Biological Photography and Imaging

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In a fast-moving society, the professional image-maker has a powerful role in the way science is communicated to the world. The professional imager is vital to modern research, science communication, commerce and industry. The MSc Biological Photography and Imaging is ideal for students wishing to pursue a career in professional imaging.

The study programme incorporates the areas of biological research, imaging (both industrial and media production) and communication. Developing your imaging skills during the course will allow you to integrate scientific and technical aspects with commercial applications. Graduates of our course have gone on to further study in molecular biology and biophysics, or pursued various careers such as medical imaging or wildlife filmmaking.

You are expected to have a high quality undergraduate degree in the biological or related sciences. Applicants with degrees in other disciplines may be accepted at the discretion of the Course Director. Applicants with professional experience at a level equivalent to that of a first degree will also be considered. A condition of entry to this programme is attendance at an intensive three-day photographic skills course. This course is usually held the week before the academic year starts in September. Satisfactory completion of this course will allow those students without a photographic background to catch up and ensure that all students have the basic techniques required for the MSc programme.

Applicants to this programme are expected to have their own digital SLR camera. Systems normally used on this course are Nikon or Canon; if you wish to operate a different system, you need to discuss this with the Course Director.

The learning outcomes of this course are intended to provide the skills and knowledge for students with an undergraduate degree in biology to move into the professional photographic and imaging field. It is also intended as a potential stepping-stone into further postgraduate research in scientific imaging, such as a PhD.

Learning outcomes
You will gain experience in analysing the biological content and scientific value of images produced in various ways. You will also gain an appreciation of the ways that imaging enhances scientific discovery and communication.

You will be provided with an up-to-date technical knowledge of digital stills production, image processing and manipulation, filmmaking techniques, web design, 3-D technology and more.
You will gain experience in outdoor photography techniques for capturing images of animals and plants in their environment, and training in the studio for organisms that can be handled indoors.

You will participate in a dedicated microscopy module that will allow you to produce images using light, scanning electron and fluorescence microscopes. You will also learn how to analyse these images and interpret data from them.

You will gain an appreciation of the commercial application of imaging as well as skills in business and project planning. You will also be advised on the legal principles of copyright and ownership of the images that you produce.

The taught component of the MSc Biological Photography and Imaging consists of six modules worth 20 credits each. The modules are listed below:

* Applied Digital / Conventional Imaging
* Image Manipulation and Multi-Media
* Film Production and Digital Film / Video Photography
* Microscopy and Image Analysis
* Professional Techniques in the Field
* Commercial and Business Application for the Professional Imager

Please note that all module details are subject to change.

After completion of the taught modules, during the summer semester, a ten-week work study project worth 60 credits is undertaken in a subject area agreed with the Course Director. This work-study project can be carried out in the UK or abroad. The project allows you to specialise in a specific area relevant to the course. It gives you the opportunity to put your newly-learned skills into practice in one large, intensive project.

2.2(Lower 2nd class hons degree or international equivalent) IELTS: 6.5 (no less than 6.0 in any element) TOEFL IBT: 87 with no less than 21 in listening, 22 in reading, 23 in speaking and 21 in writing English Language Requirements IELTS band: 6.5 CAE score: (read more) Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) is part of the Cambridge English suite and is targeted at a high level (IETLS 6.5-8.0). It is an international English language exam set at the right level for academic and professional success. Developed by Cambridge English Language Assessment - part of the University of Cambridge - it helps you stand out from the crowd as a high achiever. 75 (Grade B) TOEFL iBT® test: 87 IMPORTANT NOTE: Since April 2014 the ETS tests (including TOEFL and TOEIC) are no longer accepted for Tier 4 visa applications to the United Kingdom. The university might still accept these tests to admit you to the university, but if you require a Tier 4 visa to enter the UK and begin your degree programme, these tests will not be sufficient to obtain your Visa. The IELTS test is most widely accepted by universities and is also accepted for Tier 4 visas to the UK- learn more.