MSc in Marine Mammal Science

The modules published below are examples of what has been taught in previous academic years and may be subject to change before you start your programme. For more details of each module, including weekly contact hours, teaching methods and assessment.

The modules in this programme have varying methods of delivery and assessment. For more details of each module, including weekly contact hours, teaching methods and assessment, please see the latest module catalogue which is for the 2023-2024 academic year; some elements may be subject to change for 2024 entry.

Compulsory

• Conservation and Management of Marine Mammals: explores human and marine mammal interactions.
• Principles of Marine Mammal Biology: introduces the zoogeography of marine mammals and the morphological, physiological and behavioural adaptations that have enabled this diverse group to successfully colonise all of the world's oceans and some freshwater systems.
• Mathematical and Statistical Modelling for Biologists: applies mathematical ideas to questions in biology and introduces methods for fitting models to biological data mainly using R software.

Optional

Students choose three optional modules in Semester 2. Optional modules are subject to change each year and require a minimum number of five participants to be offered; some may only allow limited numbers of students (see the University’s position on curriculum development).

Here is a sample of optional modules that may be offered.

• Advanced Bioacoustics for Marine Mammal Science: theoretical and practical application of techniques used to study marine acoustics.
• Current Issues in Biologging: presents an introduction to the theory and practice of logging and relaying physical and biological data using animal-attached tags.
• Current Issues in Marine Mammal Behaviour: current views and recent advances in the study of marine mammal social behaviour and cognition.
• Estimating Animal Abundance and Biodiversity: introduces the main types of survey methods for wildlife populations.
• Population Biology: covers the essentials of population dynamics and population modelling including population genetics, trophic interactions and spatial dynamics.
• Predator Ecology in Polar Ecosystems - Antarctica: theoretical and practical field course including a vessel-based trip to Antarctica (requires payment of an expedition fee, offered only if international travel conditions allow).

Research project

Throughout the academic year, students complete a research project which will culminate in a written dissertation and presentation of a poster at the MSc student conference. Projects may involve some fieldwork but will be primarily focused on the analysis of existing data. Projects will be supervised by SMRU staff but may be carried out with joint supervision from staff in other institutions. Students can choose from a range of projects suggested by supervisors and also take an active role in designing their project plans.

If students choose not to complete the dissertation requirement for the MSc, there are exit awards available that allow suitably qualified candidates to receive a Postgraduate Diploma. By choosing an exit award, you will finish your degree at the end of the second semester of study and receive a PGDip instead of an MSc.

Teaching

Teaching format

The course consists of two taught semesters and an independent research project culminating in a 15,000-word dissertation and poster presentation. The research project takes place during the entire year with a particular focus on the last three months from mid-May to mid-August.

The modular curriculum is designed to be coherent, providing integrated training for future careers in scientific research, management or conservation.

Teaching takes the form of:

• Lectures
• Seminars
• Debates
• Workshops
• Tutorials.

Practicals involve lab work, fieldwork, modelling and computer-based data analysis.

Class sizes usually range from 5 to 45 students, depending on the module.

Support

There is a strong focus on small-group teaching so that students are individually supported and can ask for help when it is needed.

Graduates of the course have gone on to complete PhDs or work as research scientists for government agencies, industry, environmental consultancies or marine conservation organisations as well as in academic institutions worldwide.

Graduates also become part of a large and growing alumni network, with many students continuing to become research scientists, either at St Andrews or as part of international collaborations. SMRU has held noteworthy alumni gatherings at professional conferences, and graduates can stay in touch with each other using a Master-course-specific Facebook group.

The Careers Centre offers one-to-one advice to all students as well as a programme of events to assist students in building their employability skills.