MSc in Statistical Ecology

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 program.

Compulsory

Students typically take the following modules. However, students with adequate statistical training or experience may be exempt from one or both of the first two modules listed below and may take other optional modules instead.

• Introductory Data Analysis: Covers essential statistical concepts and analysis methods relevant to commercial analysis.
• Applied Statistical Modelling using GLMs: Covers the main aspects of linear models and generalized linear models, including model specification, various options for model selection, model assessment, and tools for diagnosing model faults.
• Software for Data Analysis: Covers the practical computing aspects of statistical data analysis.
• Modeling Wildlife Population Dynamics: Introduces students to methods for constructing mathematical models of wildlife population dynamics and fitting these models to diverse data from wildlife surveys.
• Estimating Animal Abundance and Biodiversity: Introduces the main types of survey methods for wildlife populations.

Optional

As part of their optional choices, all students must take:

• Any statistics-focused module at level 5000 in the School (those with module codes beginning MT57 in the module catalogue, or ID5059).
• One additional module at level 3000, 4000, or 5000 in the School (those with module codes beginning with MT3, MT4, or MT5 in the module catalog).

Students also have the option to apply to enroll in the following modules offered by the School of Biology:

• Population Biology
• Advanced Bioacoustics for MarineMammal Science

Please note that both Biology modules are only available subject to a cap on numbers with Biology students having priority.

Students who have been exempted from taking one or both 'Introductory Data Analysis’ or 'Applied Statistical Modelling Using GLMs may instead choose other relevant modules in statistics.

All students are recommended to include one of the following two modules in their choices:

• Advanced-Data Analysis
• Multivariate Analysis

Dissertation

During the final three months of the course, MSc students complete a dissertation or a portfolio dissertation to be submitted by the end of August. Dissertations are supervised by members of the teaching staff who will advise on the choice of subject and provide guidance throughout the progress of the dissertation.

Some options for placements with organizations within the UK are available to work on a range of real-world problems specified by the organizations. Placements may range from a few visits to the organization to being hosted by the organization for a large part of the dissertation. Students on placements will be co-supervised by scientists at the organization and St Andrews staff. International placements will also be available, with similar supervision arrangements. International placements involve an additional cost.

If students choose not to complete the dissertation requirement for the MSc, there is an exit award available that allows 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 semesters of taught courses followed by a dissertation undertaken over the summer months.

Modules and course material are taught through:

• Lectures
• One-to-one discussion
• Seminars
• Small group discussion tutorials

Assessment

You may be assessed on your knowledge and understanding of the course through:

• Examinations
• Coursework
• Class tests
• Presentations
• Research essays
• Research project.

Statistical skills are highly valued in ecology and conservation, with modern ecological methods becoming increasingly quantitative. The course is therefore excellent preparation for a career as a scientist in:

• Government environment agencies
• Industry
• Consultancies
• Wildlife, conservation, and environmental organizations

Graduates may also work as wildlife managers, using their analytical skills to better inform management decisions.

Further study

The MSc in Statistical Ecology prepares students for further postgraduate studies in quantitative ecology, conservation, or statistics applied to ecological problems.

The MSc is taught by members of the world-leading Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling (CREEM), and graduates may continue their education by enrolling for a PhD within CREEM or within statistics, biology, wildlife, ecology, or conservation departments worldwide.