www.swansea.ac.uk Postgraduate Prospectus 2012

BIOSCIENCESThe diverse habitats available around Swansea set itapart as a site for study and research in biology. Thesehabitats are located on the nearby Gower Peninsula (asite of Special Scientific Interest, and the UK’s first Areaof Outstanding Natural Beauty), in the Swansea Valleyand further afield in the Brecon Beacons National Parkand Pembrokeshire.Research in biosciences at Swansea, hosted by the Department ofBiosciences, is of relevance to a wide range of fields of studyfrom molecular and cellular through to whole organisms acrossterrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.The Department welcomes proposals for postgraduate researchprojects that complement staff research interests.Research degrees in Biosciences will:• provide you with new and specialised research skills• prepare you for a career in academic research and teaching• equip you with skills relevant for a rewarding career in fieldorientedand/or laboratory-oriented employment, includingeducation, conservation, environmental monitoring,and agriculture.Research StrengthsStaff research interests encompass ecology, marine biologyand aquaculture.Ecological ResearchResearch work includes:• Algal Biotechnology• Animal Ecology and Conservation Ecology• Animal Smart Tag Research• Aquatic Predator-Prey Interactions• Behavioural and Evolutionary Ecology of Fish, Aquaculture andFisheries• Biocontrol• Environmental Impact of Marine Renewable Energy• Habitat Restoration, Artificial Wetland and Nature ReserveDesign and Construction• Marine Turtles, Zooplankton, Jellyfish• Molecular Ecology and Evolution• Natural Products• Pathobiology and Aquaculture• Plankton• Modelling.Equipment and facilities include a stableisotope (13C and 15N) and CNelemental analyser, scintillation counters,GC and LC, particle and nutrientanalysers, oxygen and specific ionelectrodes, atomic adsorption and atomicemission spectrometers, digital imageanalysis systems, facilities for recombinantDNA technology, and biological massspectrometry with access to state-of-the-artproteomics facilities.Culture and holding facilities include afreshwater research unit, marine aquaria,environmentally controlled and constanttemperature growth rooms, andglasshouses. Laboratories are available forraising fungal biocontrol agents andmonoclonal antibodies.A 12.5m research vessel, smaller inshoreboats and a wide range ofoceanographic and biological measuringand sampling equipment are available forinshore work.The Centre for Sustainable AquaticResearch and the Freshwater ResearchUnit provide additional excellentresearch facilities.One-year MSc by Research programmesare also available in the followingspecialist areas:• Aquatics• Biomathematics• Environmental Conservation• Environmental Sustainability• Mathematical Ecology• Migration Science• Sustainable Resources.“It is really enjoyable for me to work on my own subject andfeel part of group of experts. We also interact with other researchgroups as all the domains are complementary either in terms ofknowledge or equipment and facilities. This collaborative spirit isa great strength of research groups working at Swansea University.”Sylvie Vandenabeele, PhD Biological Sciences2425RESEARCH DEGREES – BIOSCIENCESResearch opportunitiesMSc by Research, MPhil, PhD, MRes(see page 80)RAE2008 75% of Swansea’s researchin Biological Science was judged tobe of international quality, 20% ofwhich was regarded as internationallyexcellent (3*)ProfessorsT ButtK FlynnG HaysA RowleyR WilsonEntry requirementsAn upper second-class or higher degree in a biological subject is normally required.English Language requirement:IELTS 6.5 (with a minimum of 5.5 in each component) or Swansea Universityrecognised equivalent.Scholarships and BursariesA range of postgraduate scholarships and bursaries is available.For details, please visit:www.swansea.ac.uk/scholarships/PostgraduateRecent research has also been supported by the followingorganisations:• Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council• Carbon Trust• Countryside Council for Wales• DEFRA• DFID• Environment Agency• European Union• Leverhulme Trust• Natural Environment Research CouncilFurther informationWebsite: www.swansea.ac.uk/biosciContact the Marketing Officer:Email: s.kramcha@swansea.ac.ukTel: +44 (0)1792 295333Visit the University: see page 182 for detailsApplications can be made online at:www.swansea.ac.uk/applyonline –see pages 184 – 185 for further informationFor details of Master’s courses available inBiosciences please see page 80.RESEARCH DEGREES – BIOSCIENCESAcademic and research staff 23Postgraduates 36