| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-10-01 | - |
| 2025-10-01 | - |
Program Overview
The MRes in Biological Sciences offers an extensive research project alongside taught modules in research methods and dissertation writing. Students develop research and project management skills while specializing in areas such as conservation ecology, animal behavior, or molecular biology. The program provides opportunities for collaboration with external partners and engagement with a diverse research community, preparing graduates for careers in conservation, research, or academia.
Program Outline
Biological Sciences MRes: Detailed Program Information Extraction
Degree Overview:
Our MRes course in Biological Sciences allows you to carry out an extensive Master’s-level research project alongside two taught modules. You will have the opportunity to develop research and project management skills, as well as building your knowledge and experience in your chosen subject area. Our Department has expertise across the field of Biological Sciences. This includes a whole organism focus with research in Conservation Ecology, Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare. We also offer a range of laboratory-focused research, including projects involving Conservation Genetics, Bioveterinary Science and Molecular Biology. Our projects often involve external partners, allowing students to develop wider links in their chosen sector as well as bringing additional expertise to the project teams. You will work closely with your supervisory team in order to have the chance to acquire the specialist skills necessary to pursue your chosen career path. Our Department’s proactive, diverse and inclusive research community provides extensive opportunities for peer learning and research collaboration. For this course, prospective students apply for a particular research project at the same time as applying for a place on the course.
Outline:
Year 1:
Compulsory Modules:
- MRes Research Methods:
- Provides advanced training in core specialisations.
- Content: Project design and applying for grants, field techniques, statistical analysis, geographical information systems.
- Aims: To prepare students for their own research programmes and broaden student exposure to departmental research and expertise.
- MRes Research Dissertation:
- Content: Students will undertake a research project relevant to their taught programme of study. The dissertation subject will be agreed with an appropriate supervisor and the Dissertation Module Leader. The subject matter may be related to any area of the scientific discipline chosen by the student.
- Aims:
- To provide the student with an opportunity to investigate systematically and in depth a scientific topic of direct relevance to the programme of study and their personal interests.
- To enable the student to draw on and contribute to the development of the growing body of knowledge in their chosen broad scientific field.
- To present the outcomes of personal research in the form of a scientific paper.
- To be able to justify and critically discuss their research methods and study findings during an oral examination (viva).
Optional Modules:
- Conservation Genetics:
- Content: Genetics as a tool for conservation, genetic markers, the use of non-invasive genetic techniques, population-level genetic processes, phylogenetic comparative methods, interpreting genetic data to inform management.
- Aims: To provide an introduction to cutting-edge genetic and genomic techniques that are used to inform conservation actions. During the course, learners will be introduced, both theoretically and practically, to the genetic approaches that are currently implemented to inform conservation management actions for species in the wild. The module explores the importance of genetic processes to species survival and how genetic techniques can be used as a tool to answer questions of conservation concern.
- Human-Animal Interactions and Animal Welfare:
- Content: Welfare assessment advances and their practical applications, legal aspects and public perceptions of various animal groups, human-animal relationships and their impact on various groups of animals, critical discussions on definitions of welfare and well-being, current global threats to animal welfare including disease transmission.
- Aims: To advance student understanding of the impact that human knowledge, experience, and behavior have on the welfare of the animals they interact with; explore how different stakeholder groups view the same animal groups; expand knowledge of welfare threats faced by key animal groups; develop student communication and argument skills in the field of animal welfare.
- Behavioural Ecology in a Changing World:
- Content: Focuses on understanding wild animal behavior in a natural environment, including the various biotic and abiotic factors influencing behavior, and in particular how human impacts and climate change are currently driving behavioural changes in wild populations. Teaching will be research-informed and will cover key areas such as: behavioural plasticity, social learning, epigenetics, social dynamics, conservation behaviour and phylogenetic comparative analyses. The specialist skills of science communication and writing grant applications will also be taught within specific workshops during this module.
- Aims: To critically discuss how behavioural ecological principles can be used to solve real-life problems within the fields of conservation and wildlife management; develop students' understanding of modern research methods and approaches that can be used to effectively study animal behaviour in wild habitats; appreciate how human impacts/climate change can affect wild animal behaviour and how these effects can be mitigated by appropriate strategies; develop key communication skills targeting both academic and non-academic audiences.
Assessment:
- Taught modules are assessed via coursework assignments.
- The dissertation project culminates in the production of a paper suitable for submission for peer-reviewed publication.
Teaching:
- Teaching can be delivered via lectures, laboratory practical classes, field trips and seminars, supplemented by online material such as discussion boards and analytical exercises.
- Students have the opportunity to contribute to departmental research seminars, a journal club, and tutorials.
Careers:
- Previous MRes Biological Sciences graduates have gone on to work for conservation organisations and zoos, as well as working as ecological consultants, lecturers, and project managers.
- Other graduates have been successful in obtaining places on PhD programmes.
- The University has an award-winning Careers and Employability service that provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences through the curriculum, employer contact, tailored group sessions, individual information, advice and guidance.
Other:
- Some projects may include the opportunity to work with external collaborators, giving you the chance to develop links with other scientists and organisations in your area of interest.
- You will also be able to engage with other postgraduate researchers in the Department.
Note:
There is no specific mention of a course schedule in the provided text.
Tuition Fees and Payment Information:
Home Students
The tuition fees for home students studying Postgraduate Research Programmes (Laboratory) in the academic year 2024/25 are £4,786 per year.
International/EU Students
The tuition fees for international students studying Postgraduate Research Programmes (Laboratory) in the academic year 2024/25 are £18,574 per year. The University of Chester offers generous international and merit-based scholarships for postgraduate study, providing a significant reduction to the published headline tuition fee. You will automatically be considered for these scholarships when your application is reviewed, and any award given will be stated on your offer letter. For more information, go to our International Fees, Scholarship and Finance section. Irish Nationals living in the UK or ROI are treated as Home students for Tuition Fee Purposes.
Additional Costs
Your course will involve additional costs not covered by your tuition fees. This may include books, printing, photocopying, educational stationery and related materials, specialist clothing, travel to placements, optional field trips and software. Compulsory field trips are covered by your tuition fees. If you are living away from home during your time at university, you will need to cover costs such as accommodation, food, travel and bills.
