Applied Conservation Genetics with Wildlife Forensics

Our MSc in Applied Conservation Genetics with Wildlife Forensics offers you the opportunity to study standalone short courses, a Postgraduate Certificate, Diploma or full Masters Degree. Flexible, online distance learning allows you to tailor the timeframe of studies to suit your needs and can be completed in up to six years.

Wildlife forensics is an exciting new field that is attracting increasing global attention in the fight against the illegal wildlife trade.  You will explore how genetic data is used in conservation management and wildlife law enforcement and graduate with the knowledge, skills and global networks to address modern challenges facing the sector.

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There is increasing recognition within conservation science of the value of genetic data to support management decisions, however scientists and managers with the skills and knowledge to apply population genetic theory to conservation practice are lacking. 

Our applied programme aims to respond to this shortage by empowering students to use DNA analysis as a tool in wildlife conservation and is designed to advance careers in wildlife management, policy and forensic science.

As a postgraduate award from one of the world’s leading universities is recognised as a valuable, hard-earned qualification that demonstrates both scientific acumen and an ability to translate research into conservation management practice. 

The teaching team are internationally recognised practitioners and the curriculum has been developed in collaboration with the UK’s Wildlife DNA Forensic laboratory at SASA.

Acclaim

Edinburgh University Students' Association (EUSA) Teaching Awards

• Dr Silvia Perez-Esponsa – Teacher of the Year
• Dr Silvia Perez-Esponsa – Personal Tutor of the Year
• Dr Silvia Perez-Esponsa – Supervisor of the Year

MSc, PGDip, PGCert, PPD

The online, part-time format of our teaching is particularly suited to students with busy lives.  The flexible learning environment can be adapted to suit individual needs and online study allows you to study at a location that is convenient for you.

The School has been teaching online taught postgraduate programmes since 2008 and online learning is treated as seriously as in-person.  Our digital teaching platform has a dedicated e-learning team to ensure the teaching runs smoothly and students have access to support and welfare staff throughout their studies.

This programme will be supported by an experienced team of two programme co-directors, co-ordinator, administrator and course leaders and each student is provided with a professional mentor and student adviser.

Key features of the programme are study guides, lecture notes, textbook and journal excerpts and interactive online discussions, enabling students from a range of disciplines to bring their unique perspectives to build a community of online students.

How online learning works at the University of Edinburgh

The MSc programme begins in September and runs part-time over a period of 3-6 years.  The programme is delivered using a blend of online learning methods, supported by the University's award-winning online learning environments.

Students enrolling on stand alone courses may have start dates throughout the academic year.

The programme is structured to allow sequential progression from short courses* to Certificate, Diploma and MSc phases however, there are several earlier exit points.

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Students can opt to take time out from learning if work or family life are impacted too much. It is also possible to pay per course** to help spread the cost of your studies.

*^{also referred to as the Postgraduate Professional Development (PPD) scheme}

**^{The University uses the terminology 'course', and sometimes 'module', to refer to the individual components that make up a degree programme}

Certificate and Diploma

The Certificate phase comprises three compulsory courses from within the programme (see Content tab). Each course is taught over a period of 10 weeks.

The Diploma phase comprises of six compulsory courses from within the programme (see Content tab).

Masters (MSc)

The dissertation element gives students the opportunity to further develop scientific skills and apply scientific theory, in a less structured learning environment.  This can be desk-based or involve a collaboration with an external organisation for field and/or laboratory work.

Recent dissertation topics include:

• Development of forensic genetic tools for hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibious)
• A meta-analysis of population monitoring studies of sea turtles
• Genetic approaches to invasive alien species management
• Ex-situ conservation genetics of pancake tortoise (Malacochersus tornieri)
• DNA barcoding of African lions (Panthera leo) in Zambia
• Landscape and environmental genetics of neotropical army ants

The dissertation is designed to advance your understanding of the processes and planning involved in undertaking research and to develop your scientific written communication skills, research ethics, statistics and the principle of good research practice.

The programme content provides a blend of theoretical and practical education in the application of genetic data to wildlife management and law enforcement.

Students can choose to specialise in either applied conservation genetics or wildlife forensics, with both options providing transferable scientific skills relating to knowledge acquisition and application, problem solving, science communication and decision making.

 All of the assessments are tailored to give students direct experience with tasks they would need to perform as a wildlife geneticist – whether in a conservation or wildlife forensic role.

Core courses

Essential population genetic theory and techniques

20 Credits

Course Leader:  Professor Rob Ogden

Aim: To provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the genetic theory and techniques that underpin conservation genetics and wildlife forensics. It is designed to be both an introduction to the field, or a useful refresher for more experienced students.

Topics:

• Understanding the basis of genetic variation
• Phylogenetics
• Population genetic theory
• Population genetic applications
• Molecular genetic techniques
• Introduction to genetic data analysis

For full details of this course, including learning outcomes, please visit the Degree Regulations and Programmes of Study page.

Introduction to Applied Conservation Genetics part 1

10 Credits

Course Leader: Dr Silvia Perez-Espona

Aim: To introduce the application of conservation genetics to support wildlife management, including theory and molecular genetics techniques. During this course, students will become increasingly aware of the role of genetics in conservation biology in a wider conservation context.

Topics:

• Introduction to conservation genetics
• Genetic approaches to identify populations for conservation management
• Genetic monitoring methods
• Genetic management of reintroductions and translocations
• The role of genetics in biodiversity assessments

For full details of this course, including learning outcomes, please visit the Degree Regulations and Programmes of Study page. 

Introduction to Applied Conservation Genetics part 2

10 Credits

Course Leader: Professor Rob Ogden

Aim: This course complements and builds on Part 1, to complete the introduction to applied conservation genetics. Completion of part 1 is a pre-requisite for this course.

Topics:

• Data analysis for genetic monitoring
• Management of conservation breeding programmes
• Hybridisation and introgression

For full details of this course, including learning outcomes, please visit the Degree Regulations and Programmes of Study page. 

Introduction to Wildlife Forensics

10 Credits

Course Leader: Dr Lucy Webster

Aim: To introduce you to the many varied specialist forensic methods that can be applied in investigations involving animals and plants, and give you an understanding of the standards required for forensic casework from evidence collection to reporting.

Topics

• Wildlife forensic science: wildlife DNA forensics, veterinary pathology, vertebrate morphology, and analytical chemistry.
• Wildlife forensic casework: crime scene investigation, quality assurance, casefile management and reporting.

For full details of this course, including learning outcomes, please visit the Degree Regulations and Programmes of Study page. 

Genetic Data Analysis for Conservation Management and Wildlife Forensics

10 Credits

Course Leader: Dr Silvia Perez-Espona

Aim: To acquire knowledge on the main genetic data analyses for conservation management and wildlife forensic applications, including the use of key software packages. This course will offer the students the opportunity to practice the use of relevant software and main data analysis.

Topics:

• Sequence editing, alignment, BLAST
• Phylogenetics, haplotype networks
• Genotyping and filtering (microsatellites and SNPs)
• Population genetics analyses
• Forensic genetics statistics

For full details of this course, including learning outcomes, please visit the Degree Regulations and Programmes of Study page. 

Applied Conservation Genetics and Wildlife Forensics

10 Credits

Course Leader: Dr Silvia Perez-Espona

Aim: To advance knowledge on the use of genetic and genomic approaches for addressing wildlife conservation and law enforcement, including the collection of samples in the field, lab-based techniques and data analysis.

Topics:

• Study of adaptive variation
• Fitness and inbreeding depression
• Genetic geographical origin assignment
• Sampling and biobanking
• Marker development
• Tools for trade regulation

For full details of this course, including learning outcomes, please visit the Degree Regulations and Programmes of Study page. 

The Role of Wildlife Genetics in Global Conservation Challenges

20 Credits

Course Leader: Professor Rob Ogden

Aim: This course considers how modern conservation initiatives are organised and how conservation genetic and wildlife forensic science is incorporated into this vast global movement, from intergovernmental organisations and conventions, through to local capacity building and project development. Benefitting from inputs from a wide range of international experts, you will take away a range of knowledge and skills to help implement genetic theory and practice within broader conservation efforts.

Topics:

• Global conservation challenges
• Integrating science into conservation policy
• Project management and leadership
• Training and capacity building
• Community conservation
• Conservation finance and funding

For full details of this course, including learning outcomes, please visit the Degree Regulations and Programmes of Study page. 

Dissertation Element - must be written within a 12-month period

60 credits

Course Leader: Professor Rob Ogden

Students will be encouraged to plan their own dissertation project with the help of their supervisors, and this can be desk-based or involve a collaboration with an external organisation for field and/or laboratory work. Recent project topics include:

• Development of forensic genetic tools for hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibious)
• A meta-analysis of population monitoring studies of sea turtles
• Genetic approaches to invasive alien species management
• Ex-situ conservation genetics of pancake tortoise (Malacochersus tornieri)
• DNA barcoding of African lions (Panthera leo) in Zambia
• Landscape and environmental genetics of neotropical army ants

Elective courses 

Quality management in wildlife forensic science 

10 Credits

Course Leader: Dr Lucy Webster

Aim: To give students an in-depth understanding of the relevant standards for wildlife forensic laboratories, from the validation of methods through to competency of staff, procedures, record keeping and reference collections.

Topics:

• Quality standards in wildlife forensic science
• Method validation
• Evidential security and casework records
• Laboratory audits

For full details of this course, including learning outcomes, please visit the Degree Regulations and Programmes of Study page. 

Reporting forensic evidence

10 Credits

Course Leader: Dr Lucy Webster

Aim: To learn and practice how to interpret and report unbiased wildlife forensic evidence to investigators and the courtroom.

Topics:

• Judicial systems and the role of the wildlife forensic scientist
• Presenting wildlife DNA forensic results
• Writing forensic reports
• Challenges in the courtroom

For full details of this course, including learning outcomes, please visit the Degree Regulations and Programmes of Study page. 

Population genetics for conservation breeding 

10 Credits

Course Leader: Professor Rob Ogden

Aim: To understand how different forms of managed breeding programme are used to support wildlife conservation and learn about the role of population genetics in optimising conservation breeding outcomes.

Topics:

• Role of modern zoos in conservation
• Captive breeding and genetics
• Group management
• Plant breeding

For full details of this course, including learning outcomes, please visit the Degree Regulations and Programmes of Study page. 

Conservation genetics for Reintroductions, Translocations and Population Monitoring 

10 Credits

Course Leader: Dr Silvia Perez-Espona

Aim: To provide background knowledge on the application of conservation genetic principles to in situ wildlife management, including initial planning of a reintroduction, sampling and capturing approaches, data collection and analyses, and development of a management plan.

Topics:

• Reintroductions as conservation tool
• Population genetic forecasting
• Founder selection
• Genetic impacts of management actions
• Management of released populations

For full details of this course, including learning outcomes, please visit the Degree Regulations and Programmes of Study page. 

The Postgraduate Professional Development (PPD) scheme is aimed at working professionals who want to advance their knowledge through postgraduate-level learning, without the time, or financial commitment, of a full award.

You may take a maximum of 50 credits worth of courses over two years and gain a University of Edinburgh postgraduate award of academic credit.

You can also choose to continue your studies after one year and put credits towards a postgraduate Certificate, Diploma or full Masters degree.  Any time spent taking courses through the PPD scheme will be deducted from the amount of time you have left to complete the higher award.

To view the short courses available within the PPD scheme and details on how to apply, please visit the Credit-bearing standalone short courses page. 

Content

When I applied for the MSc in Applied Conservation Genetics with Wildlife Forensics programme at the University of Edinburgh, I had a list of personal requirements. Namely, a masters programme that would consolidate my background in biological sciences, but also facilitate my career progression in wildlife forensics. I was also looking for a top-ranking institution to attend and a different learning environment from that which I attained my undergraduate degree. Finally, I wanted all this while being able to keep my job or travel the world, during the 3-year period that I would be able to complete it.

I am happy to say that I have had all these requirements met with the programme. My experience so far has been better than I anticipated. I have been supported by the faculty through my studies, as though physically on campus.

The programme lectures are conducted by conservation genetics and wildlife forensics experts; comprised of the full-time faculty and visiting lecturers. This has widened my professional network to include some of the top researchers and practitioners in the field.

I recommend the programme to anyone who is looking to work in conservation genetics, wildlife crime prevention and /or wildlife DNA forensics. They will have the benefit of the highest standard of learning and a network of conservation giants.

Bwalya Chibwe - current student, Zambia

The MSc in Applied Conservation Genetics with Wildlife Forensics provides a perfect opportunity to acquire up to date knowledge on conservation genetics whilst remaining at work and with family. The programme helps to inform my everyday work as a forest manager. At the same time, its interactive nature allows me to contribute to the programme with my experience and knowledge. This creates a stimulating and motivating learning environment.

Cordula Walderdoff - current student, Austria

We have a number of internationally recognised experts in their field contributing to the teaching of many aspects of the programme.

Staff List

A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in biological, biochemical, forensic science or veterinary sciences or a related science discipline.

We may also consider your application if you have a minimum of 3 years' work experience in a related scientific area, for example molecular biology research/ forensics laboratory work. You may be admitted to certificate level only in the first instance.  Please contact the programme team to check before you apply.

Once successfully on the programme, completion of core courses is a pre-requisite for progression to subsequent courses. 

English language requirements 

If English is not your first language, we will also need to see evidence of your English language proficiency before we can offer you a place. 

English language requirements 

Tuition fees 

Please note that you can pay for the programme on a course (module) basis. Each course is 20 credits and the dissertation year is equivalent to 60 credits. 

Tuition fees for online learning

Tuition fee discount for some of our former graduates 

Alternative Guide to Postgraduate Funding

The University of Edinburgh subscribes to a funding database specifically for those looking for funding to support postgraduate studies.  The guide contains a huge database of funding opportunities, comprehensive guidance and tools to help you prepare a winning grant application including.

The Alternative Guide to Postgraduate Funding Online

Scholarship information 

It is recommended that you conduct your own research on this, but you can refer to the University Scholarship website to view suggestions on Scholarships. 

Online distance learning scholarships 

ITA Scotland 

Get up to £200 towards the cost of a training course with an SDS Individual Training Account (ITA). 

You could use the money to build the skills you need for a job. Or get some training to take your career to the next level. Whatever you want to do, there is a wide range of ITA approved courses on offer. 

ITA Scotland 

UK government postgraduate loans 

If you are planning to study with us, you could be eligible for a postgraduate loan towards your fees. From this year, online programmes are also eligible for this funding (please note, restrictions apply). 

This funding is available for UK nationals, those with settled status, and in some cases, EU nationals not resident in the UK. 

Learn more about postgraduate loans and submit your application 

Online application form 

Applications must be submitted through the University’s online application service, EUCLID. Offers cannot be made without a fully completed online application. 

Apply for this degree 

Contact details 

If you would like more information on applying for this programme, please contact our team using the address below: 

Programme Team 

Email: Conservation.Genetics@ed.ac.uk

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