LONDON’S GLOBAL UNIVERSITY MSc Aquatic Science A new multidisciplinary degree

Aquatic Science at UCL Environmental issues such as eutrophication, habitat degradation and climate change threaten the sustainability of our aquatic resources. Responding to these threats the MSc in Aquatic Science at UCL equips students with an interdisciplinary understanding of the structure and functioning of aquatic environments from upland catchments to the coastal zone, encompassing lakes, ponds, rivers, wetlands, groundwaters, estuaries and shallow seas. Distinctive features of the programme include the integration of aquatic ecology with hydrological and geomorphological processes, the analysis of sediment cores for the reconstruction of past environmental change, the design of aquatic monitoring programmes, and the modelling of aquatic system dynamics. The MSc offers a sound training in field sampling, study design, instrumentation, numerical analysis, modelling and the taxonomy of a range of aquatic organisms. The UCL MSc in Aquatic Science provides an ideal foundation for PhD research, or for employment with environmental protection and conservation agencies, the water industry and environmental consultancies. As one of the world’s top universities, UCL excels across the physical and natural sciences, social sciences and humanities. The MSc is run by UCL Geography, which enjoys an outstanding international reputation for its research and teaching. Research groups contributing to the MSc include those concerned with Environmental Change; Environmental Modelling; and Environment, Landscape and Society. The programme also benefits from the contribution of staff from external organisations. By bringing together students, researchers and practitioners in water management we aim to create a vibrant and informal academic environment of mutual discovery and on-going debate.

Programme structure All students take four core aquatic science modules in the first term and choose a further four modules from a range of options in the second term. Additionally, students undertake a piece of original research leading to a dissertation of up to 15,000 words with the support of an academic supervisor. 1 st term (60 credits) Core module 1: Aquatic systems An introduction to the structure and functioning of aquatic systems along a continuum from the mountain zone to the coastal shelf. Hydrological, geomorphological, physico-chemical and biological processes and system linkages are examined in the context of current legislative frameworks. Core module 2: Aquatic monitoring Covers the design and implementation of chemical, biological and physical monitoring systems, and the techniques necessary for intelligent acquisition of aquatic system data. Case-studies cover a wide range of environments, including lakes, rivers, estuaries and coastal waters in the light of recent changes in environmental legislation and advances in instrument technology. Core module 3: Quantitative environmental palaeoecology An introduction to sediment core analysis and its application to issues of recent aquatic environmental change, such as lake acidification, eutrophication and climate change. Practical classes provide taxonomic expertise for a range of fossil groups. Core module 4: Environmental data acquisition and analysis A residential fieldclass provides practical experience of quantitative field sampling across different aquatic environments and in the context of key management and conservation issues. This module also covers laboratory procedures and numerical analysis of environmental data-sets. 2 nd term (60 credits) Options may include: Aquatic Macrophytes, Coastal Change, Environmental GIS, Lakes, Marine Conservation, Science and Politics of Climate Change, Surface Water Modelling, and Wetlands. 3 rd term (60 credits) Dissertation (15,000 words)

Programme information The programme can be taken full-time over one year or part-time. Entry requirements Potential applicants are expected to have a first or upper second-class Honours degree in a relevant discipline (e.g. Environmental Science, Geography, Oceanography, Biology, Chemistry or Engineering) from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard. Applicants with relevant professional experience in aquatic science or environmental management will also be considered. Funding For funding details please visit How to apply Contact the Graduate Admissions Assistant to request a Graduate Application Pack. Application materials may also be downloaded at admission/ admission/ Further information Academic enquiries may be addressed to Further information is available at: Lecturing staff include Jan Axmacher Helen Bennion Helene Burningham Chris Curtis Sophie des Clers Jon French Peter Jones Jonathan Holmes Anson Mackay Carl Sayer Sam Randalls Richard Taylor Julian Thompson