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Biological Sciences
School of Biosciences,
Faculty of Science
Course description
Our MSc trains you for a career in research or management around the world. You can specialise in one of our three pathways: Ornithology, Plant and Crop Science, or Biodiversity and Conservation, or you can choose to explore the breadth of organismal biological sciences.
Throughout your course, you'll learn about fundamental concepts and key skills required within the discipline before applying what you've learnt in your literature review and Independent Research Project.
Ornithology: You'll be equipped with the tools to sample avian diversity from cellular to population levels, learning about techniques including specimen handling and curation, DNA extraction and analysis, and geographic range mapping. You'll also develop an understanding of the evolutionary and ecological processes that shape bird behaviour, beauty, and community composition, and of the large-scale conservation challenges that threaten the world's birds.
Plant and crop science: Gain a broad understanding of the agri-food system as a whole. You’ll learn about the major issues in sustainable agriculture, and the cutting-edge techniques used in plant, crop and soil science.
Biodiversity and conservation: Develop fundamental knowledge about major conservation issues and their human and environmental drivers, including urbanisation, tropical logging, marine plastics, and the balance between sustainable food production and biodiversity.
Whichever path you choose, you'll be learning about the latest research in the field, from experts who are making the discoveries first-hand.
You’ll conduct your own fieldwork in The Gambia or a location closer to Sheffield such as the Peak District, and receive training in experimental design and data collection, giving you the key skills to plan and manage your own projects.
The biggest part of the course is the Individual Research Project. Here you'll spend three months researching an area within the biological sciences that matches your future career aspirations, under the supervision of one of our world-leading researchers.
You could be field-based, lab-based or complete a computational data driven project which will give you an opportunity to apply the subject-specific knowledge and analytical skills that you've developed throughout your degree as well as developing new skills in the use of cutting-edge research methods.
Example research projects include:
- The grass family (Poaceae): a study system in phylogenomics
- Genomics in ecology and evolution
- The Peak District: a study system for biodiversity and management
- The Heliconius butterfly (Heliconius sara): a model study system in biological sciences
- Parasitic plants as agro-ecosystem engineers
- The soil system
Modules
- Field Biology
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The broad theme of this course is to investigate the biodiversity of ecosystems and how landscapes can be sustainably managed to deliver on multiple ecosystem service goals. The focus will be on tropical ecosystems with a residential field course in The Gambia, or on temperate ecosystems in the Sheffield region including the Peak District National Park. In a series of site visits students will learn about issues relevant to their programme, which may include the habitats, wildlife, agricultural systems, ecosystem service, and broader human context of the landscape. They will gain experience in a range of appropriate methods for data collection, which may include collection of samples and/or analysis of samples in a laboratory. Applying this knowledge, they will identify a research question in a group, and present this to the rest of the course. Students will develop this into a short group field project. They will then use independent research to generate and analyse data and to place it in the context of previous published work from the scientific literature. The module will develop subject-specific knowledge, as well as skills in experimental design, group working, critical thinking, and writing.
15 credits - Advanced Data Handling and Analysis
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The aim of this module is to provide students with advanced training in the use of statistical methods and computers to explore, visualise, analyse and present biological data. Advanced principles of programming for data analysis, data interpretation and statistical analysis, and graphical presentation are stressed. The course is based on the statistical programming language R, and the Integrated Development Environment RStudio. Students will study a choice of two specialist modules selected to support student-specific interests and requirements. In addition, they will be guided through the process of making sense of real world, messy data, developing workflows to tidy data, derive research questions, and they will write a data story using the simple markdown language.
15 credits - Advanced Scientific Skills
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This module builds on existing, and further develops, generic scientific skills to equip postgraduate taught students with strong competences in presenting and reporting their research work using written and oral formats, in analysing data and the scientific literature, and in acquiring and extending their critical analysis skills. Teaching will be delivered using a blended approach with a combination of lectures, workshops, tutorials and seminars together with independent study and on-line teaching.
15 credits
Taught throughout the academic year, the module will be articulated around three units addressing:
Unit 1) Scientific presentation skills. In this unit, students will explore how to develop their academic (writing and oral) presentation skills. Some of the topics taught may include how to formulate a research question and hypothesis, how to find information, and how to structure a scientific essay or report. Students will learn how to communicate effectively their research to a scientific, as well as lay, audience. Emphasis will be placed on short oral communications and poster preparation and presentation. The learning objectives will be acquired through lectures, workshops, tutorials and independent study.
Unit 2) Critical analysis skills. This unit prepares students to develop their ability to analyse and appraise the scientific value of the published and unpublished literature. Workshops and lectures will introduce students to the process of critical appraisal of scientific work.
Unit 3) Statistics and data analysis skills. In this unit, students will learn methods to gather and analyse large datasets. In particular, workshops and lectures will teach students the basics of R coding and statistics for application in biosciences. The unit may also deliver other forms of data analysis relevant to the programme of study. Teaching within this unit will be delivered mainly through on-line material, lectures and workshops. Independent study will be essential to complete the acquisition of skills. - Literature Review
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The literature review requires the student to write a critical review of a biological topic of choice. The literature review will involve extensive reading of original research papers, reviews and books together with information extracted from other media. The student will be required to critically analyse hypotheses in the field and critically analyse the quality of the evidence used to support them. Where controversies exist the student should be prepared to indicate which side has the stronger case. The literature review should also identify gaps in our current knowledge and understanding and make suggestions for the future developments in the field.
15 credits - Individual Research Project
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This module gives students the opportunity to develop to high level skills relevant to a career in research or management. Based on their interests and career aspirations, students will conduct either a practical laboratory or field-based research project, a computational project, a theoretical modelling project or a systematic literature review or other substantial critical review. There is the potential to work with external organisations. A common element is the independent production of a piece of research, with guidance from an academic supervisor in the department. Students will engage with their supervisor(s) and their team to shape and design their own research and conduct this largely independently with the guidance provided. Projects will be allocated to students, matching available supervisor's and student's interests. The project write-up may be targeted to a specific audience, either academics or a group of specialists, and should follow the according format in terms of structure. The student's research is further presented in an oral form to fellow students and/or academics/experts.
60 credits
- Research Methods in Ornithology
-
To study, monitor and conserve birds effectively, a range of sampling techniques and approaches are required. This module will provide students with both theory and practical training in a range of modern avian sampling techniques, such as specimen handling and curation, morphometrics and imaging, acoustic monitoring, DNA extraction and analysis, geographic range mapping, and point counts. Students will emerge with a broad skills-set of practical and computational sampling techniques that can be readily deployed in a wide range of avian-focused academic and applied contexts.
30 credits
Optional modules - 30 credits from:
- Biodiversity in Space and Time
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Biodiversity varies enormously from place to place, from hyperdiverse systems such as tropical rainforests to more species-poor systems in polar regions. The evolution of diversity has also not occurred at a constant rate, with bursts of diversification punctuating periods of more stability. As a result, not all areas are equal, and not all species are too: some represent far more unique evolutionary history than others. This module shows how these large-scale patterns can be studied using the methods of macroecology and macroevolution, and will provide both theory and practical training in how to quantify diversity in space and time.
15 credits - Global Conservation Issues
-
This course provides an overview of the principles of conservation biology through lectures which focus on major real-world conservation issues and specific case studies. Critical thinking is encouraged throughout as students are encouraged to understand the complexity of conservation issues behind simple narratives. Students will further develop their skills in accessing, interpreting and synthesising both the primary scientific literature and official 'grey' literature in the field of conservation, as they independently produce a policy briefing on a major conservation issue. This will also give them insights into the science-policy interface, and the skills of writing for policy makers.
15 credits - Molecular Evolution and Genomics
-
This module will introduce the major concepts in molecular evolutionary biology before going on to explore in more depth how DNA sequences and genomes can be used in evolutionary biology. It will examine some of the cases where genes underlying phenotypic variation and adaptive evolution have been identified. It will also explore the insights that have been gained by investigating molecular evolution across the tree of life from microbes to humans. Through a mixture of lectures and computer-based practicals students will learn bioinformatic skills, including investigation of rates and patterns of molecular evolution to identify when genes have evolved adaptively.
15 credits
- Global Conservation Issues
-
This course provides an overview of the principles of conservation biology through lectures which focus on major real-world conservation issues and specific case studies. Critical thinking is encouraged throughout as students are encouraged to understand the complexity of conservation issues behind simple narratives. Students will further develop their skills in accessing, interpreting and synthesising both the primary scientific literature and official 'grey' literature in the field of conservation, as they independently produce a policy briefing on a major conservation issue. This will also give them insights into the science-policy interface, and the skills of writing for policy makers.
15 credits - Agricultural Ecology in a Changing World
-
This unit will introduce the concept of agriculture as an ecological system and explore agriculture in the context of global change. Specifically, this unit will consider the value of biodiversity in agricultural ecosystems, the role of ecosystem services in the sustainability of food production and the vulnerabilities of agriculture to a changing climate.
15 credits - Biodiversity in Space and Time
-
Biodiversity varies enormously from place to place, from hyperdiverse systems such as tropical rainforests to more species-poor systems in polar regions. The evolution of diversity has also not occurred at a constant rate, with bursts of diversification punctuating periods of more stability. As a result, not all areas are equal, and not all species are too: some represent far more unique evolutionary history than others. This module shows how these large-scale patterns can be studied using the methods of macroecology and macroevolution, and will provide both theory and practical training in how to quantify diversity in space and time.
15 credits - Global Sustainability
-
This course examines the historical, social, cultural and political dimensions of sustainability, focusing on food production and natural resource management on the land and in the oceans. Students will learn how key historical developments led to sustainability issues, how geopolitics perpetuates these in the modern world, and how an understanding of these issues can help us to develop more sustainable ways to live in future. Learning will be achieved through lectures and videos, independent study and classroom discussion sessions.
15 credits
- Future Crop Systems
-
In this module, we will explore the current issues with our global food system, concentrating on the three major threats to food security; yield gaps, increasing populations and a changing climate. The module will provide the essentials in crop physiology, soil science and plant pathology, and look at the breadth and depth of current research in these areas to develop the cropping systems we need to ensure future agricultural practices are sustainable, sufficient and safe.
30 credits - Agricultural Ecology in a Changing World
-
This unit will introduce the concept of agriculture as an ecological system and explore agriculture in the context of global change. Specifically, this unit will consider the value of biodiversity in agricultural ecosystems, the role of ecosystem services in the sustainability of food production and the vulnerabilities of agriculture to a changing climate.
15 credits - Issues in Global Food Security
-
Food security is a pressing concern for humanity, and science is constantly shaping our response to it. This module encourages a critical analysis of current major issues in food security, drawing on interdisciplinary research expertise and experience working in public and private sectors. It features seminars from TUOS and guest speakers covering topics at the cutting edge of issues in plant sciences and food security, with seminars followed by in-depth discussion sessions with expert speakers. The focus is on applying this knowledge to specific real-world problems and on producing outputs that are accessible non-specialist senior policy makers or managers.
15 credits
Students studying our broad Biological Sciences pathway will be able to choose 60 credits of optional modules from across the three pathways:
Please note that students cannot study both Global Conservation Issues, and Issues in Global Food Security.
- Molecular Evolution and Genomics
-
This module will introduce the major concepts in molecular evolutionary biology before going on to explore in more depth how DNA sequences and genomes can be used in evolutionary biology. It will examine some of the cases where genes underlying phenotypic variation and adaptive evolution have been identified. It will also explore the insights that have been gained by investigating molecular evolution across the tree of life from microbes to humans. Through a mixture of lectures and computer-based practicals students will learn bioinformatic skills, including investigation of rates and patterns of molecular evolution to identify when genes have evolved adaptively.
15 credits - Global Conservation Issues
-
This course provides an overview of the principles of conservation biology through lectures which focus on major real-world conservation issues and specific case studies. Critical thinking is encouraged throughout as students are encouraged to understand the complexity of conservation issues behind simple narratives. Students will further develop their skills in accessing, interpreting and synthesising both the primary scientific literature and official 'grey' literature in the field of conservation, as they independently produce a policy briefing on a major conservation issue. This will also give them insights into the science-policy interface, and the skills of writing for policy makers.
15 credits - Agricultural Ecology in a Changing World
-
This unit will introduce the concept of agriculture as an ecological system and explore agriculture in the context of global change. Specifically, this unit will consider the value of biodiversity in agricultural ecosystems, the role of ecosystem services in the sustainability of food production and the vulnerabilities of agriculture to a changing climate.
15 credits - Biodiversity in Space and Time
-
Biodiversity varies enormously from place to place, from hyperdiverse systems such as tropical rainforests to more species-poor systems in polar regions. The evolution of diversity has also not occurred at a constant rate, with bursts of diversification punctuating periods of more stability. As a result, not all areas are equal, and not all species are too: some represent far more unique evolutionary history than others. This module shows how these large-scale patterns can be studied using the methods of macroecology and macroevolution, and will provide both theory and practical training in how to quantify diversity in space and time.
15 credits - Global Sustainability
-
This course examines the historical, social, cultural and political dimensions of sustainability, focusing on food production and natural resource management on the land and in the oceans. Students will learn how key historical developments led to sustainability issues, how geopolitics perpetuates these in the modern world, and how an understanding of these issues can help us to develop more sustainable ways to live in future. Learning will be achieved through lectures and videos, independent study and classroom discussion sessions.
15 credits - Issues in Global Food Security
-
Food security is a pressing concern for humanity, and science is constantly shaping our response to it. This module encourages a critical analysis of current major issues in food security, drawing on interdisciplinary research expertise and experience working in public and private sectors. It features seminars from TUOS and guest speakers covering topics at the cutting edge of issues in plant sciences and food security, with seminars followed by in-depth discussion sessions with expert speakers. The focus is on applying this knowledge to specific real-world problems and on producing outputs that are accessible non-specialist senior policy makers or managers.
15 credits - Future Crop Systems
-
In this module, we will explore the current issues with our global food system, concentrating on the three major threats to food security; yield gaps, increasing populations and a changing climate. The module will provide the essentials in crop physiology, soil science and plant pathology, and look at the breadth and depth of current research in these areas to develop the cropping systems we need to ensure future agricultural practices are sustainable, sufficient and safe.
30 credits - Research Methods in Ornithology
-
To study, monitor and conserve birds effectively, a range of sampling techniques and approaches are required. This module will provide students with both theory and practical training in a range of modern avian sampling techniques, such as specimen handling and curation, morphometrics and imaging, acoustic monitoring, DNA extraction and analysis, geographic range mapping, and point counts. Students will emerge with a broad skills-set of practical and computational sampling techniques that can be readily deployed in a wide range of avian-focused academic and applied contexts.
30 credits
The content of our courses is reviewed annually to make sure it's up-to-date and relevant. Individual modules are occasionally updated or withdrawn. This is in response to discoveries through our world-leading research; funding changes; professional accreditation requirements; student or employer feedback; outcomes of reviews; and variations in staff or student numbers. In the event of any change we'll consult and inform students in good time and take reasonable steps to minimise disruption. We are no longer offering unrestricted module choice. If your course included unrestricted modules, your department will provide a list of modules from their own and other subject areas that you can choose from.
Open days
An open day gives you the best opportunity to hear first-hand from our current students and staff about our courses. You'll find out what makes us special.
Duration
1 year full-time
Teaching
You’ll learn through a combination of practical and field classes, individual research projects, lectures, seminars, tutorials and discussion groups.
Assessment
Most assessment is through coursework with some written examinations. Your assessment includes, but is not limited to, essays, extended project reports, policy briefing notes, online statistics exams, oral presentations and written grant proposals.
Your career
Graduates will develop the specialist knowledge and transferable skills to pursue careers working around the world or further study to PhD level.
Possible career paths include: working in biotechnology, agri-tech, or conservation and sustainability programmes within government science, NGOs including environmental bodies or wildlife trusts, or in industry. Inspiring the next generation as a university teacher, or solving pressing problems through research.
If you choose to continue your research training, graduates will be well equipped to pursue PhDs in ecology, evolution and conservation and beyond. Doctoral Training Programmes like Adapting to the Challenges of Changing Environment (ACCE) train PhD students in these areas.
Department
The School of Biosciences brings together more than 100 years of teaching and research expertise across the breadth of biology.
It’s home to over 120 lecturers who are actively involved in research at the cutting edge of their field, sharing their knowledge with more than 1,500 undergraduate and 300 postgraduate students.
We carry out world-leading research to address the most important global challenges such as food security, disease, health and medicine, ageing, energy, and mitigating the biodiversity and climate crises.
Our expertise spans the breadth and depth of bioscience, including molecular and cell biology, genetics, development, human physiology and pharmacology through to evolution, ecology, biodiversity conservation and sustainability. This makes us one of the broadest and largest groupings of the discipline and allows us to train the next generation of biologists in the latest research techniques and discoveries.
Student profiles
There’s such a wide range of research interests within the department which ensures that every student has the chance to do a project related to their field of interest. The department did a great job at getting me up to speed with any processes and techniques I needed to know which has been a massive asset as I’ve carried out my research.
Entry requirements
Minimum 2:2 undergraduate honours degree in biological sciences or a related subject.
Overall IELTS score of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component, or equivalent.
If you have any questions about entry requirements, please contact the department.
Fees and funding
Apply
You can apply for postgraduate study using our Postgraduate Online Application Form. It's a quick and easy process.
Contact
biosciences-pgt@sheffield.ac.uk
+44 114 222 2341
Any supervisors and research areas listed are indicative and may change before the start of the course.
Recognition of professional qualifications: from 1 January 2021, in order to have any UK professional qualifications recognised for work in an EU country across a number of regulated and other professions you need to apply to the host country for recognition. Read information from the UK government and the EU Regulated Professions Database.