The world’s oceans, coasts and rivers
constitute a huge natural resource and are
vital to the stability of the global
environment. This programme centres on
understanding the systems and interactions
of rivers, estuaries and fully marine areas as
well as the culture of living resources such
as fish. It will produce graduates with
scientific and applied knowledge of aquatic
environments who understand the pressures
placed on these systems and who will have a
solid foundation of information for the
development of approaches for their
sustainable use.
The Department of Life Sciences remains
committed to excellence in research and
teaching aimed at the production of well
rounded and tooled Caribbean people.
STRUCTURE:
44 Credits inclusive of:
- 8 courses, each worth 4 credits.
- A research project report worth 12 credits.
Courses (32 credits):
1. Research methods in biology
This is a general graduate course which is
accessed by M.Phil. as well as M.Sc.
students. It introduces the concept of
scientific research and its ethical framework.
Students are also provided with the skills
access literature and organize a literature
review.
2. GIS and Modeling for aquatic scientists
This course covers the design of numerical
models and observing systems for coastal
areas. Marine GIS will be covered as well
as understanding the differences between
terrestrial and underwater spatial
information (2D vs. 3D) acquisition and
manipulation.
3. Biodiversity and biogeography
Marine biodiversity and biogeography
covers the abundance and distribution of
organisms in especially coastal systems.
The current status of the majour groups and
the habitats with which they are associated
as well as the methods (including molecular
techniques) of identifying/distinguishing
species.
4. Graduate Statistics for biologists
This is a general graduate course which is
accessed by M.Phil. as well as M.Sc.
students. It introduces the statistical
techniques and principles required for
research.
5. The Coral Reef System
A geological, ecological and biological
perspective of reefs; the roles of global and
local environmental fluctuations, physical
disturbance and biotic interactions in
determining reef structure
6. Dynamics of estuarine and fresh water
systems
The course covers the processes that control
community composition and functioning in
estuaries and fresh waters; how they respond
to disturbance and the threats as well as
measures for their conservation.
7. Mariculture and Aquaculture.
Major world aquaculture and mariculture
species will be examined. It focuses on
techniques to culture these organisms, water
quality standards, hatchery techniques,
gender manipulation, growth and physiology
of early life stages, disease control, culture
site selection and infrastructure.
8. Integrated Coastal Management
Natural resources associated with the coastal
zone and offshore features are introduced.
The ecological bases for management.
Principles of integrated coastal zone
management are emphasised. The kinds of
pollution their sources, effects and remedies
as well as ocean policy development and
analysis, international law and treaties will
be covered.
Research Projects (12 credits):
The research project will be chosen from a
list of topics provided by the
tutors/supervisors involved in the teaching
of the MAS in MERS. However, alternate
projects may be designed after consultation
with these persons. The objective is to
ensure that each student is assigned to a staff
member with the expertise to supervise the
chosen research project.
DURATION:
The programme will be offered Part time
only and will therefore last two years or be
taught over 4 semesters and 2 summer
periods: September 2007 – August 2009.
Probable time table is 4 hours of lectures per
week (5:30 – 7:30 on Tuesdays &
Thursdays) + 6 hours of lab on Saturdays.
LOCATION:
Department of Life Sciences (U.W.I.)
QUAIFICATIONS:
Completion of a Bachelor’s degree in a
discipline appropriate to the M.Sc. with a
minimum of lower second class honours.
Level of the degree may be reassessed for
candidates with appropriate professional
experience. Applicants are expected to be
SCUBA certified or show proficiency in the
water for snorkeling. However, all
applicants will be considered on individual
merit.
TUITION FEES: J$300,000. for the two
year programme. This may be paid in two
installments in equal parts at the start of
each year during registration.
Masters in Aquatic
Sciences:
Marine, Estuarine
& Riverine
Systems
CONTACT INFORMATION:
For further information please contact:
M.Sc. Aquatic Sciences: MERS
Programme coordinator
Department of Life Sciences
U.W.I. (Mona)
TEL 876-927-1202 / 927-2753
FAX 876-977-1075
Email:
[email protected]
OR
[email protected]
Department of Life Sciences
University of the West Indies
(Mona)