MASTERS (MSc)Ecosystem-Based Management of Marine Systems

Course overviewThis 12 month Masters programme is designed to train the next generation of managers and marine scientists needed to deliver integrated marine management around the world.

Relevant for careers in marine energy and food sectors, government agencies or academia, you will have the opportunity to study marine environments from the tropics to the poles as integrated systems. Exploring interconnections between the physical environment, biodiversity, and the impacts of human activity and resource use will enable you to take a whole ecosystem approach to management and the sustainable use of our marine resources.

Course structureThe course provides expert tuition in the ecology, physics, geochemistry, biology and ecology of marine systems.

There is a strong practical and research basis to this modular course, with laboratory and field courses including a cold water field course in West Scotland based on data collected using the SAMS research vessel MV Calanus. There are optional field courses to the Antarctic or to Indonesia.

This holistic approach provides a superior understanding of ecosystem goods and services and how to protect and manage global marine systems.

Jointly organised and delivered by two internationally renowned marine research organisations: The Scottish Oceans Institute (SOI) at the University of St Andrews and the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS), you will learn ecological and physical science expertise, as well as quantitative skills in the science needed to manage ecosystems sustainably.

Teaching will include lectures, tutorials, discussions, debates and workshops. In the context of an ecosystem based approach to marine science, you’ll receive core training in:

•Project planning•Policy and environmental management•Experimental design and field sampling techniques•Statistical analysis and interpretation•Ecological and physical modelling, and •Scientific writing and presentation Further information on the back of this page

The taught component of the course comprises ten modules across two semesters. Elective modules allow you to focus on areas of particular interest to your career.

First semester – delivered at SOI, St Andrews•Ecosystem Based Management of Marine Systems, Biodiversity and Ecosystem Function•Quantitative Methods for Biology•Statistical Modelling for Biology•GIS for Environmental Management

Second semester – delivered at SAMS, ObanCore Module Marine Systems Research Methods

Elective Modules (two choices from four) Advanced Modelling Management, Policy and Planning Polar Ecology (expedition to Antarctica, at extra cost) Scientific Diving (expedition to Indonesia, at extra cost)

Third semester – choice of locationStudents undertake a substantial independent research project, with one or more supervisors at SOI and/or SAMS, applying acquired knowledge and skills to a novel research topic.

The work can be undertaken at either location depending upon the chosen topic and supervisor.

Applications Katrina Gatherum (PGT Secretary) Scottish Oceans Institute E: pgtaughtbiology@st-andrews.ac.uk T: +44 (0)1334 463472

You will learn how to implement an ecosystem based approach to management, including the use of models and protocols to assess ecosystem health and the socio-economic status of marine systems.

The Scottish Association for Marine ScienceScottish Marine InstituteObanArgyll PA37 1QAScotland, UK

T: +44 1631 559000F: +44 1631 559001E: info@sams.ac.ukW: www.sams.ac.uk

Scottish Oceans InstituteSchool of Biology

University of St AndrewsEast SandsSt Andrews

Fife KY16 8LB

T: +44 1334 463402E: pgtaughtbiology@st-andrews.ac.uk

W: soi.st-andrews.ac.uk

For further Information, email the course organisers:Dr Sheila Heymans (e:Sheila.Heymans@sams.ac.uk)Dr Sophie Smout (e: scs10@st-andrews.ac.uk)