ResM Agriculture and Food

The programme incorporates taught elements (a minimum of 40 credits at least at level 7) taken alongside an extended research project. After completing your taught modules, you continue with independent research, guided by your Director of Studies, leading to a written thesis. The programme can be studied either full time or part time.
Taught modules
All students will undertake a 20 credit research skills module:
Postgraduate Research Skills & Methods (BIO5131)
The module provides the research- and communication-related skills that biology postgraduates require to carry out an original research project at the forefront of their academic discipline. Emphasis is given to the philosophy, design, ethics and management of research, effective communication to a range of audiences, and advice on career management and presentation skills involved in job applications and interviews.
We recommend one of the following modules to make up the additional 20 credits:
Health and Production in Aquaculture (BIO504)
This module addresses the biological, chemical and physical factors that affect the health of freshwater and marine organisms. The curriculum will include an evaluation of sustainable approaches towards enhancing health and production levels through the use of conventional and novel techniques. Developments in disease management, genetic improvement, nutrition and water quality optimisation will be included.
Sustainable Fisheries (BIO5132)
This module provides a framework for the analysis of resource utilisation and management of fisheries, aquatic resources and aquaculture. Students will study example systems appropriate to their programme of study to allow them to evaluate the extent to which resources are used sustainably.
Aquarium Health and Nutrition (ANIM5012)
This module addresses the fundamentals of preventative health and nutrition in the context of aquariums as businesses and centres for education, research and conservation. Particular focus will be placed on exemplars of taxa-/species-specific conditions and on understanding how environments and diets may be managed to minimise health risks to animals.
Animal Behaviour and Welfare Research (ANIM5010)
Explores fundamental principles of evolution & behavioural function and how they underpin the concepts of animal welfare and well-being. Understand and critically evaluate approaches for welfare assessment in the context of zoos and aquariums, including behavioural, physiological and cognitive indices. Understand the application of animal behaviour science to evidence-based improvement of the captive environment.
Animal Nutrition (BIOL320)
This module examines the principles and practice of animal nutrition for a range of animal species. It provides an understanding of feds, feed evaluation, diet formulation and feeding. The module also examines the impact of ingredient, physical, manufacturing and legal constraints on the production of diets.
Plant Biotechnology (BIOL301)
Despite the increasing importance of 'food security' in a changing world, plant biotechnology has had much negative publicity. This module will give students an appreciation of the science and also the ethical and social issues that surround the subject and show why these techniques are so important to secure our food supply.
Advanced Bioinformatics and Phylogenetics (BIOL324)
Technological advances have generated a substantial increase in the amount and speed of data production. You will build expertise in skills used for data analysis, essential for working in the life sciences (big data sets, bioinformatics, phylogenetics, image analysis and genomics etc.) to address questions in biology, ecology, evolution and behaviour; and communicating these complex ideas to the wider public.
Global Change Biology (BIOL310)
This module provides the student with an in-depth overview of the likely consequences of climate change for plant and animal species biology and distribution over the coming century. From this starting point we will show how an understanding of climate change biology is vital for conservation theory and practice over coming decades.
Modules should be chosen on consultation with your Director of Studies to ensure the most appropriate choice to support your research project and confirmed prior to application.

Throughout the time spent working towards your thesis, you are considered a full member of our research community and completely supported until you successfully complete your degree. You may attend additional training, workshops and research seminars. As a full-time ResM student, you submit your thesis after 12 months (part time after 24 months) or pay a nominal sum for up to six months’ additional writing up time (part time 12 months). Your viva voce (or oral examination) takes place following submission of your thesis.