Degree type: MSc/PGDip
UCAS Code: Apply direct to the University
Duration: One year full-time
Why choose this course?
This course is designed and delivered by an interdisciplinary team of established researchers and academics interested in meeting future environmental challenges. It is based at the Scottish Informatics, Mathematics, Biology and Statistics (SIMBIOS) Centre and the School of Contemporary Sciences. The emphasis of this course is to provide you with the skills to tackle complex environmental problems that require interdisciplinary responses. You will be exposed to the basic principles of ecology, rigorous scientific methodology, and an understanding of how statistics, modelling and advances in technology can be used to provide novel solutions.
Those exiting the course after successful completion of the taught component (i.e. Postgraduate Diploma) would be eligible for the award of Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) Systems Approach to Environmental Challenges.
The course will focus on two main themes, Fundamentals of Environmental Science and Inter-disciplinary Approaches to Environmental Challenges. The complex nature of the environment requires an interdisciplinary (systems) approach to understanding contemporary environmental challenges. You will be introduced to a wide range of scientific disciplines relevant to environmental science and shown how they can combine to not only form a better understanding of problems but also lead to novel and practical solutions. You will be introduced to the principles of ecology, research methodology, statistics, modelling, and advances in technology relevant to this interdisciplinary field. You will be taught via a problem-based learning approach. This will involve undertaking extensive and in-depth analyses of contemporary environmental challenges both as an individual and working in a group. This approach teaches self-directed research and group skills, essential for meeting future challenges long after knowledge learnt at university becomes outdated.
How you learn
During the first two semesters you will work with other students to complete a number of study projects. These projects will require both team and individual effort and you will be supported in the completion of these projects by a series of meetings with academic supervisors. During the third semester, students will undertake an independent research project for their Masters dissertation. This project may focus on practical experimentation, the analysis of existing complex data sets, or be an in-depth review of current literature.
How you are assessed
Assessment is based on group and individual performance and presentations for each of the study group projects followed by a set of exams at the end of Semester 2. The MSc stage is assessed with a substantial final research project allowing in-depth specialisation and involving a presentation and dissertation at the end of Semester 3.
A lower second class Honours degree (2:2 or better) or equivalent in an appropriate scientific discipline. Because of the interdisciplinary nature of this course, we would recommend that potential applicants contact us to see if their background is relevant. We would predict that students from a very wide range of science disciplines would find this course of value.
Overseas/EU
All applicants are required to provide certified proof of competence in English Language and the University's minimum requirements are listed here
Your future
We expect that graduates of this course would be suitable for a range of careers including environmental engineers, specialists, consultants and managers. This course will also be of value for those wanting to undertake further studies for higher degrees, especially those requiring an interdisciplinary approach.
Want to know more?
Programme tutor: Dr Andrew Spiers
Tel: +44 (0) 1382 308180
Email: a.spiers@abertay.ac.uk
More information
MSc Systems Approach to Environmental Challenges
