MSc/PGDip Natural Resources
Our natural resources are the interacting components of the environment which are essential for life on this planet, for example natural and man-made ecosystems, weather and climate. The MSc in Natural Resources explores the ways in which the developmental needs of people can be met through a better understanding and improved management of renewable natural resources, without placing unsustainable demands on the environment. Much of the MSc involves looking at tropical applications, NRI's principal area of expertise, although on successful completion of the course students will be able to apply their new skills and knowledge to natural resource investigations environmental problems world-wide.
Programme structure and route details
The Programme is structured on the basis of three specialist routes, each of which provides more detailed studies on aspects of natural resources (Plant Health and Protection, Sustainable Agriculture, Sustainable Environmental Management). Thus, on successful completion of the MSc programme, students graduate with an MSc in Natural Resources (named route selection) and is designed to allow students to focus on specialist aspects of natural resources relevant to their interests and skills.
All students, irrespective of their choice of route, must take the Research Methods course (worth 15 credits), and an independent research Project (worth 60 credits). The remaining 105 credits required are made up from compulsory and optional courses in their chosen route, although students may fulfil the requirements of the award by taking electives from among other courses available within the programme. All courses are offered subject to timetabling restrictions, staff availability and sufficient student interest. The award of MSc Natural Resources (by Research) is also available for students with the appropriate background in research, fulfilling the requirements for the degree by undertaking an extended research project (120 credits), Research Methods and a limited number of taught courses. There is no direct entry to the "by Research" route: admission is considered after interview on arrival at the University. Applicants must initially apply for one of the taught routes. The Route structures are shown below (with the credit values of each course shown in brackets).
Plant Health and Protection
Compulsory:
Integrated Pest Management (30)
Organisms and Systematics (15)
Options:
Biological Pesticides (15)
Introduction to Transgenic Crops (30)
Legal Issues in Biosecurity and Biotechnology (30)
Molecular Diagnostic Methods (30)
Plant Disease Management (15)
Plant Quarantine and Sustainable Resource Management (30)
Sustainable Pesticide Management (30)
Sustainable Agriculture
Compulsory:
Organisms and Systemics (15)
either
Livestock and Sustainable Agriculture (15)
or
Sustainable Pesticide Management (30)
or both
Options:
Aerobiology (15)
Agricultural Innovation for Development (15)
Applied Meteorology and Climatology (30)
Biological Pesticides (30)
Corporate Social Responsibility and Natural Resources Management (15)
Economics, Agriculture and Marketing (15)
Integrated Pest Management (30)
Molecular Diagnostic Methods (30)
Soils and Environments (15)
Sustainable Environmental Management
Compulsory:
Either Applied Meteorology and Climatology (30)
Or
Conservation Ecology (30)
Or both
Options:
Aerobiology (15)
Climate Change (15)
Climate Change and Ecological Footprinting (15)
Corporate Social Responsibility and Natural Resources Management (15)
Economics, Agriculture and Marketing (15)
Environmental Impact Assessment (15)
GIS and Remote Sensing for Natural Resources (30)
Livestock and Sustainable Agriculture (15)
Medical and Veterinary Entomology (15)
Risk Analysis for Agriculture and Environment (15)
Soils and Environments (15)
Tools for Sustainability (15)
Students may also attend components of the MSc programme with a view to obtaining a Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) or Certificate (PGCert), or as individual short courses.
Further details including entry requirements and Programme duration
Informal enquiries may be sent to the Programme Leader, Dr Peter Burt (P.J.A.Burt@gre.ac.uk) President of the British Aerobiology Federation
More information about the work of the Natural Resources Institute.