Computational Methods in Ecology and Evolution
Bring cutting-edge quantitative methods and biological concepts together to solve research problems.
Bring quantitative methods and biological concepts together to 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
Course key facts
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Qualification
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MSc
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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 2023
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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 carry out an extended piece of independent research across eight months, and apply a range of quantitative methods as you advance your project management skills.
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
Understand the range of core skills and concepts used in biological computing and data science and broaden your knowledge on processes such as C language, Bayesian methods and machine learning techniques.
Conduct a short research project utilising the computing and analyses learned in this course.
Understand data analysis and how to use key insights from statistics and machine learning.
Explore the tools and techniques of high performance computing and how R and Python are used for biological problems.
Explore fundamental concepts and techniques in computational biology.
Assess the core mathematical fundamental topics and explore how these are applied to ecological and evolutionary models.
A five-month project will provide you with an opportunity to carry out an extended piece of independent research.
This will enable you 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
- Examinations
- Coursework
- Research project
- 25% Examinations
- 25% Coursework
- 50% 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
Apply online
You can submit one application form per year of entry. You can choose up to two courses.
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 4 November 2022
- Decision by 19 December 2022
Round 2
- Apply by 20 January 2023
- Decision by 10 March 2023
Round 3
- Apply by 31 March 2023
- Decision by 12 May 2023
Round 4
- Apply by 26 May 2023
- Decision by 27 July 2023
Round 5
- Apply by 7 July 2023
- Decision by 4 August 2023
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.
An ATAS certificate is not required for students applying for this course.
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 2022-23 entry, the maximum amount was £11,836. 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 2022-23 entry, the maximum amount was £11,836. 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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Gain transferrable skills necessary for a competitive edge when applying for PhDs and jobs.
Taking part in research projects will enable you to make an informed decision about your PhD research.
The training provided will leave you well placed to pursue a career in academic, government or non-governmental organisations engaged in research into biodiversity.
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