Zoology with Climate Change Studies MZool (Climate Change)

The Master in Zoology with Climate Change Studies is an extended undergraduate programme which allows students to graduate either with BSc (Hons) at the end of the third year or with a Master at the end of the fourth year. If at the end of Year 2 a sufficient standard has been achieved, then progression onto the Masters year will be permitted following completion of Year 3. The fourth year offers a unique opportunity to conduct an extended research project either in the laboratory or in the field. Year 1 The first year is a general year for all of our zoology related degrees, which will introduce three broad and very important aspects of modern biology. Students are required to take three compulsory lecture modules, one module in key skills and one practical module. In addition there are tutorials with individual members of staff. Compulsory modules: Earth, Climate and Evolution (20):This module describes the controlling factors that determine the earth's climate and climate change on various time scales in relation to biological evolution. Organismal Diversity (20): The module will present an overview of basic classification, form and function of the major groups of living organisms. Ecology and Evolution (20): Ecology is about understanding the dynamic changes in individuals, populations, communities and ecosystems in relation to each other and the physical environment, and understanding their evolutionary processes. Biology Practical Module (20): Students will undertake a range of practicals from molecular and cell biology, through to animal function and ecology. Field work is included. The practicals will coincide with the appropriate subject area in the lecture modules. Research Skills (20): The module is aimed at developing a range of skills commonly used by natural scientists, including basic mathematical manipulation, data interpretation, and presentation, experimental design and statistical analysis, IT skills and effective use of the literature. Tutorials (degree specific) (10): The module is aimed at developing a range of skills commonly used by natural scientists, including basic mathematical manipulation, data interpretation, and presentation, experimental design and statistical analysis, IT skills and effective use of the literature. Optional modules: You choose 10 credits from the following list: Introduction to Microbiology (10) Comparative Zoology Year 2 In the second year you will extend and deepen your understanding of general zoology and develop your specialisation in climate change impacts. There are three compulsory modules incorporating two lecture modules and a module called Bioscience Skills which will focus on student directed learning and development. You can choose 60 credits of optional modules. Compulsory Modules: Climate Change (20) Evolution and Genetics (20) Bioscience Skills (20) Optional Modules: Choose 60 credits from: Vertebrate Biology (20) Invertebrate Biology (20) Animal Behaviour (20) Field Courses (20) Year 3 The third year includes a dissertation project that may be experimental or take the form of a literature review, which is supervised by a member of staff on a subject to suit your interests. There is one compulsory lecture module and students get more choice in the third year by choosing to take 80 credits of optional modules. Compulsory Modules: Life in a Changing Climate (20) Dissertation (20) Optional Modules: Choose 80 credits from: Animal Survival Strategies (20) Freshwater Ecosystems (20) Advances in Behaviour (20) Systematics and Diversity (20) Fish Physiology (20) Practical Developmental Biology (20) Molecular Ecology and Evolution (20) Bio Enterprise and Employability (20) Life in Wetlands (20) Year 4 For the Master degree, the fourth year is dedicated to an individual research project (100 credits), accompanied by 20 credits including: Advanced Research Skills (20) We are continuously incorporating student feedback and novel developments into our degrees, which can result in changes to the module content in all years.