Masters Degrees in Ecosystem Ecology & Land Use

Programme description

Studying how ecosystems benefit humanity and how we use and manage them, this programme assesses the trade-offs involved in our use of the environment.

This is a rapidly developing area, involving both natural and social sciences, and an increasingly common approach to environmental policy-making and management in government agencies and businesses.

On this programme you will study the complex relationships between ecosystem functions and how humanity uses and values ecosystems.

This programme has typically included a field trip which takes place in the spring, giving you insights into methods and approaches that will be useful for your dissertation work. The field trip has historically taken place in the Cairngorms in the Scottish highlands.

Programme structure

The programme has been designed with a focus on building up skills that are in particularly short supply in the environmental sector. The full-time programme is divided into two semesters of taught courses, followed by a field trip at Easter before the dissertation period over the summer. We are happy to accommodate different working patterns for part-time students, including a half day a week schedule for three-year part time study.

Compulsory courses typically include*:
•Ecosystem Services 1: Ecosystem Dynamics and Functions
•Analysing the Environment
•Ecosystem Services 2: Ecosystem Values and Management
•Analysing the Environment Study Tour
•Research Project in Ecosystem Services
•Dissertation

Option courses:

In consultation with the Programme Director, you will choose from a range of option courses*. We particularly recommend:
•Culture, Ethics & Environment
•Environmental Geochemistry
•Foundations in Ecological Economics
•Frameworks to Assess Food Security
•Human Dimensions of Environmental Change and Sustainability
•Integrated Resource Management
•Principles of Environmental Sustainability
•Principles of Geographical Information Science
•Encountering Cities
•Fundamentals for Remote Sensing
•Soil Protection and Management
•Values and the Environment
•Marine Systems and Policies
•Research Skills in the Social Sciences: Data Collection
•Understanding Environment and Development
•Climate Change and Corporate Strategy
•Environmental Impact Assessment
•Forests and Environment
•Hyperspectral Remote Sensing
•Integrated Resource Planning
•Introduction to Radar Remote Sensing
•Land Use/Environmental Interactions
•Participation in Policy and Planning
•Political Ecology
•Soil Science Concepts and Application
•Sustainability of Food Production
•Water Resource Management
•Waste Reduction and Recycling
•Energy & Society
•Novel Strategies for Carbon Storage in Soil
•Applications in Ecological Economics
•Research Design

Field trip

A spring field trip will develop students’ practical experience and skills. Historically this field trip has taken place in the Cairngorms in the Scottish Highlands.

Career opportunities

UK research councils cite the skills gained on this MSc as those ‘most wanted’ in the environmental sector. As demand for sound evidence of ecosystem services increases, so does demand for graduates who can translate complex science into policy and business opportunities.

We have strong links with businesses and key industry players who want to make use of these skills. Committed to helping you meet prospective employers and network with those active in the field, we organise careers events, and encourage dissertations conducted in partnership with external organisations.

Student experience

Would you like to know what it’s really like to study at the School of GeoSciences?

Visit our student experience blog where you can find articles, advice, videos and ask current students your questions.
https://edingeoscistudents.wordpress.com/

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You study biodiversity conservation as applied ecology in the context of land use - agriculture, forestry and amenity. Focusing on wildlife conservation in the UK and Europe, you develop practical skills in plant identification and habitat assessment from a wide range of upland and lowland areas.

Your studies focus on wildlife conservation with a particular emphasis on agriculture, forestry and amenity. Elements of the course have strong links with national, statutory and non-governmental conservation organisations. Practical management skills are gained through involvement in management problems on nature reserves and field courses that provide experience in species identification.

The course has compulsory and optional modules, giving you the opportunity to tailor your studies to your personal interests. Through the compulsory modules you will develop knowledge and skills in core concepts such as:
-Understanding the range of temperate zone ecosystems and wildlife species
-Developing a critical awareness of contemporary conservation issues and research insights
-Understanding scientific survey, habitat assessment and experimental techniques and the ability to identify common species from selected habitats
-The development of effective management plans for species and ecosystems
-Understanding complex biodiversity and ecosystem management issues
-Advanced knowledge and understanding of the influence of environmental, management and land-use factors on ecosystems and wildlife species

You also undertake a major conservation project and are supported through training in designing and delivering a project based on a laboratory or field-based investigation. After choosing your topic you collect, analyse and interpret data to produce a thesis.

Our staff

You benefit from being taught by lecturers who are industry experienced and research active. Our research in integrated agricultural production focuses on soil science, plant science and ecology, spanning a range of scales from: pot – plot – farm – landscape.
Strategic research embraces work on:
-Soil quality
-Rhizosphere function
-Plant-soil feedback
-Soil-carbon dynamics
-Nutrient cycling

Applied research addresses issues of:
-Climate change mitigation (including biofuels)
-Ecological (organic) farming systems
-Low-input crop systems
-Agriculture-environment interactions

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Admission Notice for 2017-2018

now available for students with Italian qualifications - check at http://www.unipd.it/en/forest-science
Deadline for application September 28, 2017

Forest Science

Forest Science is a 2-year Master programme (120 ECTS, equivalent to a Master of Science) providing interdisciplinary holistic and innovative forest education focused on sustainable management and conservation of forest and natural resources

Programme Summary

The programme covers a wide range of subjects. Key course topics are forests and forest ecology, silviculture, sustainable forest management, climate change mitigation, water regulation and related management issues, conservation and management of biodiversity and other ecosystem services, sustainable forest operations, natural hazards, pest management principles and techniques, forest economics and policy, forest governance analysis and conflict management techniques.
Forest Science has close links with other international Forest Schools as well as with international forest and environmental organizations like FAO, EFI, WWF and CIFOR, IUCN and IUFRO. Staff of these institutions and organisations make regular contribution to the course, especially supporting the preparation of thesis work.
The programme participates to three Erasmus Mundus Consortia for Master degrees, namely SUTROFOR, SUFONAMA and MEDfOR, respectively on management of tropical, temperate and Mediterranean forests.
The programme is completely taught in English.

How is the programme organised?

Forest Science offers two different specialization paths.

Forest and Land Management

This curriculum forms specialists in sustainable management, conservation and integrated valorization of forests and natural resources. Students acquire awareness and understanding of the functioning of forest ecosystems and skills for the sustainable management of forests and rural landscape, especially in mountainous Alpine and Mediterranean contexts.

Forest and Nature for the Future

This curriculum forms specialists in the governance of forests and natural ecosystems in the context of issues such as climate change, deforestation, land use change and biodiversity conservation. Students acquire awareness and understanding of complex socio-ecological systems and skills for identifying innovative solutions for responsible forest management in line with the major global environmental issues.

In both curricula, the scientific and technical knowledge are complemented by of statistics, GIS and other mapping techniques, research and project management methods, and by development and enhancement of soft skills such as communication skills and group work capacity.
An opportunity for the students of the two curricula to meet and bridge their learning experience is the Joint Summer Module, an interdisciplinary field activity of 1-2 weeks in Italy or abroad, taking place in the summer between the first and the second year, during which students have also the chance to discuss about forest management and forest policy with various stakeholders of the forest and wood sector.
Visit the MSc “Forest Science” page on the Università di Padova web-site (http://www.agrariamedicinaveterinaria.unipd.it/en/forest-science-1) for more details.

Teaching methods

Teaching takes place in an international environment and is based on class engagement, problem-solving approach and case study assessment.
Lectures, seminars and independent learning are supported by field practicals, laboratory work and forest visits.
Examinations are written or oral and assess students’ participation also through reports, presentations, and group work.

Who is the MSc candidate?

The course is intended for highly-motivated national and international students and is conceived for Bachelor graduates with a main interest in responsible forest management and environmental governance in mountainous Alpine and Mediterranean forests. The programme caters for students from a variety of backgrounds, from forestry, agriculture and biology to environmental sciences.

What career opportunities does the MSc provide?

A Forest Science graduated will find career opportunities in public and private institutions, agencies, Governmental and Non-Governmental Organisations working as planner, designing, manager and supervisor in the field of sustainable and responsible management of forests, natural and semi-natural habitats, land management and protection, landscape management, use and valorisation of forest resources and ecosystems services nationally or internationally. In addition, this high profile education facilitates access to basic or applied research or to doctoral programmes in Italy or abroad.

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The need for sustainable development is a global concern. This scheme aims to prepare you to address the challenges faced in safeguarding the planet’s ecosystems while improving the environments of impoverished communities. You can take either the MA or MSc, depending on your choice of dissertation. The scheme has a broad choice of optional modules, combined with the specialisation of the dissertation project, which includes the option of overseas fieldwork. This programme provides the ideal education for anyone interested in a career that will address environment and development issues, in the private, public, or not-for-profit sectors.

Modules on offer include:
• Behaviour of Pollutants in the Environment
• Conservation Biology
• Data Analysis and Interpretation
• Ecology, Conservation and Culture
• Globalisation and Democratisation
• Habitat Management
• Sustainable Soil Management
• Wildlife Population Ecology

Other modules available can be found on our website.

Our upcoming Open Days will take place on:
Saturday 8th April 2017
Saturday 15th July 2017
You can find out more and register at: http://www.lancaster.ac.uk/lec/graduate-school/masters/open-days/

We also have a Virtual Open Day on Friday 17th March. For further information and to register please go to: http://www.lancaster.ac.uk/lec/graduate-school/masters/open-days/

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Never has there been a more important time for a new approach to economics.

There is an urgent need for a radical rethink of our economic system. We need new thinking and new models that recognise the challenges we face now, rather than blindly following the path that has led us into the converging crises we now face.

These models will enable us to both mitigate the impacts and adapt to these inter-locking crises – including climate change, biodiversity loss, the peaking in fossil fuel energy supplies, financial instability, food security, poverty and so on.

They will be built on an understanding of the complementarity of ecological protection and human flourishing.

For 20 years, pioneering thinkers and practitioners have been developing alternative economic ideas, models and experiments that were once considered radical and marginal.

As we turn to face a new economic dawn, these theories and practices are now moving centre stage.

"I teach at Schumacher College because of its strong link with ecological sustainability and an approach which is based on collaborative co-creation. People are not told what to do, together they co-create their ideas. It’s a fundamentally different model of education that we can learn from and apply to the economy as well as other areas of our life."
Professor Eve Mitleton-Kelly, London School of Economics

"In making the transition to a world in which we can all thrive within planetary boundaries, it is paradigm shift or bust, and nobody does paradigm shift better than Schumacher College. Its learning environment and the content of its courses make visions of a better world tangible. And, the Economics for Transition MA shows how right now we can take the first steps to get there."
Andrew Simms, Fellow of New Economics Foundation

"Schumacher College is one of the few places I know where economic questions are being asked as openly as they need to be. When I run seminars there, I learn as much as I teach."
Kate Raworth, Visiting Research Associate at Oxford University’s Environmental Change Institute

Why Schumacher College?

Since 1991, Schumacher College has been pioneering radical new thinking in economics, attracting leading teachers, practitioners and activists from across the globe. We have inspired and supported thousands of organisations and individuals from many different countries in their quest to achieve a more sustainable and equitable world.

In 2011, in response to the deepening economic and related crises, we launched our first postgraduate programme in Economics for Transition in association with the New Economics Foundation, the Transition Network and the Business School at Plymouth University.

Now in its fourth year, this partnership offers you an unparalleled opportunity to learn about the cream of radical economic thinking, activism and entrepreneurship globally.

Hosted by highly respected radical economists, completed by an unrivalled visiting faculty of teachers and practitioners from across the world, you have a unique chance to join those at the forefront of new economic thinking.

Our teachers include:

Jonathan Dawson – Schumacher College
Tim Crabtree – Schumacher College
Stephan Harding – Schumacher College
Julie Richardson – Schumacher College
Anna Coote and Tony Greenham (link is external) – New Economics Foundation
Rob Hopkins, Jay Tompt & Sophy Banks (link is external) – Transition Network
David Bollier – co-founder of the Commons Strategies Group
Gustavo Esteva – founder of the Universidad de la Tierra
Fiona Ward – REconomy Project
Pat Conaty – NEF Fellow
Tim ‘Mac’ Macartney – Founder and CEO of Embercombe
Robin Murray – Industrial and environmental economist.
Kate Raworth – Senior Visiting Research Associate at Oxford University’s Environmental Change Institute
Dr. Martin Shaw – Author, mythologist, storyteller and award winning wilderness Rites-of-Passage guide

Who is this course for?

We are delighted to receive your application whether you are coming directly from an undergraduate degree, taking time-out to study mid-career or wanting an opportunity to retrain in a subject area that is of huge importance to our global economic future and wellbeing.

We are looking for enthusiastic agents of change who are ready to co-create a new economy in practice. We are looking for those prepared to take a risk and stand on the cutting-edge of new thinking in this area.

Schumacher College welcomes students from all over the world in its diverse mix of cultural experience and age group that allows for rich peer to peer learning.

What you will learn?

The key sustainability issues facing the world today
How ecological, economic and social crises are systemically linked to the malfunctioning of today’s globalised economy
A critique of the dominant neoclassical, industrial growth model from different perspectives
A theoretical and experiential understanding of an ecological world-view
How to apply ecology and complexity science to the economy and social systems
The co-creation of a new approach to economics drawn from alternative schools of thought
The co-creation of future scenarios and pathways towards low-carbon, high wellbeing and resilient economies
Participation in current debates on the economics of transition
New economics tools, methods and policies and their application to real-world case studies
Self-evaluation to improve professional practice

You will also carry out an independent research project related to the economics of transition

Where you will go?

Are you ready to join a new generation of business leaders, entrepreneurs, policy-makers, researchers, consultants and activists?

Graduates from this programme will have the skills and knowledge to work for sustainable change in the public and private sectors as well as in civil society, or to set up their own projects or organisations that will contribute to the transition to a new economy.

Hear from some of our past and present students and find out how this programme has changed their lives and careers by reading our the Economics for Transition student profiles.

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This programme equips graduates with the skills required for professional roles involving collection, management, analysis and presentation of landscape ecology and environmental conservation datasets using Geographical Information Systems.

In both the UK and overseas the concept of landscape scale land management has gained acceptance over the last decade. The implementation of environmental conservation policies and strategies based on a landscape ecology approach is increasingly dependent on spatial data that are managed and manipulated within a GIS. As a result, the Ecological Skills Gap Project has identified a clear need for ecologists with experience of GIS and for GIS specialists with an understanding of the environmental data they are being asked to manage and manipulate within a GIS.

This programme is designed to address these skills gaps and is structured around three compulsory conservation courses that integrate theoretical and practical aspects of contemporary conservation and environmental management, and three compulsory courses covering the principles and implementation of GIS. Additionally students take a compulsory Professional Practice for GI course, and one optional course. The MSc programme culminates in a third term with the dissertation, an individual piece of research focused on the application of GIS techniques to a specific landscape ecology problem.

The aims of the programme are:

- To provide landscape ecology practitioners and conservation managers with an appreciation of the merits and limitations of the spatial data that are potentially available to them.

- To provide an understanding of how these data can potentially be processed and managed within a GI System; encompassing data collection strategies, errors, uncertainties, GIS modelling, and GIS decision-support systems.

- To provide the knowledge and skills to confidently operate and manage a GI system for landscape ecology and environmental conservation data sets.

Visit the website http://www2.gre.ac.uk/study/courses/pg/geog/landecogis

Geography

The Department of Pharmaceutical, Chemical & Environmental Sciences offers a diverse range of degrees across geography and the environmental sciences. Teaching in the department is underpinned by world class research activities in all areas.

What you'll study

Full time
- Year 1:
Students are required to study the following compulsory courses.

Principles and Practice of Environmental Conservation (15 credits)
Landscape Ecology with GIS Dissertation (60 credits)
Advanced Spatial Modelling (15 credits)
Applied GIS and Remote Sensing (15 credits)
Professional Practice for Geographical Information (15 credits)
Introduction to GIS for Natural Resource Management (15 credits)
Techniques in Applied Ecology (30 credits)

Students are required to choose 15 credits from this list of options.

Environmental Impact Assessment (15 credits)
Ecology and Conservation of Estuaries and Coastal Zones (15 credits)

- Year 2:
Students are required to study the following compulsory courses.

Landscape Ecology with GIS Dissertation (60 credits)

Part time
- Year 1:
Students are required to study the following compulsory courses.

Applied GIS and Remote Sensing (15 credits)
Professional Practice for Geographical Information (15 credits)
Introduction to GIS for Natural Resource Management (15 credits)

Students are required to choose 15 credits from this list of options.

Environmental Impact Assessment (15 credits)
Ecology and Conservation of Estuaries and Coastal Zones (15 credits)

- Year 2:
Students are required to study the following compulsory courses.

Principles and Practice of Environmental Conservation (15 credits)
Landscape Ecology with GIS Dissertation (60 credits)
Advanced Spatial Modelling (15 credits)
Techniques in Applied Ecology (30 credits)

- Year 3:
Students are required to study the following compulsory courses.

Landscape Ecology with GIS Dissertation (60 credits)

Fees and finance

Your time at university should be enjoyable and rewarding, and it is important that it is not spoilt by unnecessary financial worries. We recommend that you spend time planning your finances, both before coming to university and while you are here. We can offer advice on living costs and budgeting, as well as on awards, allowances and loans.

Find out more about our fees and the support available to you at our:
- Postgraduate finance pages (http://www.gre.ac.uk/finance/pg)
- International students' finance pages (http://www.gre.ac.uk/finance/international)

Assessment

Students are assessed through examinations, coursework and assessments that are practically focused using real-world examples and case studies.

Career options

Graduates develop the professional philosophy and skills base to progress to senior posts within industry, or proceed to doctoral research. Graduates from this programme can pursue employment in conservation organisations in the UK and overseas, including central and local government, environmental consultancies, non-governmental organisations, business, the media and environmental education.

Find out about the teaching and learning outcomes here - http://www2.gre.ac.uk/?a=643704

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Summary

This programme is a unique collaboration, jointly delivered by Southampton and Marwell Wildlife. Marwell Wildlife is a conservation charity with a zoological park as part of its conservation profile. It undertakes a broad portfolio of conservation research including managing individuals and populations of threatened species and restoration of endangered wildlife and ecosystems. This MRes is the only wildlife conservation programme currently available in the UK to offer such a high degree of interaction between a university and a conservation organisation. Its ultimate aim is to produce individuals with the skills, experience and academic credentials required for employment as conservation biologists. To provide an immersive experience for students and to ensure we have the scope to cover all that the MRes encompasses, the course is based on a full calendar year, running from October until late September. The MRes is a full-time course, with no provision for a part-time option at this time. Tuition fees will depend on which research project is undertaken.

Visit our website for further information...

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This programme is delivered jointly by the School and the Royal Veterinary College (RVC). It addresses a broad range of topics under the One Health paradigm and provides a foundation in the principles of diseases in the context of sociological systems, global health and food safety. Students develop skills related to methodology, transdisciplinary interactions and using a systems approach.

This course is also available as a Postgraduate Diploma

Graduates from this programme will have the knowledge and skills provided by experienced scientists in order to be able to respond rapidly and effectively to outbreaks of disease as well as controlling endemic disease at the interface between humans, animals and the environment.

Visit the website http://www.lshtm.ac.uk/study/masters/onehealth.html

Objectives

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

- understand the One Health concept and approach problem solving using a transdisciplinary methodology

- understand the origin, context and drivers of infectious disease at the human, animal and environment interface

- evaluate impacts of multi-host infections on human, animal and ecosystem health and economics directly, or indirectly via food, vectors or the environment

- develop a One Health systems approach to complex disease issues in monitoring, surveillance, diagnosis, prevention and control

- critically review published literature

- design and complete a research project (MSc only)

Structure

Term 1:
There is a one-week orientation period that includes an introduction to studying at the School and the Royal Veterinary College, followed by four compulsory modules:

- Foundations of One Health
- Introduction to Disease Agents for One Health
- Infectious Disease Emergence
- Introduction to One Health Epidemiology

Terms 2 and 3:
All students take three compulsory modules:

- One Health Economics
- One Health Skills
- Medical Anthropology and Public Health

In addition, students choose a fourth module from the following:

- Vector Biology and Vector-Parastite Interactions
- Environmental Epidemiology
- Epidemiology and Control of Communicable Diseases
- Globalisation and Health

Project report (MSc only):
During the summer months (July - August), students complete a research project on a topic in one health, for submission by early September.

Assessment:
Assessment takes place by eight end-of-module examinations, in-course assignments and by project report and an oral examination.

Intercalating this course

Undergraduate medical students can take a year out either to pursue related studies or work. The School welcomes applications from medical students wishing to intercalate after their third year of study from any recognised university in the world.

Why intercalate with us?:
Reputation: The School has an outstanding international reputation in public health & tropical medicine and is at the forefront of global health research. It is highly rated in a number of world rankings including:

- World’s leading research-focused graduate school (Times Higher Education World Rankings, 2013)
- Third in the world for social science and public health (US News Best Global Universities Ranking, 2014)
- Second in UK for research impact (Research Exercise Framework 2014)
- Top in Europe for impact (Leiden Ranking, 2015)

Highly recognised qualification: possessing a Master's from the School will give you a focused understanding of health and disease, broaden your career prospects and allow you to be immersed in research in a field of your choice.

Valuable skills: you will undertake an independent research project (summer project) in your chosen topic, equipping you with research skills that will distinguish you in a clinical environment. While your medical qualification will give you a breadth of knowledge; undertaking an intercalated degree will allow you to explore your main area of interest in greater depth.

Alumni network: the School has a strong international and diverse alumni community, with more than 20,000 alumni in over 180 countries.

MSc vs. BSc: undertaking an MSc is an excellent opportunity to develop in-depth specialist knowledge in your chosen topic and enhance your skills in scientific research. Postgraduate qualifications are increasingly sought after by clinicians and possessing a Masters qualification can assist you in your future career progression.

Find out how to apply here - http://www.lshtm.ac.uk/study/masters/onehealth.html#sixth

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Course Overview

Many challenges facing society depend on the interaction between ecological systems, the environment and human wellbeing. Yet our current understanding of these complex systems is mostly insufficient for science-based intervention. Imperial College’s Grand Challenges in Ecosystems and the Environment Initiative is based at its Silwood Park campus; an internationally recognised centre of excellence for ecology research, and aims to fill this gap with a unique and innovative Masters in Research course.

This MRes gives students the opportunity to work on active projects alongside leading academics from many different disciplines, allowing them to create real-world impact during the course of their research.

The course will provide students with a cutting-edge interdisciplinary programme, providing high-level research training in the latest developments in the conservation of ecosystems and the environment, covering the physical, life, and social sciences, as well as an understanding of how to ensure that research has real-world impact. This will best prepare students for a career in Grand Challenges in Ecosystems and the Environment research and possible PhD studies.

Research Project

Students complete 9 months of project-based research training. The projects are designed to give practical experience of desk-based or field research and provide the opportunity to learn a wide range of skills that build upon those taught earlier in the course.

This MRes comprises projects which can be based in the lab of any Grand Challenges in Ecosystems and the Environment member (with guidance and support from any participating department in College or in the University of an International Grand Challenges in Ecosystems and the Environment member), and are designed to provide students with experience of contributing to essential research which will provide real-world impact on an active project. Fully desk-based projects are also available.

Course Structure

The course involves 8 weeks of full time teaching of core skills and 9 months of project-based research training.

Taught Elements

* Environmental and biological data sources and GIS
* Statistics and programming
* Understanding and modelling changes in the physical environment
* Understanding and modelling changes in biological systems
* Understanding and modelling changes in social-ecological systems
* Understanding and modelling policy responses to grand challenges
* Communicating your message, including scientific writing and engaging with stakeholders

Additionally, MRes students are able to attend many transferable skills courses that include:

* A one week induction course, including a series of seminars in Grand Challenges in Ecosystems and the Environment research
* Attendance at workshops and guest lectures within the Grand Challenges in Ecosystems and the Environment initiative
* A one-week summer school on ‘Grand Challenges in Ecosystems and the Environment’
* Training in complementary skills, personal development and business
* Weekly reading groups
* Preparing a CV

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Summary

The one-year course, tailored to your particular interests, is a stepping stone to further study at PhD level or a gateway to many careers in industry (e.g agriculture, pharmaceutical and the healthcare sector), scientific services, science communication, the teaching profession or in scientific policymaking.

We offer MRes courses in Biological Sciences with a focus in one of the following research areas:

- Biodiversity, Ecology and Ecosystem services
- Biotechnology
- Developmental Biology
- Microbiology
- Neuroscience
- Molecular and Cellular Biosciences
- Plant Biology
- Zoology

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Humans are dependent on and live in close proximity with their livestock and the interfaces of livestock with wildlife are permeable and complex. This programme addresses a clear need to integrate ecological disciplines with studies of disease in wildlife, livestock and human populations, with concepts of land management, livestock production and wildlife management

Why this programme

◾You can carry out a research project in an internationally recognized centre of excellence, working with world-leading researchers in animal science and ecology.
◾Being an online programme, we are equally able to access true experts, regardless of their national base. Recognised authorities will contribute to the programme from their home countries, including South Africa, Botswana, USA, Brazil, India and Australia.
◾This programme closely examines the often conflicting needs of land users and strives to obtain balanced input from individual land users, from special interest lobby groups, NGOs, government organisations, corporations and service providers to provide a rigorous theoretical background to understanding the practical causes of land-use conflicts involving livestock, wildlife and other drivers.
◾After completing this programme you will have gained a valuable understanding of the complex drivers of animal management, have developed a range of analytical and practical skills and will be able to construct well-founded, practical solutions to animal management problems.
◾This programme is unique in its approach to the "One Health" concept. Whereas most programmes in this domain examine animal and human health, this programme broadens the concept to include environment and land management, both of which are major drivers of the health of wildlife, livestock and the humans that depend on them.

Programme structure

The aims of the programme are to:
◾Integrate ecological disciplines with studies of disease in wildlife, livestock and human populations with basic concepts of land management, livestock production and wildlife management
◾Comprehensively examine the factors that influence the managment of wildlife and livestock species, including human culture and the physical environment
◾Provide training in the use of analytical tools for wildlife, livestock and land management
◾Develop the ability to critically analyse wildlife and livestock management processes and critically analyse and evaluate solutions to the important challenges of sustainable wildlife and livestock management.

Career prospects

This programme will suit students who need to broaden their knowledge and skills to improve their employability in organisations that have a mandate to provide services to diverse stakeholders in complex systems. Veterinarians in government agencies with wide ranging responsibilities, in conservation organisations and NGOs would find this particularly useful. Similarly, conservation biologists who have little or no familiarity with livestock production or animal health will benefit.

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Master's specialisation in Communities and Ecosystems

Communities and Ecosystems deals with the ecology of units of interacting individuals, in populations, communities and ecosystems. The biodiversity is analysed and functionally related to the hydrology, nutritional status and landscape configuration of the ecosystem. Ecogenomics tools are applied to obtain information on unknown components such as microbial composition or evolutionary history of populations. This information together gives insight in how different communities (plants, animals, micro-organisms) within an ecosystem are interrelated and interdependent, and how they determine the resilience of the community to environmental stress. This fundamental knowledge is applied in proven applications in nature and water management.

See the website http://www.ru.nl/masters/biology/ecosystems

Admission requirements for international students

1. A completed Bachelor's degree in Biology or related area

2. Proficiency in English
In order to take part in this programme, you need to have fluency in both written and spoken English. Non-native speakers of English without a Dutch Bachelor's degree or VWO diploma need one of the following:
-A TOEFL score of >575 (paper based) or >232 (computer based) or >90(internet based)
- A IELTS score of >6.5
- Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE) or Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE), with a mark of C or higher

Career prospects

This programme provides you with the qualifications you need to start working on your PhD and in the field of communication, business and management or education. Biologists often continue their research careers in universities, research institutes, pharmaceutical companies and public health authorities. On graduation, our students very quickly take up positions as researchers or analysts in government departments, research organisations and medical or pharmaceutical companies.
What biologists do:
- Researchers at universities or in companies
- Supervisors of clinical trials
- Consultants
- Lecturers
- Policy coordinators
- Teachers

Where biologists work:
- Research/education
- Health care
- Business services
- Industry
- Government
- Trade

Our approach to this field

Communities and Ecosystems deals with the ecology of units of interacting individuals, in populations, communities and ecosystems. The biodiversity is analysed and functionally related to the hydrology, nutritional status and landscape configuration of the ecosystem. Ecogenomics tools are applied to obtain information on unknown components such as microbial composition or evolutionary history of populations. This information together gives insight in how different communities (plants, animals, micro-organisms) within an ecosystem are interrelated and interdependent, and how they determine the resilience of the community to environmental stress. This fundamental knowledge is applied in proven applications in nature and water management.

Our research in this field

- Rich programme
This M.Sc. programme not only puts the interactions between organisms into context, it also integrates all levels of organisation from the molecule and the cell up to ecosystems and the landscape. This combination of experience results in a rich and coherent MSc. programme of Master's courses and exciting internships with state-of-the-art research. It prepares you for a career in science, both fundamental and applied, but also provides the necessary knowledge for innovative evidence-based applications in nature and water management.

- Personal tutor
Our top scientist are looking forward to take you with them on a challenging and inspiring scientific journey. This programme offers you many opportunities to follow your own interests under the guidance of a personal tutor. Radboud University offers you a multitude of research fields to choose from in close collaboration with the
- academic hospital UMCN St. Radboud;
- Institute for Water and Wetlands Research;
- Nijmegen Centre for Molecular Life Sciences;
- Donders Institute.

This allows you to specialise in a field of personal interest.

See the website http://www.ru.nl/masters/biology/ecosystems

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General Information

Land (soil) and water are two essential resources required to sustain the human goals of food security and maintenance of environmental goods and services, including all forms of useable energy. Managed, as an integrated system, provides a framework to aid society to achieve food security and environmental services.

The goal of the innovative Master of Science in Land and Water Systems is to offer a professional degree that will serve both practicing resource managers, and recent graduates from cognate undergraduate academic programs, the necessary credentials to address the emerging concerns of land and water resources conservation and management.

Quick Facts

- Degree: Master of Land and Water Systems
- Specialization: Land and Water Systems
- Subject: Specialty
- Mode of delivery: On campus
- Program components: Coursework only
- Faculty: Faculty of Land and Food Systems

The MLWS program provides an opportunity for students to obtain science-based skills, training and knowledge to address emerging environmental issues of food security, effects of increasing urbanization, maintenance of ecological services, restoration of degraded lands, adapting to climate change, and resource conservation. The program draws from a broad range of academic and professional expertise in disciplines including geochemistry, biology, soil science, hydrology, terrestrial and aquatic ecology, forest sciences and more. The program is aimed at both recent graduates and practicing professionals who are seeking additional academic qualification.

Learning Objectives

Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will:
1. Have the necessary background and analytical skills to address the issues related to land and water systems based on an understanding of the integration of the ecological, carbon (energy), hydrological and pedalogical cycles and the impacts of human activity.
2. Obtain proficiency in developing analytical frameworks for the identification, articulation and analysis of land and water resource issues and concerns.
3. Develop skills to develop, apply, evaluate, and adapt alternate practices through scenario frameworks.
4. Develop professional communication skills.

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The increasing demand for those with an understanding of the environment provides fantastic opportunities for those with knowledge of ecosystem services and management. Get ahead of the competition by improving your qualifications on our Masters programme. You'll gain all the knowledge you need on assessing and understanding ecosystems and how to value the services they provide, ensuring that a healthy and resilient environment is present now and in the future. We offer a range of modules to help you model within business planning across sectors for economic development and environmental protection, so take your expertise to the next level by completing our course!

Course outline

This Masters is designed to provide students with knowledge on how to assess ecosystems, how to value the services they provide and how this information informs and supports the sustainable use of natural resources decision-making process.

Students will share four taught core modules that will cover the fundamentals of the subject area plus a dissertation module. For the remaining taught modules students can choose two options from three remaining modules associated with this course.

Graduate destinations

During the course you'll have chance to take optional modules relevant to specific sectors. This will allow you to focus your skills towards a new career in conservation, forestry, catchment management, economics and environmental modelling. The skills and knowledge you learn are perfect for working in water management, environmental agencies and NGOs.

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The course

On a national and international scale there is an increasing need to reconcile the need for increased food production with the need for conservation of natural resources. There is also a need for people to understand and deal with complex land situations such as within agricultural systems. This course is intended to provide students with a detailed understanding of basic and applied agro-ecology and the issues associated with, on the one hand, the increased and shifting needs for food production and on the other the need for conservation and management of natural resources. Sustainable food production and sustainable intensification are of high policy importance both nationally and internationally. Agro-ecology is a key aspect of sustainable intensification.

How will it benefit me?

An understanding of agro-ecology and the organisms and systems that underpin agricultural systems can facilitate the ability to manage agricultural systems in a more sustainable manner.
This course will provide the foundation for a career in both conservation and in agriculture.
The course will provide you with specialized training in agroecology and farmland conservation.

You will be able to:

Appraise the role of agro-ecology within the wider context of global food security and sustainable food production
Evaluate the strategic and operational issues and conflicts affecting the sustainable management of agricultural ecosystems in order to select the most appropriate conservation management solutions.
Evaluate the interactions between organisms and consider these when making management recommendations for successful agro-ecological landscapes
Develop the ability to solve conflicts in agro-ecosystems by the application of novel research techniques

The course will:
Prepare you for a career in conservation agriculture, or agriculture or conservation more widely.
Offer vocational training in the field of agroecology.
Enable you to make a more informed choices for further study, such as PhD studies or other career development

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