The school has just launched a new Masters course in Ecology. The MRes Ecology provides students with the opportunity to develop further technical expertise and research skills in ecology. Central to course is a research project undertaken under the guidance and support of academic staff in the field of ecological research, which includes areas of landscape ecology, molecular ecology, wetland ecology, grassland and fire management, conservation biology and carnivore biology. Students can also select a range of skills based modules to support their project, this includes GIS, molecular ecology, water quality analysis, field skills and statistics. With an emphasis placed on undertaking novel ecological research, this degree offers an excellent preparation for both further academic study and research based careers.

For 2011 entry the school is offering part-funding places (50% home/EUfees covered) on the new MRes Ecology in 4 selected topics:

• The effects of rotational cold fire on herbaceous species and functional diversity in bushveld communities.
• Pollination ecology of the burnt orchid (Neotina ustulata L.).
• Genetic diversity of brown hyaena inside and outside protected areas.
• Understanding the elusive giants: the ecology of the giant bronze gecko in the Vallée de Mai forest, Praslin Island, Seychelles.
 
Deadlines for applying for bursary funded projects is July 31st 2011. For more information contact: S.Flux@brighton.ac.uk