Overview

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This is a hybrid taught and research Masters of Science degree. The programme runs for two academic years with the first academic year constituting course work (8 months) and second year for research project (10 months). A publication or accepted manuscript is one of the criteria for the award of the Master’s degree in Biodiversity informatics.

The course produces skilled professionals with practical competence within the broad field of Biodiversity Informatics and related fields; who can competently and independently conduct research in biodiversity with a masters-level qualification to earn a competitive edge. The targeted award is Master of Science. In special situations, a postgraduate diploma is considered for those who only complete the 8 months of coursework.

Programme duration: 2 years
This is a full-time programme that is delivered through a combination of face-to-face lectures, online learning, guided reading, laboratory, field excursions, tutorials, seminars, videos and case studies. These will be done both at the main MUST campus and also on location during practical modules.

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Programme Aims

This MSc programme aims at providing biodiversity professionals and biological scientists with an advanced practical knowledge of biodiversity informatics underpinning modern handling of biodiversity data mining, analysis and how they can be applied to current conservation, agriculture, health and other relevant issues.

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Objectives

The program aims to:

• Equip students with the theoretical knowledge and applied skills required to contribute in biodiversity using informatics technologies at local, regional and international scales;
• Enhance greater understanding of issues relating to drivers of biodiversity, informatics and technological development and management in a competitive world economy and knowledge economy;
• Enhance students’ capacity and capability to undertake advanced study by research; and
• Develop skills and competences for confronting /addressing the social, ethical, legal and financial constraints within the biodiversity informatics and technological environments.