MRes Primatology
Educational Organization:
Roehampton University, London, UK
Date Posted:
2008-03-26
Program Description:
This Masters in research will give you a unique opportunity to study primate biology in depth and will provide you with the skills needed to carry out research in primatology. The course is designed to teach you how to carry our original research, and to put your findings into a theoretical context. This will prepare you for more advanced research (e.g. a PhD) and for consultancy work. The programme will combine theoretical investigation with laboratory and fieldwork on a range of topics. You will carry out practical investigations in zoos and local habitats and learn how to interpret skeletal material. After the first semester the emphasis will be on independent study, with all students carrying out an in-depth piece of original research. This may be carried out using museum collections, the University laboratories (e.g. hormonal analyses), on animals in captive collections (the University does not hold captive animals) or free-raning animals. Students will be offered a range of projects by University staff, who have well established links with a number of institutions and filed sites, but may also use their own contacts to find appropriate projects. All MRes students will produce a dissertation and a written paper in a form suitable for publication in a peer-reviewed scientific journal.
Key areas of study
Ecology and behaviour: Methods used in surveying and gathering biological information, methods of recording behaviour in the field.
Diet and foraging: Observing and investigating behavioural and physical dietary adaptations, field and laboratory techniques for gathering data, analysing nutritional and foraging data from wild and captive primates.
Life-history evolution: allometry, reproductive life history variables, Comparative analysis of life-history and brain size evolution.
Reproduction: Laboratory techniques for gathering data and analysing reproductive hormone data in wild and captive primates. The evolution of mating strategies.
Zoos and museums as a resource for the study of primates and the ethics of studying captive primates.
Methods of analysing physical and behavioural adaptations (e.g. locomotion, sensory systems). Phylogenetic reconstructions and interpretations of adaptations.
Career opportunities
This MRes is designed to help students who wish to specialise in primatology as a career but will also be of value to those with who may wish to follow a more general biological research career.
Teaching methods and assessment
Teaching methods include interactive lectures, practical work, seminars, workshops, filed and museum visits and computer based exercises. Assessment of taught modules is by practical reports, essays, problem-solving exercises and examinations. The research project is assessed by the final thesis, a written paper in a form suitable for publication in a peer-reviewed scientific journal and an oral examination.
See our webpage for more information about the University, this course and our MSc in Primate Biology and Conservation.
Enterance Qualifications:
Entry requirements
Candidates should normally hold a minimum of a U.K. lower second-class Honours degree in biological sciences or an equivalent area with sufficient biological anthropology. Overseas applicants should hold the euivalent to a U.K. first degree (please contact us for advice if you are not sure whether your qualifications are okay).
Applicants without the above first degree qualification will require evidence of practice in primatology and/or may be required to submit a portfolio which demonstrates their academic potential and knowledge of fundamental biological principles. All suitable applicants are interviewed.
Tuition / Fees:
See the Roehampton University webpage for details of scholarships available to international students (NB: deadline for applications 29 June) http://www.roehampton.ac.uk/admissions/international/scholarshipsandfees/index.html
Start + End Dates:
September-September
Application Deadline:
June/July each year
Comments:
Applicants wishing to apply later than the deadline should contact the course convener (Caroline Ross)to dicuss the possibility of a late application.
Contact Information:
Dr. Caroline Ross
School of Human & Life Sciences, Holybourne Avenue
London SW15 4JD
United Kingdom
Telephone Number:
+44 20 8392 3000
Website:
http://http://www.roehampton.ac.uk/pg/primatology/index.html
E-Mail Address:
c.ross@roehampton.ac.uk
Questions and Comments
Questions about a specific job listing should be directed to the
contact person listed for that job. Questions and comments about using
the Primate-Jobs web site can be directed to Ray Hamel, Special
Collections/Reference Librarian, at
hamel@primate.wisc.edu or (608) 263-3512.
