COURSE CURRICULUM

The MSc in Marine Top Predator Ecology at Bangor University equips students with a wide range of specialist and highly sought-after skills essential for careers in marine research and conservation. Students gain practical expertise in field-based techniques such as line and strip-transect surveys, shore-based monitoring, marine mammal photo-identification, acoustic monitoring, and in-situ oceanographic measurements, as well as the use of remote-sensed oceanographic data. They are trained in advanced analytical methods including species distribution modelling, mark-recapture analysis, movement modelling using biologging data, and population modelling, allowing them to investigate predator-environment interactions and population dynamics rigorously. In addition to these technical skills, the program develops strong computational and quantitative abilities in tools such as R for statistical analysis, MATLAB for modelling and simulation, and GIS for spatial analysis and mapping. Students also acquire expertise in advanced ecological modelling, which enables them to integrate complex datasets and generate meaningful predictions about species distributions and ecosystem processes. This combination of practical fieldwork, technical analysis, and computational proficiency ensures graduates are highly employable in marine conservation, ecological research, environmental management, and related fields, while also providing a strong foundation for further academic research or PhD study.