Plant and Fungal Taxonomy, Diversity and Conservation MSc

Program Overview

This MSc program in Plant and Fungal Taxonomy, Diversity, and Conservation equips students with cross-disciplinary skills in plant and fungal identification, molecular systematics, evolutionary biology, and conservation practices. Through a combination of coursework, field studies, and a dissertation, graduates gain expertise in biodiversity description, understanding, and conservation, preparing them for careers in bioscience, nature conservation, and environmental policy development.

Program Outline

Plant and Fungal Taxonomy, Diversity and Conservation MSc

Degree Overview:

This course is designed to provide students with the cross-disciplinary skills and knowledge they need to describe, understand and conserve biodiversity. It will teach students plant and fungal identification skills, molecular systematics, evolutionary biology, as well as conservation policy, theory and practice. The course is aimed at preparing graduates for careers in bioscience, nature conservation, plant breeding and environmental policy development. It will also provide students with the foundational knowledge and skills needed to pursue PhD studies in related fields.

Outline:

Year 1:

• Module 1: Plant Taxonomy and Diversity (6 credits)
It will cover topics such as taxonomic principles and methodology, plant systematics and comparative biology (including morphology, chemistry and genomics), phylogenetics, biogeography and evolution.
• Module 2: Fungal Taxonomy and Diversity (6 credits)
• This module will focus on fungal diversity and it will be taught at RBG, Kew by leading mycologists.
• Kew has the largest collection of fungal specimens in the world that will be available to the students during the course.
• The module will give an overview of the systematics and taxonomy of major fungal groups, including of basic concepts in mycology, field collecting, and culturing and fungarium techniques.
In addition, front-line research on the ecology of fungi (e.g., symbiosis, 'rotters and recyclers', pathogens), fungal biogeography, and fungal evolutionary genomics, will be explored through study of contemporary research.
• Module 3: Research Frontiers in Biodiversity, Evolution and Conservation (6 credits)
• This module will introduce students to cutting-edge topics in biodiversity, evolution and conservation.
• The module will be taught by leading experts in their respective fields.
• Topics will range from marine and terrestrial species and ecosystems, evolution, and conservation.
• Module 4: Statistics and Data Analysis (6 credits)
• It will use the software R, and typically comprises formal instruction in the mornings followed by practical sessions in the afternoons, in which students will gain hands-on experience of analysing real-world datasets.
• This module is crucial for many aspects of modern biodiversity and conservation science.
• Module 5: Field Study Skills in a Biodiversity Hotspot (6 credits)
• The module will provide students with an introduction to practical field work, including botanical surveys and flowering plant identification.
• This will be taught by botanists and ecologists from the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew and will take place in Madagascar.
• The module will immerse students in the rich biodiversity of Madagascar where they will make their own plant collections and then learn how these can be used to solve practical problems of conservation management as well as biodiversity research.
• Module 6: Dissertation (60 credits)
• The dissertation will allow students to conduct in-depth independent research on a topic of their choice, under the supervision of a member of staff who is an expert in their field.
• Topics can range from taxonomy and morphology to molecular systematics and conservation ecology.
• Recent research projects include origin and evolution of the hyper diverse flora of the Choco biogeographic region in Tropical America, molecular and morphological investigation of waxcap diversity, monographing and conserving the palms of New Guinea.

Assessment:

• Modules 1-5 are assessed through a combination of coursework and examinations.
• The coursework may include essays, presentations, reports, and practical exercises.
• The examinations will be a combination of written and practical components.
• The dissertation is assessed through a written report and a viva voce examination.

Teaching:

• The course is taught by a team of experienced researchers and educators from Queen Mary University of London and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
• The teaching staff are actively involved in cutting-edge research and their expertise informs the content of the course.
• The course is taught using a variety of methods, including lectures, seminars, workshops, field trips, and practical exercises.
• Students are encouraged to take an active role in their learning and are given the opportunity to develop their research and communication skills.

Careers:

• Graduates of this course are well-prepared for careers in a variety of fields, including:
• Taxonomy
• Molecular systematics
• Ecology
• Evolution
• Conservation
• Plant breeding
• Environmental policy development
• Government agencies
• Non-governmental organizations
• Research institutions
• Museums
• Botanic gardens
• Private companies
• Many graduates go on to pursue PhD studies in related fields.

Other:

• The program is offered on a full-time basis and takes one year to complete.
• The program is open to students with a good honours degree in biology or a related subject.
• The program is taught in English.
• The program cost is £14,850 for home students and £28,900 for overseas students.
• The program offers a limited number of scholarships to outstanding students.

Keywords:

• Plant taxonomy
• Fungal taxonomy
• Biodiversity
• Conservation
• Evolution
• Molecular systematics
• Ecology
• Research
• Fieldwork

Home: £14,850 Overseas: £28,900