Applied Conservation Genetics with Wildlife Forensics

The Cert/Dip/MSc in Applied Conservation Genetics with Wildlife Forensics is a unique scientific programme that equips current and future wildlife professionals with the knowledge, skills and global networks to address modern challenges in conservation management and law enforcement. 

It provides an opportunity to learn about how genetic data is used in conservation management and wildlife law enforcement. It is delivered by internationally recognised practitioners and designed to develop careers in the wildlife management, policy and forensic science sectors 

Within conservation science there is increasing recognition 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. Wildlife forensics is an exciting new field that is attracting increasing global attention in the fight against the illegal wildlife trade, and this programme has been developed in collaboration with the UK’s Wildlife DNA Forensic laboratory at SASA.

This applied programme should equip students with the knowledge, skills and global networks necessary to use DNA analysis as a tool in wildlife conservation.  As a post-graduate degree from one of the world’s leading universities, it will be recognised as a valuable, hard-earned qualification that demonstrates both scientific acumen and an ability to translate research into conservation management practice. 

We are striving for excellence in our teaching. Dr Sílvia Pérez-Espona, our Programme Coordinator and Lecturer, this year has been nominated for three Student Union Teaching Awards: Teacher of the Year, Personal Tutor of the Year, and Supervisor of the Year

This course is a collaboration between SASA and the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies.

MSc, PGDip, PGCert, PPD

A good university Honours Degree (first or 2:1), or international equivalent, in biological, biochemical or forensic sciences, or veterinary medicine. 

We may consider applicants with degrees in other disciplines if they have relevant work experience. Please contact us to check before you apply. You may be admitted to certificate level only in the first instance. 

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 

Alongside the subject content, the programme will also enable the acquisition of a range of transferable skills, such as computer skills, report writing, giving online presentations and time and project management. 

Programme learning outcomes 

• Knowledge and Understanding: You will have the opportunity to demonstrate a critical understanding of practical and ethical issues relating to the application of conservation genetics and wildlife forensics. 

• Practice: applied knowledge, skills and understanding: You will aim to be able to demonstrate how to plan, apply and interpret the outputs of appropriate research and forensic techniques. 

• Generic cognitive skills: You will aim to be able to analyse complex issues and identify solutions, even in the absence of complete or consistent information. 

• Communication, ICT, Numeracy Skills: You will aim to be able to communicate relevant scientific concepts and results, using appropriate methods, to a range of audiences with different levels of knowledge and expertise. 

• Autonomy, accountability and working with others: You will aim to be able to manage complex wildlife conservation and law enforcement issues and make or contribute to informed judgements that address current challenges in these fields. 

This programme is delivered part time through online learning, over a period of between three and six years. 

This MSc programme is modular in structure, offering a flexible student-centred approach to the choice of courses studied. You can exit with the award of post-graduate (PG) Certificate (60 credits), PG Diploma (120 credits) or MSc (180 credits). The programme is composed of 180 credits divided over eight taught courses (6 core and 2 electives chosen from 4 courses). For the MSc you will complete a (60 credit) dissertation project. 

Programme staff all actively work in applied conservation science alongside their academic posts and include members of the IUCN SSC Conservation Genetics Specialist Group, the Society for Wildlife Forensic Science and the UN, US and UK wildlife forensic advisory groups. 

Flexible learning 

You may undertake the programme by Intermittent Study (flexible progression route), accruing credits within a maximum time limit of six years for the MSc which will include a maximum period of 12 months from the start of your dissertation to it being completed. If you wish to study for the PG Diploma by intermittent study, the maximum time period for this is 4 years and for the PG Certificate only, the maximum time period is 2 years. 

In summary, times for completion are as follows: 

• Master of Science: 36 - 72 months 

• Postgraduate Diploma: 24 - 48 months 

• Postgraduate Certificate: 12 - 24 months

The Cert/Dip/MSc in Applied Conservation Genetics with Wildlife Forensics aims to provide a blend of theoretical and practical education in the application of genetic data to wildlife management and law enforcement. The programme will cover all essential aspects, from population genetic theory, through data analysis, to the considerations involved in the interpretation and transfer of scientific findings to management, policy and criminal investigation.

Students will have the choice 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.

The overall aim of the programme is to equip current and future wildlife professionals with the knowledge, skills and global networks to address modern challenges in conservation management and law enforcement. 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.

Courses

The programme is designed for students to complete their Masters degree (gain 180 credits), part-time over a 3-year period. However, Intermittent Study can enable students to complete an MSc within a six-year timeframe rather than the standard three years, subject to agreement with the Programme Director. For more details see the “Structure” tab above.

Year 1

Core courses

Essential population genetic theory and techniques (Core – 20 Credits, September-December)

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

Introduction to Applied Conservation Genetics part 1 (Core – 10 Credits, January-February)

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

Introduction to Applied Conservation Genetics part 2 (Core – 10 Credits, February-March)

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

Introduction to Wildlife Forensics (Core – 10 Credits, April-May)

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.

Genetic Data Analysis for Conservation Management and Wildlife Forensics (Core – 10 Credits, May-June)

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

Year 2

Core courses

Applied Conservation Genetics and Wildlife Forensics (Core – 20 Credits, September-December)

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

The Role of Wildlife Genetics in Global Conservation Challenges (Core - 20 credits, April-June)

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

Elective courses from this programme

Quality management in wildlife forensic science (10 Credits, January-February)

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

Reporting forensic evidence (10 Credits, February-March)

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

Population genetics for conservation breeding (10 Credits, January-February)

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

Conservation genetics for Reintroductions, Translocations and Population Monitoring (10 Credits, February-March)

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

Year 3

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

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

Course availability

Although all courses are offered, we will not be able to guarantee that all courses will be available to all students, each year. This will be dependent upon numbers of students and availability of places on non-programme owned courses.

Some individual courses can be taken as Postgraduate Professional Development.

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.

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.

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 

The University has a strong and long-standing commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and to promoting a positive culture which celebrates difference, challenges prejudice and ensures fairness.

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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