Postgraduate - Resource Conservation Biology

Applications for the MSc in Resource Conservation Biology is now closed. Late applications will be placed on a waiting list.

Updated February 2012

We offer the following study options

• A full-time MSc programme, by coursework and research report, completed over one year. This programme is normally only offered every second year.
• Registration is allowed for individual short courses for non-degree purposes, space permitting. Registration for each course should be confirmed at the beginning of each semester, before the starting date of the individual course.

The courses offered cover various aspects of resource conservation biology, including population ecology, population-and species distribution modelling, conservation planning, biogeochemical nutrient cycling, ecosystem function, modern approaches to savanna management, fire ecology, rural resource conservation and statistical research design. Most of the courses have a strong quantitative focus, and include the study and development of relevant ecological models.

Entrance requirements

A BSc Honours or BSc Eng or equivalent four year degree. Acceptance into certain courses may be restricted to applicants with relevant undergraduate course credits.

Coursework content

• The courses are usually presented as short courses over 2 weeks.
• The coursework component for the full-time programme would normally be completed in the first six months of study, with the last six months dedicated to the research project.
• Point Structure: Each course = 20 points. The research report is equal to 120 points.
• Six courses must be completed. At least four of the courses must be from the RCB list of courses offered by the School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences (course code APES). The other two courses can be chosen from the suite of courses offered as part of the MSc in Environmental Sciences. If the student does not have adequate previous training in statistics, then one of these two courses must be STATS7009.

Here is a list of the RCB courses on offer.

Research report

The research report is based on investigations extending over the equivalent of six months of full time work. Each student will be required to confirm selection of the research project and supervisor four months from the date of registration. Potential research projects must be discussed with the course co-ordinator prior to registration. Students are encouraged to approach lecturers in the programme for potential research projects.

Further information

The closing date for applications for first semester registration is 15 September. Late applications may be considered, but only if space and funding are available.

For enquiries and applications write to the course coordinator:
Dr Ute Schwaibold
School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences
University of the Witwatersrand
Private Bag X3
WITS 2050
Fax: 27 11 7176400
Email: Ute.Schwaibold@wits.ac.za

Your application should include the following:

• A letter of motivation stating the reasons why you want to take this course and explaining your field of special interest.
• A comprehensive CV, including academic transcripts and the names and contact addresses of three referees. It is acceptable to send certified copies of your academic transcripts, but you will be required to bring the originals of your documents to registration.
• Indicate whether you would require accommodation and financial aid application forms.

The University reserves the right to cancel or postpone individual courses should an insufficient number of students register for that module. Occasional students should confirm not later than four weeks before scheduled start date.