The powerful, free and open-source R statistical environment is becoming the statistical tool of choice for increasing numbers of scientists. Students on this course will learn how to easily import their data into R, and how to then manage, manipulate, explore, graph and statistically analyse their data using R and RStudio (a free software application with a more user-friendly interface for working in R). They will also learn how to select appropriate statistical models for their data, and how to design and write basic programs in the R language.

1. Demonstrate the ability to effectively manage, manipulate and explore data in R
2. Select the most appropriate statistical model for their data
3. Analyse different types of data in R using basic and advanced statistical models
4. Create and customise graphs in R that are appropriate for their data
5. Design and write programs in R

This module will cover the use of geographic information systems (GIS) as a tool for field biologists. It will enable the learners to store, manage, analyse and display data that has both spatial and attribute components. It will be taught using ArcGIS and will be 100% practical and continuous assessment.

1. Explain the components of a GIS and demonstrate an understanding of its application
2. Source, store and manipulate a broad range of data types within a Geographic Information System
3. Analyse and interpret data using a Geographic Information System
4. Create outputs pertinent to the application of Geographic Information Systems in line with their needs
5. Examine advanced GIS data and discern the appropriate presentation of such data
6. Demonstrate the ability to self direct learning in the application of GIS

Knowledge of population size is essential for the management of animal populations. Significant biological, ecological and legislative imperatives exist requiring research into long term trends and current abundance and distribution of marine mammal and seabird populations. This module will introduce learners to the practical and theoretical aspects of visual survey techniques utilised to inform conservation policies and action plans and to support reporting and other legislative requirements.

1. Describe the theoretical basis for visual survey techniques
2. Demonstrate an ability to design, critique and refine survey designs for seabirds and marine mammals
3. Conduct sample visual surveys and utilise appropriate techniques for survey, data storage, analysis and reporting
4. Review the use of emergent technologies such as UAVs in population assessment

Organisms' life history strategies reflect the trade-off of finite resources to competing functions such as maintenance, growth and reproduction. It follows therefore, that allocation of resources to a reproductive event (for example) will come at a cost to growth, maintenance and possible future reproductive events. This module will explore relationships between age and size, survival and reproductive performance. It will investigate the interaction between phenotypic variation resulting in selection coupled with the expression of genetic variation that facilitates a response to selection.

1. Discuss the evolution of life history strategies
2. Differentiate models of population growth
3. Describe the influence of genetics on demography
4. Interpret physiological and evolutionary tradeoffs

This module will provide an overview of the effects of harvesting on wild populations and the communities in which they exist. Traditional approaches to harvesting largely assume a population exists in isolation and that harvesting acts to primarily change the size and or composition of the population. Increasingly, however, evidence suggests that failure to consider secondary effects of harvesting may lead to decreased productivity, population decline and, in some cases, extirpation.

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the extant theory of harvesting
2. Synthesise the latest research on the secondary effects of population harvesting
3. Critically evaluate the efficacy of current methods to incorporate secondary effects

4. Explain implications of optimal population harvesting

5. Describe how secondary impacts can be accounted for when evaluating harvest strategies

This module will provide learners with detailed knowledge of the biology and ecology of top predators in marine systems, in particular: factors affecting their abundance and distribution, role of top predators in marine ecosystems, ecological consequences of top predator declines, role of top predators in monitoring and management of marine ecosystems, interaction between marine megafauna and fisheries. Through the theory and the use of case-studies, the learner will be able to critically evaluate conservation approaches.

1. Discuss the physical, chemical and biological factors that influence the spatial and temporal distribution of marine top predators
2. Describe the role of top predators in marine systems and the consequences of their removal
3. Critically evaluate the potential for top predators in monitoring and managing the marine environment

Students will undertake an approved research project under the direction of an internal supervisor and, if appropriate, a supervisor from a relevant external organisation. Projects may be drawn from any discipline within the course of from an area of expertise of the supervisors. Design of the project should be produced by the learner with the advice of the supervisors.

1. Identify and choose a research project topic and plan the delivery of that research project
2. Select and synthesise information available in scientific literature (and in some cases other literature) in order to establish the need for, and potential scope and context of, the research project
3. Develop creative ways of solving new research problems
4. Collect and analyse data qualitatively and quantitatively, including an assessment of the statistical validity of the research results
5. Manage resources allocated to completing a scientific research project
6. Communicate research results in written and oral forms, demonstrating critical analysis, synthesis and organisation of knowledge, and the construction of a rational and lucid scientific argument