; the types of models used in stock assessment and fisheries modelling will be introduced; the role of mapping essential fish habitat for commercial species as a means to both target these species during fishing activities and to providing protected areas will be reviewed; and the effects of fishing activities on benthos will be discussed.

MARINE IMPACTS & THEIR ASSESSMENT An introduction to the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) covering the: deﬁnition of impacts; physical processes causing impacts (erosion, sedimentation, dispersion); chemical processes causing impacts (pollution, hypernutriﬁcation); preparation of environmental documents; environmental attributes, scoping and baseline procedures; EIA methodology; procedure for developing an EIS; and procedures for reviewing an EIS. The EIA provides an opportunity to conduct a desk study of the expected environmental consequences of a plausible but generally hypothetical development project.

MARINE INVERTEBRATES The module will cover classiﬁcation of marine invertebrates. Biological and ecological aspects of the life cycle of selected species will be covered, as well as larval development and factors controlling larval supply and recruitment in natural populations. Coverage of anatomy and physiology of selected groups will include endocrine control of moulting and reproduction in crustacea, osmoregulation and nutritional physiology. www.bangor.ac.uk/sos

MARINE RESEARCH SKILLS The course will provide students with training in approaches to experimental and survey design, and the choice and use of appropriate statistical techniques to analyse the data output by experiments and surveys. Students will consider the sampling issues that relate to large-scale biological surveys, to experimental ﬁeld studies, and controlled laboratory studies that include growth and behavioural experiments.

MARINE VERTEBRATES Students will be given a broad overview of the diversity of ﬁsh, seabirds and marine mammals, and in particular on the relationship between their biology and ecology. Lectures will cover evolutionary relationships, the challenges of and adaptations to living in the marine environment, life history and anthropogenic impacts. Students will select a topic of their choice and conduct a detailed desk study and write a report on this topic.

PRACTICAL OCEANOGRAPHY This module will give students a practical experience of acquiring 38

School of Ocean Sciences

oceanographic and geophysical data from both the RV Prince Madog and the School’s 8m Cheetah Marine catamaran. Students will be expected to process, interpret and report on the data acquired. Complementing the ship and boat work will be lectures focusing on geodesy and position ﬁxing; marine acoustics; and satellite remote sensing and GIS.

SEDIMENTARY ENVIRONMENTS This module examines the origin, controls, and processes that determine the properties, transport and deposition of sediments in rivers, shallow water environments (e.g. beaches, barriers, deltas, tidal ﬂats), continental shelf and slope environments, and the deep ocean basins. It considers both terrigenous and carbonate environments with emphasis, for the former, on the forcing hydrodynamics (waves, tides, boundary currents, turbidity currents, etc.) and, for the latter, on the dominating biological controls of sediment properties and deposition.

SEDIMENT GEOTECHNICS This module concerns itself with the physical properties of soils and sediments; in particular within the context of shallow engineering and

environmental applications. This will start with the basic physical (or index) properties of a soil and explain how soils may be classified. This is followed by an explanation of effective stress, a key concept in soil mechanics. It will be apparent then, how important water is in determining soil behaviour and for that reason, ideas relating to permeability, hydraulic gradients, potential and flow nets will be presented. The flow of water within soils also plays a key role in controlling soil settlement or consolidation, and so this topic is also a part of the syllabus. Finally, concepts relating to shear strength are introduced.

RESEARCH PROJECT/ DISSERTATION The research project provides students with the necessary resources and time to independently investigate a speciﬁc scientiﬁc topic (chosen by the student with appropriate guidance of the academic staff). It aims to provide experience of undertaking and reporting an independent research project.

OCEAN SCIENCES RESEARCH DEGREES (MRes/MScRes/PhD/ MPhil) Research Degrees (PhD/MPhil) are available in the following broad subject areas:

MARINE ECOSYSTEMS: CONSERVATION & RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

SHELF SEA & COASTAL PROCESSES

The conservation and sustainable use of aquatic living resources is crucial given current rates of global population expansion. To understand the extent to which human activities modify marine ecosystems we need a fundamental understanding of the processes that inﬂuence biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. Our research adopts an ecosystemwide approach and addresses the science that underpins mitigation of human activities through cultivation of marine resources, restoration of habitats or control of human activities. The integration of fundamental and applied science has led to outputs that have inﬂuenced international and national policy for conservation and sustainable use of marine resources.

Shelf seas represent the transition zone between land and ocean. Our focus is on the identiﬁcation of key physical processes, and their interactions, which drive the ﬂuxes across critical interfaces within this zone. Development of new observational techniques, coupled with our strengths in theory and modelling, have enabled existing paradigms to be challenged, stateof-the-art models to be critically tested and new ideas developed.

BIOGEOCHEMISTRY & PALAEOCEANOGRAPHY The group investigates the cycling and fate of carbon and nitrogen across a range of marine systems, in particular the supply of inorganic nutrients and dissolved organic matter (DOM) to coastal waters, and the biogeochemistry of sea ice. Biogeochemistry underpins the validation and application of novel palaeoceanographic proxies, which we have applied to reconstructions of shelf seas and ocean margins.

MRes /MScRes The Masters by Research programme is a full-time 1 year degree by research (also available on a parttime basis), and differs from a taught MSc in placing more importance on the research project.

This degree will equip you with conﬁdence and competence in the latest research skills and allow you to apply for further research training (PhD) programmes, or to directly apply for research positions in universities or research institutes. Initially, you will develop important generic skills such as literature searching, knowledge essential for professional conduct such as research ethics and health and safety legislation, proposal writing, and subject-speciﬁc skills tailored to your individual requirements. Your project plans will be developed as part of this generic skills component in association with your supervisor. As this is a crucial component of your degree (consisting of 120 credits in an MRes or 180 credits in an MScRes), you are encouraged to approach a potential supervisor and agree a project title before you make a formal application. If you are not sure who to approach, the Graduate School staff can provide advice. These degrees are available for students in any School of the College.

www.bangor.ac.uk/sos

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

Starting university can be a daunting experience to say the least but for international students it doesn’t just mean leaving home. Students from over 70 different countries choose to study at Bangor and therefore have to leave their native homeland, their families and friends and move to a foreign country. They not only have to adjust to a new culture and surroundings but in many cases face the challenge of adjusting to a new language. Bangor University strongly believes in looking after their students and making sure that everyone is made to feel welcome and settles in with ease. That’s why Bangor has a number of International Student Ambassadors and a dedicated International Student Welfare Adviser. Our aim is to support international students from the application process right up to their graduation day. A special Orientation Day provides an opportunity to meet other international students and external organisations, and take a trip around the surrounding area. This helps you to make friends, settle in and get to know your way around. Throughout the year, the International Student Welfare Adviser offers assistance and advice on a range of matters such as NHS health care

School of Ocean Sciences

in the UK, opening a bank account, immigration status, applications to extend your visa, work regulations and ﬁnding work, travelling outside the UK, police registration, accommodation, bringing your family to the UK, and nurseries and schools in Bangor. We also arrange coach trips to places of interest. The British Council’s Regional Services Ofﬁcer is an important point of contact for information, advice and support for students attending Bangor through the British Council.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE COURSES International students are generally required to provide evidence of their English language proﬁciency. The English language level normally required for entry is IELTS 6.0 (with no individual unit score less than 5.5) or equivalent but differs for some courses, as follows: IELTS 6.5 for MSc Marine Biology and MSc Marine Environmental Protection. Students who require English Language Study prior to starting their academic studies at Bangor may undertake pre-sessional courses at the University’s English Language Centre (ELCOS) prior to the beginning of their academic programme.

Students receive close attention in order to ensure excellent progression and successful completion of the course. At the end, students are not required to undertake a further external English test, as our highly experienced and qualified staff will conduct a test and provide an official report for the University. Students on academic programmes can receive English language support throughout the year in courses specially organised for international students. These include academic writing classes and English language modules. Students can also benefit from individual consultations with a language tutor. Students wishing to undertake further external English tests can benefit from special evening classes which focus on preparation for these examinations. ELCOS also offers classes in International Cultures and English (ICE) to partners of overseas students. This is an opportunity to get to know other people, as well as learning to speak English in a relaxed and informal manner. Further details of English language courses are available from: www.elcos.bangor.ac.uk or email elcos@bangor.ac.uk

TUITION FEES, SCHOLARSHIPS & ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS TUITION FEES Tuition fee rates may change and current information can be found at: www.bangor.ac.uk/fees Please note that bench fee/laboratory charges may be raised on certain postgraduate courses.

SCHOLARSHIPS Each year Bangor University offers a wide range of Scholarships, currently worth over £3.7 million pounds. These awards help aspiring students from around the world to satisfy their dream of studying at University. In addition to the Bangor Scholarships, there are many other government and non-government scholarship schemes available to prospective students. Details of the current schemes for international students and Home/EU students are given on our website www.bangor.ac.uk/scholarships

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS: POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMMES Usually, postgraduate applicants should have an appropriate first degree with a minimum of second class honours, or alternatively a qualification or experience which is an acceptable equivalent. Applications from mature students (25 or over) are not always subject to our standard entry requirements and will be considered individually. Also, a minimum of two years of relevant professional work experience may be recognised as an entry qualification. International students should also check the English language requirements in the relevant section. Applicants for Research Degrees should normally have a first or upper second class honours degree in a relevant subject.

“I was one of the few privileged Mozambicans that beneﬁtted with a scholarship to go abroad for higher education. After completion of my PhD studies at Bangor University I returned home where I was offered I full time position at the Eduardo Mondlane University, Department of Physics, and given a task to set up an academic unit for Marine Sciences within the University. At the university I set and co-ordinated the British Council funded academic link with the School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University; a link which was very vital in getting the support I needed to accomplish the task I was given. I love teaching, carrying applied research and venturing in technology innovation in maritime affairs.” ANTONIO HOGUANE PhD Physical Oceanography BSc Physical Oceanography/ Maths www.bangor.ac.uk/cns

STUDY SOMEWHERE SPECIAL A NEW DEVELOPMENT OF 600 ROOMS WILL BE OPEN AT ST MARY’S IN 2015, WITH A RANGE OF ACCOMMODATION INCLUDING STUDIO APARTMENTS AND TOWNHOUSES. THERE WILL ALSO BE A CAFÉ BAR, SHOP, LAUNDRETTE, COMMON ROOMS AND SPORT AND FITNESS FACILITIES ON SITE. FROM 2015, ALL PRICES WILL INCLUDE FREE GYM MEMBERSHIP!

College of Natural Sciences

The compact size of the city means that student facilities – including halls of residence and Sports Centre are within easy walking distance of the University buildings. High street, shops, banks, supermarkets, restaurants and pubs, are also in close proximity. The cost of living is lower than in most urban areas, so you can make the most of your money in what is a very pleasant environment in which to live and study. The opportunity to ﬁnd part-time work is also important to some students, and, at Bangor, the student employment bureau within the Centre for Careers and Opportunities will help you ﬁnd suitable work. Also worth bearing in mind is the fact that Bangor is considered to be a relatively safe place to study (the crime rate for north Wales is one of the lowest in the country). The Students’ Union organises a large number of student clubs, societies and entertainments, covering a wide range of sporting, social, cultural, religious and political interests. It also offers support and services, and encourages students to get involved in a wide range of activities. It’s a great way to meet new people!

While Bangor itself is compact and convenient, the surrounding area offers plenty of wide open spaces. The mountains and coastline of Snowdonia and Anglesey provide an area of outstanding natural beauty, offering you wonderful recreational opportunities whether you’re interested in outdoor pursuits, or just want to enjoy the scenery. For the sports enthusiast, climbing, sailing, rowing, canoeing, surﬁng, and diving are just some of the outdoor pursuits available. Indoor sports are also well catered for by the University’s Sports Centre, while Bangor swimming pool offers reduced rates for students.

STUDENT ACCOMMODATION The University offers some accommodation in student Halls of Residence for postgraduate students and each year a limited amount of family accommodation is also available. Many postgraduate students prefer to live in private rented accommodation, and a range is available in and around the city. The Student Housing Ofﬁce is on hand to help you ﬁnd the right place. Whether students choose to live

in university accommodation or in private accommodation, they will both be within easy walking distance of the University, which is situated right in the city centre. More information about the range of accommodation and prices can be obtained from www.bangor.ac.uk/accommodation

Bangor University was ranked within the top 10 for accommodation in the What Uni Student Choice Awards 2014 “The social life here in Bangor is brilliant. The people here are very friendly. I have joined many clubs and societies in my time here. I think Bangor is a good place to live, I think the city is really amazing, especially for students.” KHALIL ALSWELEM Saudi Arabia MSc in Molecular Biology with Biotechnology

The university makes all reasonable efforts to ensure the information in this brochure is correct at the time of printing (April 2015) but may be subject to change.

www.bangor.ac.uk/cns

ALL ENQUIRIES ARE WELCOME. Please contact: SCHOOL OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES Phone +44 (0)1248 382527 Email general.enquiries@sbs.bangor.ac.uk www.bangor.ac.uk/biology SCHOOL OF ENVIRONMENT, NATURAL RESOURCES & GEOGRAPHY Phone +44 (0)1248 382281 Email senrgy@bangor.ac.uk www.bangor.ac.uk/senrgy SCHOOL OF OCEAN SCIENCES Phone +44 (0)1248 382897 Email sosmsc@bangor.ac.uk www.bangor.ac.uk/sos COLLEGE OF NATURAL SCIENCES Phone +44 (0)1248 382281 Email cns-enquiries@bangor.ac.uk www.bangor.ac.uk/cns

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