Ecology, Evolution, Behaviour and Environmental Economics

Description

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Members of this research cluster are involved in a wide range of projects in Ecology, Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Economics. Research includes broad areas of Ecology (Marine, Freshwater and Terrestrial), Behavioural Ecology; Ecophysiology, Animal Behaviour; Molecular Ecology, Conservation (including Conservation Genetics), Aquaculture, Systematics (both Molecular and Morphological), and Environmental Economics.

This diverse range of interests is linked by common approaches including the integration of theoretical, laboratory, field and economic investigations. Research facilities include the QUB Marine Laboratory at Portaferry, which hosts the Modiolus Restoration Research Group (MRRG). Quercus, a major research centre for biodiversity and conservation biology in Northern Ireland, is housed on the main MBC site. The Gibson Institute for Land Food and Environment is also housed on the MBC site.

Research Strategies
The primary focus of the Ecology, Evolution, Behaviour and Environmental Economics (EEBEE) research cluster is fundamental and applied aspects of ecology, environmental economics, conservation, aquaculture, animal behaviour, molecular taxonomy and molecular genetics, particularly involving links between these aspects. The cluster has a high level of research activity involving academic staff, Postdoctoral scientists and postgraduate research students.

Research Strengths
* Animal behaviour/communication
* Coastal and deep water marine biology
* Ecological management
* Economics of water quality and sustainable catchment management
* Ecosystem ecology, modelling and mathematical biology
* Freshwater biology/fish biology
* Invasive species and their impact
* Molecular ecology, systematics and phylogeography in algae, plants, invertebrates, fish and mammals
* Sustainable aquaculture of shellfish and algae
* Urban land use economics and management
* Valuing biodiversity, agri-environment schemes and outdoor recreation including use of GIS and spatial econometrics
* Wildlife ecology, especially of birds and mammals

Special Features
* The group has a wide range of strong international and national links and it benefits from applied research centres such as the QUERCUS group centre which specialises in conservation biology and biodiversity. The School is also closely involved in Queen's University's Institute for a Sustainable World.
* Students have access to modern laboratories and offices based in the Medical Biology Centre, close to the main Lanyon site.
* Students also have access to the University's Marine Laboratory, which is located in Portaferry, directly at the Narrows of Strangford Lough - the largest sea lough in the British Isles - and these facilities in Portaferry are used by resident staff and students as well as associated researchers from Queen's University and international visitors.
* Due to Northern Ireland's unique geology, mild climate, relatively long coastline and a long history of settled agriculture we have a wide variety of interesting habitats, which provides a stimulating and challenging environment for those wishing to pursue research in these areas.

Contents

You may study for the degree of PhD on a full-time or part-time basis, under the direction of a supervisor appointed by the University. You will be expected to submit your thesis at the end of three years of full-time registration and you will not normally be allowed more than four years in which to submit your thesis. If you are a part-time student you must satisfy the University that you will be able to meet your supervisor regularly, typically at least once a semester. You will be expected to submit your thesis at the end of six years of part-time registration and you will not normally be allowed more than eight years in which to submit your thesis.

For both full-time and part-time students, time spent in the achievement of a Masters degree will not be counted as part of the specified period of enrolment as a PhD student.

Requirements

Admission to a research degree (PhD/MPhil) normally requires at least a good second class Honours degree or an equivalent qualification. If you are not a graduate, you may still be admitted provided you hold a diploma or other qualification which the University deems to be the equivalent of a degree. After your initial registration, you will proceed to PhD study, pending successful completion of your School's differentiation process.

English Language requirements

The UK Border Agency (UKBA) requires universities to verify that non-EEA applicants have achieved a specified minimum level in English before we are permitted to issue the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) which you need to apply for a Tier 4 visa. As part of this process, the University must see evidence (normally the result of a UKBA-approved Secure English Language Test) of an applicant's English Language competence in the four components of language learning ie listening, reading, speaking and writing. Alternative qualifications may be acceptable to meet the UKBA's English language requirements, for example a degree or equivalent qualification from an institution in a country which is deemed by the UKBA to be majority English-speaking.
EEA nationals, and non-EEA applicants who are nationals of a country deemed by the UKBA to be majority English-speaking, will not be required to submit further evidence of English Language for visa purposes, but may be asked for evidence of English competency to satisfy University course entry requirements.

English Language Requirements

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.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Funding

Applicants from the UK and other EU countries
Please note: Where it states 'UK residents' qualifying residency and citizenship/nationality criteria apply.

* Department of Employment and Learning (DEL) Postgraduate Research Studentships

Funded by the Department of Employment and Learning, these are offered in most subject areas.

UK residents: fees plus maintenance
Other EU residents: fees only

* DEL (CAST) Co-operative Awards in Science and Technology

These awards are for specific research projects in collaboration with an industrial sponsor in the following Schools/areas: Biomedical Sciences in School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences; School of Biological Sciences; School of Pharmacy; School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering; School of Planning, Architecture and Civil Engineering; School of Electronics, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science; School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering and the School of Mathematics and Physics.

UK residents: fees plus maintenance
Other EU residents: fees only

A CAST studentship may also include a contribution from the industrial collaborating body.

Visit the School websites listed above for details concerning potential DEL CAST

Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC)

Awards are available for both Masters and Doctoral degrees in humanities subject areas.

Applicants should apply via Queen's for funding and should not apply directly to AHRC.

UK residents: fees plus maintenance
Other EU residents: fees only

Queen's School Funding Opportunities

Some Schools have funding available for postgraduate PhD or taught Masters courses.

North-South Postgraduate Scholarships

Scholarships are available for students undertaking a recognised Masters or the first year of a PhD programme (taught or research) in the other Irish jurisdiction.

Applicants from outside the EU
If you are applying to Queen's from outside the EU, you are advised to explore fully the funding opportunities for studying in the UK available from sources in your own country. Some closing dates are as early as a year before commencing studies, so please make sure to apply in good time.

Some of the main awards are listed:

Department for International Development (DFID) Shared Scholarship Scheme

This award is for specific one-year taught postgraduate courses. The award cover tuition fees, a maintenance grant and travel costs. Only students from developing Commonwealth countries are eligible to apply.

British Chevening Awards

* The Foreign and Commonwealth Office funds a number of British Chevening scholaships for postgraduate study, mainly for one-year taught Masters degrees.
* Candidates must apply directly to the University for admission before applying for a Chevening Scholarship. Contact the British Embassy, British High Commission or British Council Office in your own country.

Applicants from USA
If you are a US citizen, you are eligible to apply for the following awards tenable at Queen's

George J Mitchell Scholarships

Fulbright Scholarships

Mary McNeill Scholarship (for US and Canadian citizens undertaking MA Irish Studies