Introduction
Further Information
These Masters degree programmes address the increasing need for highly numerate biologists or biologically literate mathematicians and statisticians to work in marine resource management, the need for marine scientists and managers to be able to appreciate and integrate methods and information from other disciplines and the need for biologists to understand the relevance of processes occurring at cell, individual population and ecosystem levels.
The programmes also specifically aim to produce graduates who can meet the research and management challenges generated by the European Union's recent adoption of the so-called ecosystem approach to fisheries management (ESATFM), against a background of other anthropogenic influences, not least climate change, and the increasing importance of aquaculture as an alternative marine protein source.
The programmes include training in data handling, statistics and other research and generic skills, and the opportunity to carry out a four-month individual research project. While centred in marine biology and ecology, the programme also covers relevant topics in animal physiology and molecular biology, socio-economics and the physical sciences. The MRes (Master of Research) is a qualification for students who wish to follow a career in scientific research. The subject-based content of this degree is based on our long-standing MSc degree programme in Marine & Fisheries Science. We therefore offer both degree designations and the two programmes are similar, although some requirements the MRes degree are more stringent. Students who lack appropriate entry qualifications may register for a Postgraduate Diploma and may be allowed to upgrade to MSc or MRes depending on their performance.
The main objectives of these degree programmes are to:
- Provide training in research methods as a precursor to PhDs in marine biological sciences;
- Provide training in statistical, mathematical, and programming skills for biology graduates;
- Provide training in marine biology for students from the physical and social sciences;
- Facilitate understanding of the value of an integrated, multi-level and multidisciplinary approach to managing marine resources;
- Provide training in generic and life skills.
The programmes are based mainly in the School of Biological Sciences. Within its RAE grade 5-rated zoology discipline, SBS has recognised research strengths in deep-ocean sciences, fish immunology and physiology, estuarine ecology and biodiversity, molecular genetics, and biology and ecology of cephalopods, fish, seabirds and marine mammals.
The Oceanlab field station has pioneered the use of "landers" to monitor fish behaviour, metabolism and abundance on the ocean floor. It offers access to advanced and dedicated testing facilities that are not available in one location anywhere else in Europe: e.g. high pressure testing, computer-controlled environment, computer-aided design and stress-testing simulations, image analysis, electronics assembly, dark rooms, acoustic testing tanks and benthic sampling equipment.
The Lighthouse Field Station by the Moray Firth runs long-term field projects on the ecology of coastal marine mammals and seabirds. It runs 3 research boats and is well equipped for photographic, video and acoustic studies. It provides access to a wide variety of coastal habitats and has strong links with regional management organisations and the oil and marine renewables industries.
The Zoology Building in Old Aberdeen houses the Scottish Fish Immunology Research Centre, an SFC initiative to pool research expertise in fish immunology between the University of Aberdeen, Marine Scotland, and the Institute of Aquaculture at Stirling. There are recently refurbished molecular and cell laboratories, clean room and FACS facility, as well as aquarium facilities dedicated to fish immunology research.
A special feature of the programmes is the major input from research scientists at the Marine Scotland Science, part of the Scottish government, which is one of the two major UK government fisheries research institutes. Marine Scotland Science provides expert advice to Government on marine and freshwater fisheries, aquaculture and the protection of the aquatic environment. Marine Scotland Science has supported the development of Masters training in marine sciences at the University of Aberdeen over the last 20 years and has employed many of our graduates. Marine Scotland Science staff teach on several of the current modules and some lectures are held at Marine Scotland Science. Students have the opportunity to undertake research project placements at Marine Scotland Science and to participate in research vessel cruises. Professionals from many sectors of marine industry, management, regulation, conservation and consultancy contribute guest lectures.
Many graduates from the Marine & Fisheries programmes now work in marine conservation (both in government agencies such as JNCC and in NGOs such as the Marine Conservation Society). Others have moved into the regulatory sector, e.g. with SEPA and SFPA, into environmental consultancy (eg, with BMT Cordah, Hartley-Anderson and Nautilus), into the fishing and aquaculture industries and related groups such as the Moray Firth Partnership. Professionals in all these sectors increasingly need to understand quantitative data, including outputs from complex models, and to evaluate information provided from a range of disciplines.
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