Applied Sciences By Research – (M.Sc.)

Contents

We welcome students on this course for both full-time and part-time study.

For those wishing to complete the course on a part-time basis, the course is over two years. Students will be expected to study a minimum of three units per year, plus their dissertation (usually towards the end of their second year). The timetable of when the units take place vary each year, however, the units are timetabled during daytime hours, and will be studied with fellow full-time students.

Year 1 - Level M

Research Skills

This unit introduces you to a range of academic research methodologies and the research environment. It provides an opportunity to gain experience in using generic research tools, as well as subject specific analytical tools and practical techniques relevant to your specialist subject area. It will combine a variety of learning and teaching methods including lectures, workshops, computer based learning, practical activities and small group work.

Extended Research Project

Undertake a more extended and involved piece of research, leading to either a monograph or at least two research papers, all of which will be published initially in the Applied Sciences Research Journal, but should subsequently be submitted to an externally recognised journal. The extended research project will develop research methodologies, data collection and interpretation.

Optional units: choose 2 of the following (subject to candidate background and approval by the tutor):

Geographical Information Systems

Develop advanced skills in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and geo-spatial analysis for environmental professionals. You will cover the principles of GIS and undertake practical training in GIS operation, potentially using both commercial and open source software packages. You will develop the ability to manipulate and interrogate spatial data of various kinds, whilst developing expertise in GIS and modelling.

Field Ecology Skills

Develop field observation and survey techniques that will equip you with skills that are relevant to professional biodiversity conservation, monitoring and research. You will explore how such skills may be applied to support practical conservation management. Based around a field course, you will develop your skills in a variety of terrestrial, freshwater and marine environments, supported by seminars and demonstrations.

Quantitative Ecology

Acquire the essential numerical and modelling skills for designing, conducting and interpreting research for biodiversity conservation. You will gain an understanding of statistical issues that will allow you to select and apply appropriate analytical techniques when working with environmental data sets. Methods taught will range from simple data visualisation with appropriate statistical tests, classic techniques such as regression and analysis of variance, through to contemporary model-based approaches and multivariate techniques, including ordination and cluster analysis.

Nature Conservation Management

Understand how scientific principles relating to the structure and function of ecosystems can be applied to the management, conservation and restoration of biodiversity. Factors explored will include edaphic constraints, metapopulation structure, and landscape permeability to species movement, habitat networks and anthropogenic constraints.

Past Environmental Change

Cover the principles and practice of palaeoenvironmental reconstruction and how palaeoecological data (from archaeological and geological sites) can inform our understanding of human evolution and the conservation science. Data on past environmental change is beginning to be used to a greater extent, as a base-line to understand what the environment was like before the increase in human influence. Palaeoecological data from different proxy organism remains (animals and plants), also provide a longer timescale over which to understand ecological processes that operate beyond the length of a human lifetime. Both climate change and other forms of environmental change such as human changes to the landscape will be covered.

Frontiers in Biodiversity Science

Explore the latest theories and concepts in conservation science, develop in-depth subject specialism as well as advanced literature-based research and reporting skills. This unit will be delivered as a series of group discussions, at which guided reading will be critically evaluated. You will also be required to undertake literature evaluation tasks as individuals and sub-groups, including class presentations.

Maritime Archaeology

Designed to provide you with a solid basis in the history and principles of maritime archaeology, you will learn through structured lectures, with field visits, in which you will further your familiarity with maritime archaeology through cases studies. You will be provided with the knowledge of basic material and site types present in the maritime archaeological record and the principles and scope of maritime studies, and an appreciation of how maritime archaeology is integrated, with other aspects of archaeology.

Underwater Cultural Heritage in Situ – Degradation and Preservation

Understand the principles behind degradation and preservation of the Underwater Cultural Heritage (UCH). You will learn through introductory lectures on the basic principles of both in situ degradation and preservation of the UCH, where basic theories are critically analysed and investigated in their rate of success or limits. This phase is then linked to lab analysis of the scientific factors affecting the degradation or preservation of the artefacts/samples.

Professional Practice in Forensic Science

This unit will provide you with the experience, theoretical understanding and the practical skills necessary for the effective presentation of subject specific material to the courts. Become trained in expert witness and courtroom skills, legal and practical aspects of evidence and gain an understanding of pre-trial duties, courtroom procedures, lawyers’ requirements, and the preparation and structure of the expert witness’ report. This unit will be delivered primarily through a combination of training sessions in court room skills and student-led practical exercises and lectures.

Forensic Archaeology

Explore the principles, techniques and methodologies of archaeology and areas where traditional archaeological practices are adapted to major incident and crime scenes. Theoretical and practical concepts of archaeology such as stratigraphy, remote sensing, geophysical survey, search, location, recovery and dating techniques are introduced. The application of these methods to forensic scenes is demonstrated through a series of domestic and international case studies. Techniques employed in the excavation of single and mass graves are also explored.

Principles & Methods in Zooarchaeology

This unit will provide you with a solid basis in the principles of identification of mammals, birds and fish and the recording and analytical methods currently employed in the study of animal bones from archaeological sites. It will also provide you with an appreciation of how animal bone studies are integrated with other aspects of archaeology. You will learn mainly through practical workshops, in which you will further your familiarity with zooarchaeological assemblages and techniques, through the handling of material and by practical exercises based on that material. Case studies will explore how investigations of faunal remains can be integrated within the wider discipline of archaeology.

Archaeological Field Investigation

You will have the opportunity to plan, monitor, record and report on an element of an archaeological field project, in which you have taken a responsible role using the methods, practices and skills typically used within professional archaeological projects and research. Prior to undertaking the fieldwork, you will gain an understanding of how to plan field projects and produce an appropriate project design, including health and safety and budgeting aspects. Having completed a supervisory field project, you will produce a report to industry standards. A minimum of four weeks experience of working on an archaeological field project would normally be expected to undertake this unit

Professional Practice in Post-Excavation

Plan and undertake the post-excavation and specialist analysis of a relevant body of archaeological data and archive material using the methods, practices and project management skills commonly employed in the archaeological profession and in archaeological research studies. Prior to undertaking recording and analysis of a specialist material or data archive, you will gain an understanding of how to evaluate the potential of archaeological data and how to plan an appropriate programme of post-excavation analysis and design a suitable recording scheme for a selected body of material.

Recording and Understanding Archaeological Landscapes

Understand the origins and development of archaeological landscapes, by exploring the ways in which human beings perceive, define, interact and interpret their environment. Prior to undertaking the analysis of archaeological data, you will be provided with essential skills in the deployment and use of a range of largely non-destructive archaeological surveying techniques, commonly used in the profession to collect and analyse archaeological landscapes. You will also learn how to manipulate and interpret such data effectively, using a range of proprietary software and underpinning techniques.

Humans, Animals and Diet

Gain a detailed understanding of the history of animal exploitation for food and the inter-relationships between humans and animals in different periods and regions. This unit aims to provide you with knowledge of the major developments in animal exploitation in Britain. A number of central themes in zooarchaeological studies will be explored that can be applied to the study of human diets in European, Asian and New World contexts. You will also be developing critical awareness of the range of cultural attitudes towards animals, in different human societies.

Advanced Human Osteology

Develop a detailed knowledge of human skeletal remains, with emphasis on musculo-skeletal anatomy and the development of the skeleton. You will be introduced to the identification and description of human remains, recovered from archaeological and forensic contexts. The role of developmental processes in the analysis of age at death will be examined, with reference to the formation and development of skeletal structures. The unit also covers the principal methods involved in generating a biological profile from skeletal remains.

Human Skeletal Analysis

The concepts and uses of biological data, in examination and analysis of human skeletal remains are covered in this unit. It will combine consideration of basic bioprofiling techniques with additional characteristics including stature, handedness and non-metric traits. This unit will demonstrate identification of trauma and pathology and introduce the ways in which the study of disease can inform about health status in past societies. In addition, it will show how such pathology can provide important information that may lead to the identification of deceased individuals, recovered from forensic contexts.

Crime Scene Management & Forensic Science

Understand the developing nature of crime scene, major incident and disaster management and how expertise from a range of disciplines is applied to analyse crime scenes. This unit provides an introduction to national and international criminal law and humanitarian and human rights law. It also covers the structure of the Police Force and scene of crime protocols, within which forensic scientists operate and is delivered through lectures and practical exercises to demonstrate and test the processes of crime scene control and emergency management.

Primates and Human Evolution

Explore past and current theories surrounding human origins and evolution. Various lines of evidence are considered during this unit, including modern human biology, fossil anatomy, genetic studies, primatological evidence and archaeological material. You will gain an understanding of concepts of evolutionary theory, approaches to understanding specific adaptations and to differing hypotheses regarding human ancestry and how these may be approached critically. The unit will approach human origins as part of a wider category of research within biological anthropology and the overall study of human populations.

Forensic Toxicology

The complex issues involved with the analysis of common drugs and poisons in human tissue and the ways in which they exert their effects on the human body will be explored in this unit. You will learn through a wide range of teaching and assessment strategies including lectures, practical workshops and laboratory-based sessions, seminar presentations and discussions, individual tutorials and peer assisted learning.

Career Development in Biodiversity and Conservation

Engage with professions in biodiversity and conservation by developing core professional skills through seminar-based learning and discussions. Seminars will cover the development of commercial awareness through seeking/bidding for funds, managing projects, presenting material in an appropriate and professional format and identifying how science and research can be used to underpin policy and regulation.

Accreditation

The Quality Assurance Agency (QAA), the UK government’s teaching quality watchdog, awarded us the highest category of confidence in our academic standards.

Many of our courses are accredited by professional and industry bodies, which means our courses are readily recognised by employers, and our graduates have professional membership or status when they compete on the job market.

Funding details

Scholarships

The School of Applied Sciences is now offering a number of scholarships including:

• 30 UK/EU scholarships worth £1,000
• 10 international (non-EU) scholarships worth £1,500

Scholarships are paid by a reduction in tuition fee. To view further information such as eligibility, entry criteria and how to apply, please visit the postgraduate scholarships pages.

Discounts

A 5% discount is available for all students who pay the full course fee prior to or at enrolment. Additionally, BU graduates who enrol will be eligible for a 15% discount on their course fee.