Postgraduate Biology 2021-2022

This course is uniquely tailored for biologists and will provide students with the required background theory and practical skills relevant to modern ecology and biology. The unique format of example-led lectures and real-world based practicals will provide you with a foundation to become confident and proficient in analysing real data. Throughout this course, we will introduce you to using the programming language R to implement modern statistical modelling techniques. You will use the flexible linear and generalised linear modelling frameworks to analyse biological data with emphasis on robust and reproducible research methods.

This essay course gives you the opportunity to research and do extended writing on a topic of direct relevance to your postgraduate programme and to your own interests. You will develop specialist knowledge and refine your synthesis and evaluation skills.

You will choose your topic in discussion with your Programme Coordinator. You will have an essay supervisor who will provide you with feedback on your essay plan and provide comments on your draft essay.

Enables students to increase and enhance their understanding of atmospheric, aquatic and terrestrial environmental pollution issues;

Addresses the management, monitoring and control of environmental pollutants;

Allows students to engage with stakeholders from a number of different sectors;

Uses both qualitative and quantitative data to understand the impact of environmental pollutants.

This highly regarded course will take your understanding of statistics to the next level and provide you with the skills and confidence to analyse your complex biological data. Through a combination of lectures, computer based practicals and group work you will gain an understanding of how to deal with pervasive issues in the analysis of real world biological data such as heterogeneity of variance and spatial and temporal non-independence. Hands on computer tutorials will allow you to apply statistical models using modern statistical software (R) to real data, collected by researchers to answer real biological questions.