This course will require students to undertake a quantitatively oriented research project in collaboration with a conservation organization, culminating in a report. The report will critically analyse literature, methodology, results, and practical implications for real-world conservation challenges, and will be formatted to a high standard of professional and practical relevance. Additionally, students will deliver an oral presentation of their research findings, demonstrating engagement with practical conservation problems and providing actionable solutions.

Full-time research

Projects will, wherever possible, be conducted in collaboration with a conservation organization to facilitate networking and gain practical experience in conservation work. Students will be required to develop a rigorous proposal of the project, including rationale, hypotheses to be tested, experimental design and methods to be used, power analysis and what statistical tests will be performed on the collected data with a project budget, and write this up in a project proposal of approximately 2,000 words (25% of the mark). Students will produce a report based on an appropriate component of their independent research, analysed using the most appropriate methods learned during the first two terms of their programme, and written up to a high standard of English. This will be in the style of a research paper appropriate for publication, including a concise critical analysis of the background literature and how their results fit into the context of the broader body of literature (50% of the mark). Students will also be expected to make a presentation of the results of their project delivered orally in person (15% of the mark). Students will also be assessed on their involvement, practical skills, leadership, communication and independence in developing their project. This will be assessed by supervisory feedback and provide constructive feedback as students mature into their own collaborative projects (10% of the mark). Students are expected to explore the internet and use up-to-date journal publications for reference material

The aim of this course is to equip students with the skills to conduct applied conservation research, engage with real-world conservation problems, and collaborate effectively with conservation organizations. Students will develop the ability to analyse quantitative data, produce professional reports, and communicate their findings through written and oral presentations, emphasizing practical applications and contributions to conservation efforts.

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

-Undertake a quantitatively oriented research project in collaboration with a conservation organization.

-Provide a 10,000-word professional report (or manuscript formatted for an identified scientific journal), critically analyzing literature, methodology, results, and practical implications for real-world conservation challenges.

-Engage effectively with practical conservation problems, developing actionable solutions and recommendations.

-Deliver an oral presentation of their research findings, demonstrating clarity, engagement, and relevance to conservation practice and policy.

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.