Living Planet with Computational Methods in Ecology and Evolution MRes

MSc Computational Methods in Ecology and Evolution
  • Postgraduate taught
  • MRes

Living Planet with Computational Methods in Ecology and Evolution

Undergo intensive training in cutting-edge biological research and further your knowledge of quantitative techniques.

Bring cutting-edge quantitative methods and biological concepts together to solve and examine cutting-edge biological research problems

Explore how biology is helping spur major new developments in computation, mathematics and statistics

Carry out a programme of original research and take the lead in developing a research question through a 5 month project

Course key facts

  • Qualification

    • MRes

  • Duration

    1 year, 2 years

  • Start date

    September 2025

  • Study mode

    Full-time, Part-time

  • Fees

    • £15,500 Home

    • £34,250 Overseas

  • Delivered by

  • Location

    • Silwood Park

Minimum entry standard

  • 2:1 in a life sciences or physical sciences subject

View full entry requirements

Course overview

This course is for students who wish to be trained in cutting-edge quantitative techniques in ecology and evolution with applications to wide range of real-world problems, including ecosystem-based solutions for industrial bioprocessing and production, improving food production in agroecosystems, nature-based carbon capture, and biodiversity conservation.

Gain cutting-edge quantitative techniques in ecology and evolution with applications to wide range of real-world problems.

Quantitative skills are a critical limiting factor in modern biology, including the fields of ecology, evolution, behaviour and conservation.

Learn those skills in application to important biological problems at one of the world's leading institutions for quantitative biology.

Along with coursework on cutting edge topics in quantitative ecology and evolution, you’ll will carry out an extended piece of independent research across over an 8-month project, where you will apply your growing range of skills and advance your project management skills.

MRes Living Planet programme

Our MRes Living Planet course will equip you to tackle the great environmental challenges facing the world, providing training on the transferrable research skills you’ll need to develop science-based understanding and interventions. All our MRes Living Planet streams are available in full-time or part-time modes.

You may wish to consider if another stream is right for you according to your career aims and background: 

MSc Living Planet course

We also offer an MSc in Living Planet course with the following streams:

Structure

This page is updated regularly to reflect the latest version of the curriculum. However, this information is subject to change.

Find out more about potential course changes.

Please note: it may not always be possible to take specific combinations of modules due to timetabling conflicts. For confirmation, please check with the relevant department.

You’ll complete the following compulsory modules in the Autumn term, designed to give you the core skills needed to understand, interpret and conduct independent research.

This training is conducted in field and computing environments and will introduce you to modern data collection and experimental methods, along with state-of-the-art techniques in data science, geographic information systems (GIS), genomics and bioinformatics, and data interpretation.

  • Statistics in R
  • Introduction to Ecological and Evolutionary Data Science in R and Python
  • Planning Research Projects

You’ll carry out a long (8-month) research project that applies an advanced programming, modelling or statistical analysis element to the study of a biological problem.

Teaching and assessment

Balance of teaching and learning

Key

  • Lectures and practicals
  • Independent study
  • Individual research project

  • 20% Lectures and practicals
  • 30% Independent study
  • 50% Individual research project

Teaching and learning methods

  • Person at lectern giving speech
    Lectures
  • Primer document with introductory information
    Primers
  • Seminars
  • Workshops
  • Computer-based work
  • Blackboard virtual learning environment
    Virtual learning environment
  • Recorded lectures available online
    Lecture recordings
  • Individual research project and dissertation
  • A person studying independently
    Independent study
  • Work placement opportunity

Balance of assessment

Key

  • Coursework
  • Research project

  • 33% Lectures and practicals
  • 67% Research project

Assessment methods

  • Person completing coursework
    Coursework
  • A person completing a written exam
    Examination
  • Research project

Entry requirements

We consider all applicants on an individual basis, welcoming students from all over the world.

How to apply

Apply online

You can submit one application form per year of entry. You can choose up to two courses.

Application deadlines – Round 1 closes on Thursday 16 January 2025

Tuition fees

Home fee

Full-time

£15,500

2 years, part-time

£7,750per year

Overseas fee

Full-time

£34,250

2 years, part-time

£17,125per year

How will studying at Imperial help my career?

Person in a bubble surrounded by 4 skills

Develop the essential core knowledge and skills for an applied quantitative biology career.

Hand holding a branch of three leaves

This includes potential roles in fields such as resource management and conservation.

Graduate Cap above rolled Degree

Our graduates often pursue further study in master's programs or doctoral research.

Microscope

Scientists with a strong interest in biology as well as those who wish to enhance their quantitative skills should consider this program.

Terms and conditions

There are some important pieces of information you should be aware of when applying to Imperial. These include key information about your tuition fees, funding, visas, accommodation and more.

Read our terms and conditions

You can find further information about your course, including degree classifications, regulations, progression and awards in the programme specification for your course.

Programme specifications