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
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Qualification
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MRes
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Duration
1 year
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Start date
October 2023
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Study mode
Full-time
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Fees
£14,300 Home
£28,300 Overseas
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Delivered by
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Location
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Silwood Park
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Minimum entry standard
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2:1 in a life sciences or physical sciences subject
Course overview
This course is for students with a passion for biology, who wish to be trained in cutting-edge quantitative techniques in Ecology and Evolution with applications to wide range of real world problems, including Conservation.
- Quantitative skills are a critical limiting factor in modern biology, including the fields of Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Conservation Biology
- In this course students learn those skills in application to important biological problems at one of the world's leading institutions for quantitative biology
- Students leave with skills in computing, statistics, and mathematical modelling that give them a major edge in competing for PhDs and jobs
- The course is suitable for students from life, physical, computer as well as mathematical sciences backgrounds
- Computational tools are biology's next microscope, only better - learn to use them now!
You'll also apply research skills from the course to a 5-month research project, where you'll take the lead in developing a research question.
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.
You'll complete the following core modules.
Core Modules
Explore fundamental concepts and techniques in computational biology.
Conduct a short research project around a provided biological system using everything you have learnt so far from the course. You will choose the computational approach and precise hypotheses, develop a reproducible workflow to test those hypotheses and prepare a report using LaTeX.
Understand how modern high-performance scientific computing can tackle research problems.
Explore your core knowledge of biological computing and data science and learn more about the C language, Bayesian methods and generalised linear modelling framework.
You’ll carry out an extended piece of independent research on a five-month project.
This provides you with an opportunity to take the lead in developing a research question and driving the work forward, and can incorporate external placements.
Your work will be assessed by a thesis, research presentation and a viva.
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
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Lectures
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Primers
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Seminars
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Workshops
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Computer-based work
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Virtual learning environment
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Lecture recordings
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Individual research project and dissertation
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Independent study
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Work placement opportunity
Balance of assessment
Key
- Coursework
- Research project
- 25% Coursework
- 75% Research project
Assessment methods
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Coursework
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Examination
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Research project
Entry requirements
We consider all applicants on an individual basis, welcoming students from all over the world.
How to apply
Applications open on 2 October 2023
Application deadlines – Round 5 closes on Friday 7 July 2023
We operate a staged admissions process with several application rounds throughout the year.
Apply by midnight (UK time) on the relevant application round deadline to ensure that you receive the outcome of your application by the decision date.
We recommend applying as early as you can – we cannot guarantee that places will be available, or that courses will remain open, in later rounds.
Application rounds
Round 1
- Apply by 3 November 2023
- Decision by 16 December 2023
Round 2
- Apply by 19 January 2024
- Decision by 9 March 2024
Round 3
- Apply by 29 March 2024
- Decision by 11 May 2024
Round 4
- Apply by 24 May 2024
- Decision by 27 July 2024
Round 5
- Apply by 5 July 2024
- Decision by 3 August 2024
If you are applying for a taught Master’s course, you will need to pay an application fee before submitting your application.
The fee applies per application and not per course:
- £80 for all taught Master's applications excluding those to the Imperial College Business School
- £100 for all MSc applications to the Imperial College Business School
- £150 for MBA applications to the Imperial College Business School
There is no application fee for MRes courses, Postgraduate Certificates, Postgraduate Diplomas or research courses, such as PhDs and EngDs.
If you are facing financial hardship and are unable to pay the application fee, we encourage you to apply for our application fee waiver.
Find out more about how to apply for a Master's course, including references and personal statements.
When are applicants invited for an interview?
Applicants will be invited for an interview should their written application pass an initial review.
How long is the interview and what purpose does it serve?
This interview lasts about 10-20 minutes. It serves as an opportunity for a two-way conversation between the interviewer and the applicant to ask questions and probe further. There are several elements that are being explored, including the applicant's motivations, academic ambitions and their suitability for our courses.
When does it take place?
Interviews will usually be scheduled approximately 3-4 weeks after the application round deadline that you applied to, and we aim to inform applicants of the confirmed schedule approximately 1 week in advance.
How is the interview going to be conducted?
Regardless of whether you are in the UK or overseas, the interview will be conducted through an online meeting via Microsoft Teams.
Unless you are from an exempt nationality, you will need an ATAS certificate to obtain your visa and study this course.
Nationals from the following countries are exempt: Switzerland, Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, USA and EEA members.
Use this information when applying for an ATAS certificate to study this course:
- CAH code: CAH11-01-03
- Descriptor: information systems
- Supervisor name: Professor Daniel Davis
Get guidance and support for obtaining an ATAS certifcate.
Tuition fees
Home fee
2023 entry
£14,300
You should expect and budget for your fees to increase each year.
Your fee is based on the year you enter the College, not your year of study. This means that if you repeat a year or resume your studies after an interruption, your fees will only increase by the amount linked to inflation.
Find out more about our tuition fees payment terms, including how inflationary increases are applied to your tuition fees in subsequent years of study.
Whether you pay the Home or Overseas fee depends on your fee status. This is assessed based on UK Government legislation and includes things like where you live and your nationality or residency status. Find out how we assess your fee status.
If you're a UK national, or EU national with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you may be able to apply for a Postgraduate Master’s Loan from the UK government, if you meet certain criteria.
For 2023-24 entry, the maximum amount is £12,167. The loan is not means-tested and you can choose whether to put it towards your tuition fees or living costs.
Overseas fee
2023 entry
£28,300
You should expect and budget for your fees to increase each year.
Your fee is based on the year you enter the College, not your year of study. This means that if you repeat a year or resume your studies after an interruption, your fees will only increase by the amount linked to inflation.
Find out more about our tuition fees payment terms, including how inflationary increases are applied to your tuition fees in subsequent years of study.
Whether you pay the Home or Overseas fee depends on your fee status. This is assessed based on UK Government legislation and includes things like where you live and your nationality or residency status. Find out how we assess your fee status.
If you're a UK national, or EU national with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you may be able to apply for a Postgraduate Master’s Loan from the UK government, if you meet certain criteria.
For 2023-24 entry, the maximum amount is £12,167. The loan is not means-tested and you can choose whether to put it towards your tuition fees or living costs.
Your future career
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Develop the essential core knowledge and skills for an applied quantitative biology career.
This includes potential roles in fields such as resource management and conservation.
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Our graduates often pursue further study in master's programs or doctoral research.
Scientists with a strong interest in biology as well as those who wish to enhance their quantitative skills should consider this program.
Further links
Contact the department
- Email: c.scott@imperial.ac.uk
Course directors: Dr Samraat Pawar.
Visit the Department of Life Sciences website.
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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.
You can find further information about your course, including degree classifications, regulations, progression and awards in the programme specification for your course.
Programme specifications