This module is taught by researchers at UCL, the Natural History Museum (NHM), and the Zoological Society of London (ZSL). On this module, you will spend time at all three institutions, learning about the key tools used in the fields of ecology, evolutionary biology and conservation biology. Learning will take place through a series of lectures, computer practicals, hands-on exercises, and class discussions. The module begins by introducing methods in macroecology and biogeography at UCL. You will then move to the NHM to focus on phylogenies, phylogenetics, and the use of museum collections before spending time at ZSL, where you will learn about tools in biodiversity monitoring and conservation. Finally, you will return to UCL to focus on ecological modelling.

Through this course you will be introduced to, and gain practical experience working with, a wide range of techniques and methods that are central to biodiversity research, from modelling species distributions to working with genetic sequence data and tracking technologies. The module has a strong computational focus, and through this you will gain valuable experience of statistical modelling using the ‘R’ programming language. Overall, the module aims to provide you with the key skills to tackle the research projects that you will undertake in terms 2 and 3 of the MRes course.

Topics: 

Modelling spatial biodiversity gradients
	Species concepts, DNA barcoding, and DNA taxonomy
	Using museum collections
	Phylogenetics, Metagenomics, Comparative transcriptnomics in ecology and evolution
	Introduction to ancient DNA
	PREDICTS
	Infectious disease threats in wildlife
	IUCN red list: from theory to practice
	Tracking Technology
	Species distribution modelling
	Re-running the tape of life: Using simulations to understand biodiversity

Aims

To enable students to understand the financial management of construction and/or infrastructure project delivery which goes beyond the single...

Strategic Financial Management of Construction and Infrastructure Projects (BCPM0083)