msc applicants handbook 15-16 - royal botanic … in the biodiversity and taxonomy of plants...

MSc in the Biodiversity and Taxonomy of Plants Applicants Handbook 2015-16 __________________________________________________________________________________

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THANK YOU for your interest in the Master of Science in the Biodiversity and

Taxonomy of Plants. If your first love is plants this is a programme that will

appeal to you. In a world where biodiversity is increasingly threatened and

where sustainable development is a priority, there are real opportunities for

trained researchers in plant systematics. The tasks for future botanists are not

only to gather and interpret plant life in our world, but also to educate people.

This programme provides you with a balanced approach to practice and

theory that is essential to attain this goal.

The MSc Programme in Biodiversity and Taxonomy of Plants is a well

established course started in 1992 and has already delivered over 250

alumni, who have obtained jobs in botany all over the world. The course

represents a unique partnership between the Royal Botanic Garden

Edinburgh (RBGE), a leading centre for taxonomic research and plant

conservation, and the University of Edinburgh (UoE), one of the world’s top

universities. The setting of the botanic garden is ideal for the purpose of the

programme, in providing expertise, living and herbarium collections, and a

comprehensive library. RBGE has a unique environment, with a strong

education department linking science with horticulture. Living in the vibrant

city of Edinburgh will make you feel you never want to leave the place

(weather permitting!).

We hope you will find this handbook useful and that it will answer most of your

questions, but if there are any other queries you may have about the

programme, please do not hesitate to contact me at the email address below.

We look forward to your applications!

Louis Ronse De Craene MSc DSc – MSc Programme Director (RBGE)

Andrew Hudson BSc PhD – MSc Programme Director (UoE)


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Contents

1. Aims and Scope of the Programme 4

2. Programme Objectives 4

3. Awarding Bodies 4

4. Careers and Future 4

5. Programme Outline 5

6. Entry Requirements 5

7. Application Procedure 6

8. Programme Costs 7

9. Financial Support 7

10. Programme Duration and Term Dates 2014-15 8

11. Programme Structure 8

12. Courses 9

13. MSc summer research projects 16

14. Study Tours & Visits 17

15. Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh 18

15.1 herbarium

15.2 Living Collections

15.3 Library

15.4 staff expertise

16. University of Edinburgh 20

17. Student Services & Support 21

17.1 Accommodation

17.2 Transport

17.3 Health Care

17.4 Counselling

17.5 Academic Matters

17.6 Leisure and Recreation

17.7 Further Information on Edinburgh University Facilities

Appendix A: List of Charitable Trusts and Support Funds 24


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1. Aims and Scope of the Programme:

The MSc programme in the Biodiversity and Taxonomy of Plants will equip botanists, taxonomists, conservationists and ecologists alike, with a high level of skill and a breadth of knowledge in pure and applied plant taxonomy and related fields, including cryptogams and fungi. This balance of academic rigour and practicality forms a bridge between traditional and modern approaches. Four main areas will be covered: - Basic taxonomic and botanical knowledge

- The investigation of plant diversity and its evolution

- The management and use of taxonomic collections

- The challenges to Botanic Gardens for conservation and sustainable plant use

The MSc is a 1-year full time programme, including two terms of lectures and a research project during the summer*.

2. Programme Objectives:

• To develop student’s knowledge of plant structure and taxonomy, and the evolution and distribution of the major groups of plants.

• To train students in techniques of plant collection and identification, surveying of vegetation, ecology, and conservation.

• To form responsible researchers with a wide practical and theoretical knowledge of plants and fungi.

3. Awarding Bodies:

The MSc programme is awarded (validated) by the University of Edinburgh. Students are University students, although most of the time will be spent at the Royal Botanic Garden.

4. Careers and Future:

This MSc is an ideal opportunity for those wishing to develop a career in botany, where a deep knowledge of taxonomic investigation and resources is essential. It is to be expected that the looming biodiversity crisis will stress the need for more trained taxonomists. Graduates should be employable in a wide range of fields including survey work in threatened ecosystems, assessment of plant resources and genetic diversity, management of taxonomic institutes and curation of taxonomic collections, university and college training, and pure taxonomic research. The programme also functions as an efficient stepping-stone for those wishing to start a PhD. Job prospects for students graduating on the course is very good with about 70% progressing in the area of plants science in the first year after finishing the

* If needed the student has the option to spread the course over two years.


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course. More than 250 students have completed the course since its start in 1992. They are excellent ambassadors for botany and plant conservation in various countries spread over 6 continents and truly represent the future of botany.

5. Programme Outline:

The programme starts in mid September each year, lasts twelve months and involves two terms of lectures, practicals, workshops and investigations, with examinations at the end of the first and second terms. On the basis of these exams and other course-work, students then either embark on a four-month research project to qualify for the MSc, or are awarded the Diploma. In the autumn term, after a library training exercise researching a small plant family, seven pieces of written work will be submitted. One is a 5,000 word essay about some aspect of Angiosperm Biodiversity. For the phylogenetics course there are two written reports including a population genetics exercise in the second term and a cladistic investigation in the first term. The conservation and sustainability course includes a modeling exercise and an IUCN assessment exercise. In the second term a combination of a nomenclatural exercise with flora-writing exercise (see below for details) will be presented. A second assignment is a "research paper" resulting from the cytogenetic investigation. Students will be encouraged to give seminars for different exercises, which are assessed separately.

There will be a two-week field trip in a tropical country, currently Belize, at the start of the second term. Training in tropical plant identification, collection and inventory will be given, as well as ecological and ethnobotanical investigations of the vegetation. The field trip leads to a certificate in “practical field botany”, delivered by RBGE.

6. Entry Requirements:

Applicants preferably have a university honours degree with a 2.1 or above, or its equivalent, in a biological, horticultural, or environmental science, but above all a genuine interest in plants. Relevant work experience is desirable but not essential. Evidence of proficiency in English must be provided if this is not an applicant's first language. For the IELTS test a global mark of 6.5 is needed (with no score lower than 6.0 in each section). For more information see: http://www.ed.ac.uk/studying/international/english/postgraduate/science-engineering

Overall we are looking for keen, enthusiastic ‘plants people’ of all ages, who value the opportunity of studying at RBGE and will contribute to the programme.


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7. Application Procedure:

Information about the programme can be obtained from the Programme

directors:

Dr. Louis Ronse De Craene, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh ([email protected]; TEL +44 (0)131 248 2804; FAX +44 (0)131 248 2901) Prof. Andrew Hudson, The University of Edinburgh (andrew.hudson.ed.ac.uk; TEL +44 (0)131 651 3383; FAX +44 (0)131 650 5392)

To make enquiries about the MSc programme in Biodiversity and Taxonomy

of Plants please contact the course directors or Ms Vicky Mactaggart

([email protected]), the Postgraduate Secretary of the University of

Edinburgh, Graduate School of Biological Sciences, The University of

Edinburgh, Darwin Building, King’s Buildings, Edinburgh, EH9 3JR, UK.

Phone number +44 (0) 131 650 8651.

To apply for a place on the programme, please first read the BTP Prospectus

page at

http://www.ed.ac.uk/studying/postgraduate/degrees?id=1&cw_xml=details.php

and then follow the "How to apply" link for application procedures.

Applications will be considered during the whole year, but due to the

popularity of the course, places cannot be guaranteed. After consultation and

examination of the application by the programme directors, an offer will be

made by the College of Science and Engineering on the condition of

availability of a place. When an unconditional offer is made, students are

requested to pay a non refundable deposit of £300.*

* The programme is over-subscribed and this sum is to secure your place as a

guarantee that you will start the programme in September.


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8. Programme Costs (2015-2016):

Tuition Fees: UK and EU students £9,650 pay per academic year, which are payable to the University of Edinburgh. Fees for international students (non-EU) are £21,350 per year.

See:

http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/student-funding/tuition-fees/postgraduate/taught-fees

Fieldtrip & Research Fees: An additional £2,000 is payable to the University of Edinburgh by all students at the start of each academic year:

1. This contributes to materials and research fees (£1000): Visits and study tour costs, RBGE clothing, printing and paper, and additional course materials (e.g. dissection kit and materials), costs linked with the summer research project (fieldwork, materials, etc).

2. An additional £1000 is requested for paying for the costs of the two-week fieldtrip currently to Belize.

Although Edinburgh is not the most expensive city in the UK, living costs cannot be underestimated. Consider between £9,000-£12,000 a year as a realistic figure.

9. Financial Support:

Financial support is an important condition for many students to be able to embark on the course. A number of student grants is presented below, but the list is not exhaustive and prospective students need to search for other alternatives. There is an option to spread out payment of the fees over the year, or to spread the course over two years to facilitate payment. The government has also announced the installment of a £10,000 postgraduate student loan starting in 2016-17.

• The British Council: http://www.britishcouncil.org/home; http://www.educationuk.org/

• University of Edinburgh Postgraduate scholarships: There are a number of scholarships for EU students, Japan, Thailand, China, and Southern Africa. http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/student-funding/search-scholarships

• specific for the MSc course: http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/student-funding/postgraduate/international/science-engineering/biological-bursaries http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/student-funding/postgraduate/international/region/santander http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/student-funding/financial-support/additional-financial-assistance http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/student-funding/financial-support/trusts


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http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/student-funding/financial-support/student-loans

• Scottish Executive: www.fundingforlearners.co.uk

• SAAS: www.saas.gov.uk http://www.saas.gov.uk/student_support/special_circumstances/postgrad.htm

• LearnDirect Scotland: www.learndirectscotland.com

• Student Loans Company: www.slc.co.uk

10. Programme Duration & Term Dates 2015-16:

Much of the MSc will be delivered at the Royal Botanic Garden but occasionally some lectures or practicals will be at King’s Buildings, Mayfield Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JR (part of the University of Edinburgh Science campus).

• ‘Induction Week’ at UoE and RBGE: week commencing Monday 7th September 2015. During the induction week a short excursion to Benmore Botanic Garden is planned.

• Autumn Term: Monday 14th September 2015 (Edinburgh Holiday) to Friday 18th December 2015.

Tuesday 15th September 2015: Induction day at RBGE

• First term exams: 8-19 December 2015.

• MSc field trip: 2nd-4th week of January 2016.

• Spring Term: Monday 25th January 2016 to Friday 10th April 2016.

• Second term exams: 27th April-9th May 2016.

• Summer Research Project: 15th May 2016 to 20th August 2016.

• Summer Research project seminars: early September 2016 (TBC)

• RBGE graduation: Thursday 8th September 2016 (TBC).

11. Programme Structure: Lectures, practicals, workshops and investigations are the main methods of teaching. Lectures illustrate a number of great themes in the subject, and each will normally last between one hour and maximum two hours (usually in two 50 mins slots). Practicals will be based on set tasks and materials, illustrating themes covered in the lectures or dealing with distinct subjects. They usually last beween 2 and 3 hours. Workshops are days in which you learn about a technique or a skill in an intensive way, usually from a single teacher. Workshops may be of one to five days, depending on the topic.


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Investigations consist of problems you are given to solve, on your own but with some guidance, usually within a day, - sometimes longer. Degree Programme Title: The Biodiversity and Taxonomy of Plants (M.Sc./Dip)

Programme Code PTMSCBITXP1F Degree Type: Postgraduate Taught Masters / Diploma

Semester Course EUCLID Code

Credit total

Level

1 Conservation and Sustainability PGBI11043

10 11

1 & 2 Taxonomy and Plant Collections PGBI11042

20 11

1 & 2 Biodiversity of Angiosperms (incorporating Cytology Practical)

PGBI11044 20 11

1 & 2 Evolution of cryptogams and fungi PGBI11048

20 11

1 Evolution of Angiosperms PGBI11045

10 11

2 Plant geography PGBI11012

10 11

1 & 2 Phylogenetics and population genetics PLSC11001

10 11

1 & 2 Biodiversity of Cryptogams and fungi PGBI11047

10 11

2 Tropical Biodiversity Field Course PGBI11046

10 11

3 Project and Dissertation

(Biodiversity and Taxonomy of Plants)

PGBI11020 60 11

Note: Part-time study is possible for a non-Tier 4 student over a period of two years, provided it is clear to the student what the curriculum for each of the two years will be and there are arrangements for appropriate supervision.

12. Courses:

12.1 Conservation - Science, Policy and Implementation PGBI11043 - sem.1 (10 Credits): Course organizer: Antje Ahrends

Lecturers: Antje Ahrends (RBGE), Heather McHaffie (RBGE), Tony Miller (RBGE), Phil Thomas (RBGE), Alan Forrest (RBGE), Sabina Knees (RBGE), Martin Gardner (RBGE), Peter Wilkie (RBGE).

This course introduces the students to major conservation issues and explores how science can contribute to policy making and conservation implementation. Teaching on this course has a strong applied focus and consists of a mixture of lectures and practicals. The main focus is plant conservation but a lot the issues and techniques that are covered are


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transferable to other taxa. The students will receive an introduction to conservation challenges and how biodiversity scientists can help to address them. This is followed by an overview of threats to biodiversity, and the major international and national conservation policies and bodies. The students are then provided with skills in several state-of-the-art techniques that are used to prioritise areas and species for conservation. These include GIS hotspot analysis, Red List assessments and Species Distribution Modeling. Finally, the course will explore ways of implementing conservation, drawing examples from many parts of the world and covering both in- and ex-situ conservation. Assessment is through two separate assignments in term 1 (counting for 50% each), the total counting for 8.33% of the total mark. 12.2 Plant Geography (10 Credits):

PGBI11012 – Sem.2 Course Organizer: Toby Pennington Lecturers: Toby Pennington (RBGE), Richard Milne (UoE), James Richardson (RBGE), Richard Abbott (Uo St.Andrews) Biologists have sought to explain the uneven distribution of organisms across the globe for over two centuries, a field of enquiry called biogeography. It is still a vital research area in a time when we need to be able to predict how organisms will react to anthropogenic environmental change. However, because of the complex interplay of contemporary ecology, earth history, organismal extinction and evolution, universal biogeographic explanations are still elusive. This course provides a background to the discipline of plant geography, including an account of its history, as well as explanations of the most modern biogeographic tools such as molecular clocks. This theoretical material is interspersed with examples based upon various taxonomic groups and geographic areas that are under active research at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and University of Edinburgh. Teaching will involve several group discussion tutorials, where students will be encouraged to read, interpret and criticise recently published research articles in the field. Assessment is through a two-hour exam at the end of the second term and counting for 8.33% of the total mark. 12.3 Phylogenetics and Population Genetics (10 Credits): PLSC11001 – Sem.1-2 Phylogenetics Course Organizer (sem.1): Alex Wortley Lecturers: Michael Moeller (RBGE), Elspeth Haston (RBGE), Daniel Barker (Uo St. Andrews), Richard Ennos (UoE), Gordon Ramsay (UoE), Toby Pennington (RBGE), Alex Wortley (RBGE), Mark Hughes (RBGE) Population genetics Course Organizer (sem.2): Markus Ruhsam Lecturers: Markus Ruhsam (RBGE), Aline Finger (RBGE), Michelle Hollingsworth (RBGE), Laura Forrest (RBGE)


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Since the acceptance of the theory of evolution, biologists have sought to investigate the relationships of organisms, to uncover the “tree of life”, and to understand the population genetic basis of evolutionary processes. Phylogenetics is a discipline with wide application that attempts to establish evolutionary relationships by making inferences from the inherent similarities and differences of organisms. It is generally accepted that classification should be based upon knowledge of relationships, which are also needed for testing biogeographic and evolutionary hypotheses. Increasingly, molecular data are used to reconstruct phylogenies as this provides an extensive suite of characters that can be compared across a wide range of organisms. The course includes the following sessions: Introduction to phylogenetics; Taxon sampling; Introduction to morphological characters and character coding; Matrix building and sequence alignment; Introduction to molecular characters, genomes and gene regions; Introduction to parsimony; Rooting phylogenetic trees; Support and confidence measures; Advanced parsimony analysis; Introduction to likelihood and Bayesian analysis; Combining characters; Character mapping and optimisation; Species concepts. There will be sessions taken by visiting scientists.

Population genetics focuses on examining the amounts and partitioning of genetic variation and establishing the evolutionary processes underlying population differentiation and diversification. This provides insights into how some groups of populations remain on a common evolutionary trajectory and others diversify into different ecotypes or species. Population genetic approaches also are widely used in modern conservation programmes in which the conservation of genetic biodiversity is an explicit goal. At the interface of population genetics (diversity and differentiation within species) and phylogenetics (relationships and differentiation between species) is the nature of the species themselves. The course ends with a discussion of the definition of plant species, and how the disciplines of population genetics and phylogenetics can contribute towards enhanced understanding of the most appropriate concept(s) of what constitutes a species. The course includes the following sessions: Introduction to population genetic theory; Introduction to molecular biology; Molecular approaches to population genetics; GM gene flow, adaptation and phylogeography; Conservation genetics.

Assessment is through two separate written assignments, an exercise on population genetics counting for 1/3 of the mark, and a phylogenetics exercise counting for 2/3. The total counts for 8.33% of the total mark. 12.4 Evolution of Angiosperms (10 Credits): PGBI11045 – Sem.1 Course Organizer: Louis Ronse De Craene Lecturers: Louis Ronse De Craene (RBGE), Paula Rudall (RBG Kew), Richard Bateman (RBG Kew), Wolfgang Stuppy (RBG Kew), Kerry Walter (RBGE)


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The purpose of these lectures is to explain the origin, evolution and special features of the angiosperms and enables the students to understand the relationships of major groups of plants. The lectures are provided in the context of the Angiosperm Phylogeny Group (APG III, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society 161: 105-121, 2009) and give a broad outline of the major clades and the evolution of key characters. The major lineages of Angiosperms are presented with emphasis on major events of evolution and diversification. Further to this, the evolution of the angiosperms is approached from a floral structural perspective. Morphological characters linked to the flower are analysed, and these are linked with the evolutionary developmental genetics underlying floral development. The course also includes the study of specific characters of importance, such as palynology, and fruit and seed anatomy. Other elements affecting floral evolution, such as pollination ecology are presented. Throughout, full use is made of the excellent collections of living plants at RBGE. Assessment is through a two-hour written examination at the end of term 1, counting for 8.33% of the total mark.

12.5 Biodiversity of Angiosperms (20 Credits): PGBI11044 – Sem. 1 & 2 Course organizer: Louis Ronse De Craene Lecturers: for the practicals, various staff members of RBGE; for the cytology exercise: Michael Moeller (RBGE), Crinan Alexander (RBGE) The purpose of the Biodiversity of angiosperms serves primarily as a back-up and illustration to the Evolution of angiosperms course. Twenty practicals spread throughout the year cover the floral structures of the major orders and families of angiosperms. The practicals give the opportunity to extend on key-characters, as well as groups of plants of importance. They include the sampling and observation of living floral material grown at RBGE. The availability of living study material involves the study of plants as an entity and the students are encouraged to observe as many structures as possible during guided walks organized every two weeks during lunchtime. Students are encouraged to draw half-flowers including floral diagrams and floral formulae, as this is the best way to become acquainted with the diversity of angiosperm families. After completing this course in combination with the evolution of angiosperms and the fieldtrip, students should be able to identify major plant groups by sight, mostly to family level.

In addition students will write a biodiversity essay, either covering a group of plants, or describing a geographical area. A cytology exercise is also included as this covers an important aspect of research carried out at RBGE. The cytology exercise is a study of live material of Tulbaghia accessions grown at the University of Edinburgh.


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Assessment is through a biodiversity essay with oral presentation in term 1 (25%), a practical cytology exercise in term 2 (25%), and a two-hour practical examination using live material at the end of term 2 (50%). The course counts for 16.67% of the total mark. 12.6 Evolution of Cryptogams and Fungi (20 Credits): PGBI11048 – Sem. 1 & 2 Course organizer: Stephan Helfer/Louis Ronse De Craene Lecturers: Chris Jeffree (UoE), David Mann (RBGE) TBC, Stephan Helfer (RBGE), Mary Gibby (RBGE), Heather McHaffie (RBGE), Laura Forrest (RBGE), Neil Bell (RBGE), Chris Ellis (RBGE), Rebecca Yahr (RBGE), Richard Bateman (RBG Kew), Robert Mill (RBGE), Louis Ronse De Craene (RBGE), Sally Eaton (RBGE) The non-vascular plants (cryptogamic plants), i.e. mosses, liverworts, hornworts, and the algae are very diverse structurally and they are phylogenetically heterogeneous: many are more closely related to various groups of heterotrophic protists than to each other. The course examines the molecular and ultrastructural evidence for relationships among algal and fungal groups, and the extraordinary variation in morphology, dispersal mechanisms and life histories is surveyed with reference to current controversy about microbial biogeography and conservation. The diversity and evolution of Fungi and lichens is presented. Special mechanisms of evolution not operating in higher plants, particularly endosymbiosis, are highlighted. The time-scale of evolution of algae and bryophytes is examined and the evolution of terrestrial plants from green algae is discussed in relation to ultrastructural and molecular data and fossil evidence from the early Palaeozoic. The origins, diversity and distributions of bryophytes, ferns and gymnosperms are discussed. In addition to the evolution of the major groups of cryptogams, their ecological significance and conservation are discussed.

Today, most terrestrial environments are dominated, in terms of biomass and productivity, by flowering plants. This is a relatively recent phenomenon, however, and for much of the time since vascular plants colonized the land, probably in the Silurian (417–433 Mya), the principal groups of plants on land were spore-producing ‘pteridophytes’ and various types of early seed plants. This course examines the time-scale and nature of land plant evolution since the Silurian, the fossil and molecular genetic evidence for land plant evolution, and the special features of the principal plant groups. The evolutionary significance of key innovations in structure and life history and their consequences for plant geography and conservation are explored. Throughout, full use is made of the excellent collections of living plants at RBGE. The course ends with an overview of the origins of the angiosperms and their early evolution.

Assessment is through a three-hour examination at the end of term 2, counting for 16.67% of the total mark.


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12.7 Biodiversity of Cryptogams and Fungi (10 Credits): PGBI11047 – Sem. 1 & 2 Course organizer: Stephan Helfer Lecturers: David Mann (RBGE) TBC, Stephan Helfer (RBGE), Laura Forrest (RBGE), Mary Gibby (RBGE), Heather MacHaffie (RBGE), Chris Ellis (RBGE), Rebecca Yahr (RBGE), Richard Bateman (RBG Kew), Robert Mill (RBGE), Neil Bell (RBGE), Sally Eaton (RBGE) This course serves primarily as an illustration to the evolution of plants and fungi. Many cryptogamic plants, including gymnosperms, and fungi are important indicator organisms, increasingly used to monitor environmental change and pollution over timescales of years to millions of years. Their global significance in nutrient cycling and biosphere–atmosphere interactions has only become clear in the last few decades. However, expertise in identifying cryptogams is nationally and internationally rare. This course is designed to develop skills in interpreting cryptogam structure, as a basis for identifying algae, fungi, lichens, bryophytes, ferns and their allies, and conifers. Application of these skills in conservation and monitoring will also be discussed. Within the UK, RBGE is unique in offering training of this kind.

Emphasis is put on the recognition and description of the major groups of cryptogamic plants and fungi, as well as gymnosperms, their ecological range and roles, and the understanding of the basis state species-level taxonomy in the major groups of cryptogamic plants and an evaluation of how this will affect dependent scientific research and applications. This course comprises a number of excursions in Scotland, including a visit of gymnosperm collections (Benmore), a fungus foray (Dawyck), a moss and lichen excursion in East Lothian, a fern foray at Rosslyn, and a visit of an important site for fossil plants (Oxroad Bay, East Lothian).

Assessment is through a two-hour practical examination at the end of term 2, using live material and counting for 8.33% of the total mark.

12.8 Taxonomy and Plant Collections (20 Credits) PGBI11042 – Sem. 2 Course Organizer: David Harris Lecturers: Eimear Nic Lughada (RBG Kew), Crinan Alexander (RBGE), Mark Watson (RBGE), Kerry Walter (RBGE), David Harris (RBGE), Elspeth Haston (RBGE), Hannah Atkins (RBGE) and various members of the herbarium staff The aim of the herbarium taxonomy course is to understand its crucial role in plant biology and its power and elegance as a technique to study plant diversity. By the end of the course the student will have the experience of working in a large international herbarium and the curatorial and taxonomic skills required for a career in curation or research.


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The course consists of an introduction followed by a series of broad topics, which are prerequisites for herbarium taxonomy. After 8.5 days of preparation in a combination of practicals and lectures the students carry out a piece of original curation and make a short presentation at a seminar. The course culminates in a piece of original research called the mini-revision.

Following aspects are covered: Plant collecting, curation, nomenclature of wild and cultivated plants, taxonomy of cultivars, surveys and Monitoring (the production and use of taxonomic tools), monographs, floras, checklists, keys, and data bases.

Assessment is through a nomenclatural exercise and a flora writing exercise on a selected genus or group of genera in term 2. The course counts for 16.67% of the total mark.

12.9 Tropical Biodiversity Field Course (10 Credits): PGBI11046 – Block course Sem. 2 Course Organizers: Louis Ronse De Craene (RBGE) Lecturers: core staff (TBC each year) A field trip is a unique opportunity for students to be confronted with totally unfamiliar plants and vegetation, providing a valuable educational experience and widening opportunities for subsequent employment. It also offers the chance to undertake qualitative and quantitative ecological surveys and provides experience in botanical collecting. The current field course in Belize allows students to study the ecology and flora of Central America and become familiar with important Neotropical plant families and genera. It is designed to provide training in conducting fieldwork in unfamiliar territory where a pragmatic approach needs to be taken in setting and achieving scientific objectives. This experience is common to most botanical field research. As part of the preparation of the fieldtrip, students do a habitat assessment in an area close to Edinburgh; they also learn about use of GPS-GIS, field assessment methods, and statistical analysis. Travel arrangements will be made by the Programme Organiser, who will design and negotiate the arrangements with colleagues on site. The course itself normally takes place in mid-January after the Christmas break. A field course information book, detailing the work and the arrangements, will be available before the field course. Students should all have a valid passport and depending on the country of origin overseas students will have to get visas. Assessment is through a presentation of two families of plants at the start of the course (20%), a field logbook (40%), and a practical examination at the end of the field course (40%). The course counts for 8.33% of the total mark. Passing this course entitles students to receive a “Certificate in Practical Field Botany” delivered by RBGE.


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13. MSc Summer Research Projects:

PGBI11020 – Sem. 3 Block 5

Organizer: Louis Ronse De Craene

An integral part of the MSc is a summer research project, which is carried out for the final four months of the programme (after the completion of the exams and the field trip). This exercise is designed to give students direct experience of carrying out a piece of independent research under the guidance of one or more supervisors. The research project is written up as a Dissertation and counts for 60 credit points. The MSc project should allow students to:

• develop understanding and critical thought in a well-defined subject.

• learn experimental techniques and/or other skills.

• gain experience in organising and writing up a discrete piece of work (which should lead to a publishable result).

• plan and deliver a short (15 minute) seminar using visual aids, summarising your work and results.

There is much flexibility in the choice of research projects. Students are able to choose from a selection of projects offered principally by RBGE and UoE staff. These projects will generally contribute to research programmes at RBGE and UoE. Occasionally, projects may be available at other institutes, which can give students the opportunity to experience a different work environment, and to make new contacts.

Some students have more focused interests and they can come up with a project of their own, provided that they find a suitable supervisor and develop their ideas before the end of November.

The list of projects offered is presented to students during term two and they are encouraged to discuss the various options with the staff, who will supervise each project before making their final choice. It should be stressed that it is possible for a student to have input into the formulation of a summer research project.

The dissertation is examined separately from the theoretical part of the programme. To be able to do the summer project the student needs to have attained at least 50% for the theoretical part of the course. Students who have a mark close to 70% or above are eligible for a distinction, if they obtain a similar mark for their dissertation. Students who did not obtain a mark close to 70% and have 70% or more for their dissertation are eligible for an RBGE award.


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14. Study Tours and Visits:

During the duration of the programme students will be taken on a variety of trips and visits. This includes a day visit to the Regional Botanic Garden of Dawyck as part of a fungus foray, a two-day visit to the Regional Botanic garden of Benmore as part of herbarium taxonomy and ex situ conservation, as well as a preparation for the field trip. The cryptogam course also includes a foray along the East Lothian coastline (Algae), and various sites in East Lothian (Bryophytes and lichens), a fossil hunt at Oxroad Bay (East Lothian) and a pteridophyte foray in Roslin Glen (Mid-Lothian).

Local excursions may be organized to study the Scottish and British Flora around Edinburgh during early summer.


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15. Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh: The mission of the RBGE (www.rbge.org.uk) is to “explore and explain the world of plants”. It was established in 1670 and with its internationally renowned living collections, herbarium, botanical library and most importantly the wide ranging experience and expertise of its staff, it is a truly excellent environment in which to ‘learn’ about plants. The RBG is an independent institute founded over three hundred years ago, with a long history of excellence in botanical research and teaching. It now has about 180 staff, 50 of whom are scientific staff. Initiated as a small physic garden to provide medicinal plants for the Professor of Medicine, it has undergone several changes of site and status to become the multifaceted organisation it is today. James Sutherland, one of the earliest Keepers of the Botanic Garden, was appointed Professor of Botany at Edinburgh University in 1695, thus beginning the long association between the two institutes. Apart from a break early in the 18th century, the posts of Regius Keeper (Director of the RBG) and Professor of Botany remained united until 1956, and the University Botany Department was based at the RBG until 1965, when it moved to King's Buildings.

In 1763, the second move within its first century, found the RBG on a 2 hectare site to the west of Leith Walk, which then ran through open country between Edinburgh and Leith. Sixty years later, however, it was beset with problems; glass-houses had become seriously dilapidated and the nursery had been built over due to the expansion of Edinburgh.

In 1823, an area of 6 hectares at Inverleith, the nucleus of the present garden, was bought from James Rochied, a local landowner; this was next to land owned by the Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society, with whom the RBG still has strong Links. Since that time several other adjoining parcels of land have been acquired, including that of the RCHS, resulting in the present garden of 28 hectares, and a nearby nursery of 3 hectares.

Research at the RBG is based on three major resources: the herbarium, the living collections, and the library. 15.1 Herbarium

The Herbarium sits at the heart of the research programme of the Garden. There are more than 2 million accessions, including dried material and spirit collections as well as items prepared for microscopy and photographic slides. The collections of the Herbarium are especially rich in European, Asian, South African, Brazilian and Malaysian flowering plants, conifers and cryptogams, including ferns, bryophytes, algae, lichens and fungi. There are ancillary collections of carpological, timber and spirit-preserved material, and also a large photographic slide collection of both wild and cultivated plants. The cryptogamic collection is considerable.


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15.2 Living Collections The Living Collections of about 12,500 species are of international importance and comprise 27 hectares of garden and 4.6 hectares of nursery at Edinburgh, 44 hectares at the Younger Botanic Garden, Benmore, 25 hectares at Dawyck Botanic Garden, Peebleshire and 11.4 hectares at Logan Botanic Garden, Wigtownshire. At Edinburgh there are 5,170m2 of display glasshouse open to the public and 1,947m2 of glasshouse area devoted to plants for scientific and horticultural research. The four gardens represent a wide range of soil, aspect and climatic types, allowing an extraordinarily wide range of plants to be grown. 15.3 Library The Library holds 75,000 books and about 100,000 volumes of journals. It obtains by subscription or exchange nearly 1,600 current journals, making it one of Britain's largest specialist botanical libraries. There is a collection of about 250,000 "cuttings", some of which are original artworks, together with a large number of botanical illustrations. The Historical Archives Collection consists of about 20,000 items of correspondence, diaries and other manuscript material relating to the history of the garden, and to botany and botanists. The Library provides full research library services to RBGE staff. This includes cataloguing to AACR2 standards; analytical indexes for taxonomic, current awareness and enquiry services; literature searching using on-line databases; inter-library loans facilities; and full loan and circulation services. Electronic access to the University of Edinburgh library is also offered to the MSc students. 15.4 Staff Expertise The MSc programme currently benefits from suitably qualified and experienced members of the botanical staff within RBGE involved with teaching and tutoring on the programme. Much focus, as you would expect, is devoted to learning about plants and one of the key features of the programme is that many of the staff at RBGE are scientists and horticulturists of international standing. Their expertise and contribution to the programme provides a most valuable opportunity for students to learn at first hand from some of Britain’s most respected researchers of particular plant groups. The staff complement is augmented by specialists hired from outwith RBGE. Lecturers participate from the Universities of Edinburgh, St. Andrews, and Aberdeen, as well as other research institutes such as the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and the Natural History Museum. In the past this mix of teaching staff and in-house scientists with external practitioners, has provided an effective and valued teaching resource.


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16. The University of Edinburgh:

For the UK, Edinburgh is a big university, with over 30,000 students and about 5,000 staff. It is in a phase of rapid expansion at present, and has a very large income from research grants and contracts, as well as from the Treasury (via the Department of Education and the Scottish Universities Funding Council). For full details see the annual University Calendar, but here are a few key points:

The University of Edinburgh was originally the College of Edinburgh or the Tounis College, founded in 1583 by the Town Council of Edinburgh, under general powers granted by the Charter of King James VI, dated 14 April 1582. From the first the College possessed the privilege of conferring degrees. This privilege was ratified by the Act of Confirmation, passed in 1621, which secured to the College of James VI as it had come to be called all the rights, immunities and privileges enjoyed by the other Universities of Scotland. This ratification was renewed in the Treaty of Union between England and Scotland, and in the Act of Security. Gradually, in Acts of the General Assembly, of the Town Council, and of Parliament, the College of James VI came to be styled the University of Edinburgh; but it remained under the control and patronage of the Town Council until 1858 when, by the Universities Act, all the Universities of Scotland received new and autonomous constitutions.

Histories of the University have been compiled from time to time. In connection with the 300th anniversary of the foundation of the University, the History of the University of Edinburgh 1883-1993, edited by Local Turner, was published: this volume was in continuation of Grant's Story of the University of Edinburgh during its first three hundred years. The most recent work, however, is Professor Horn's A Short History of the University of Edinburgh 1556-1889. Edinburgh University: an Illustrated Memoir, published on the occasion of the University's Tercentenary, selectively illustrates aspects of Edinburgh's history. Ronald Birse's book, Science at The University of Edinburgh 1583-1993, is an illustrated history which marks the Centenary of the Faculty of Science and Engineering. The University's collection of over 250 portraits is described in The University Portraits (2 vols), with biographies of the sitters. Lists of former holders of chairs and lectureships are given in the 1967-68 and previous editions of the Calendar.

The University Science campus, at Kings Buildings in the south of the city, houses most of the science departments and institutes of the university. Other science, medicine and veterinary activities for instance, are located in the city itself. At KB, biological science is encompassed by the Division of Biological Sciences. One of its three institutes, that for Cell and Molecular Biology, contains Plant Science, which is to be found in the Rutherford Building, on the Mayfield Road side of the campus. Another is that for Ecology and Resource management, in the Agriculture and Darwin Buildings. Biology at Edinburgh is collectively one of the largest concentrations of national investment and employment in the subject. The research income and output is very considerable. Edinburgh University has a well developed Web site at the URL http://www.ed.ac.uk from where you can get much more information


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17. Student Services and Support As the name suggests, "Student Services" describes a wide range of support facilities which are available to students of SAC Edinburgh.

All MSc students are registered matriculated students of Edinburgh University and can get information from the UoE education services. In addition, Vicky MacTaggart ([email protected]), the Postgraduate Secretary, can help in any academic matters. Enquiries can also be directed to the education department at RBGE (email: [email protected]. Tel: 0131 2482937).

For general information about the facilities provided by the University of Edinburgh we refer to the Taught Postgraduate Handbook of the School of Biological Sciences that you can find on our website. This booklet contains valuable information about facilities but also information on assessment and course evaluation.

17.1 Accommodation

All MSc students can use the facilities of Edinburgh University Residential and Conference Services to obtain help in finding private accommodation. In addition, there are a limited number of places available in the University of Edinburgh Pollock Halls for UoE students.

A more detailed leaflet on Accommodation Services has been prepared and is obtainable from the Education Office of the UoE. A list of possible accommodation places can also be obtained from the education office at RBGE. Researchers in the garden often have a room available and it is worth enquiring at the education department of RBGE. The City of Edinburgh is very much a ‘student friendly environment’ and a variety of flats are available to students on an annual basis.

As most of the courses will be organized at RBGE, students are advised to find accommodation within a reasonable distance of the garden. Students preferring the buzz of the city can find accommodation closer to the centre.

17.2 Transport

There is a regular bus service from the city centre, although the main street (Princes Street) is about 20 mins walk from the garden. Lothian buses 23, 27, and 8 stop at Inverleith Row in front of RBGE main building.

Coming by car is possible but you need to be aware that parking spaces are paying from 8.30 till 5.30 from Monday till Friday and parking attendants are very active. Leaving your car further from the centre is free but you need to check where the non-paying zone starts.

Cycling is a good option as there are several cycling routes and there is an active pressure group in Edinburgh to increase cycling opportunities. Be aware that Edinburgh has steep hills.

17.3 Healthcare


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As RBGE is a non-residential centre, a residential doctor is not available. Students may, however, register with the University Health Service, Richard Verney Health Centre, 6 Bristo Square, EH8 9AL. However, if students live more than a 3 mile radius away from the University Health Centre then they are advised to register with an appropriate Practice close to where they stay while at college for both medical and dental services.

17.4 Counselling

Life at RBGE should be stimulating, rewarding, enjoyable and trouble-free. However, there may be a time when students experience emotional, financial or personal stresses, which affect their health or studies. The MSc programme directors are there to offer help and constructive advice in such circumstances. In addition all students are allocated a tutor at RBGE at the start of term who is there to help the student to accommodate to his/her new environment. The MSc director acts as the primary contact and will put the student in touch with appropriate specialist counsellors or advisers if requested. The University provides professional help to students at no cost.

17.5 Academic Matters

The Postgraduate Secretary will provide information on: • Enrolment and matriculation • Grants, allowances and expenses • Students loans and Access funds • General Programme information. Any other enquiries on the programme can also be directed to the education department at RBGE (email: [email protected]. Tel: 0131 2482937). 17.6 Leisure and Recreation

All students can benefit from a large range of sporting and leisure facilities provided in and around Edinburgh.

At registration they are given the opportunity to become an Associate Member of the Edinburgh University Sports Union. This membership will allow you to use all Edinburgh University Sports and Leisure facilities. The main facilities are at Pollock Sports Centre, 48 Pleasance, EH18 9TL.

Facilities include:

Squash, badminton, circuit-training, weights, Judo. Facilities at the Peffermill site include: football, rugby, cricket, hockey, lacrosse, shinty pitches and a floodlit synthetic grass pitch for training, 5-a-side, hockey etc.

Ski fanatics can use the artificial ski-slope at the Midlothian ski centre in Hillend.

17.7 Further Information on Edinburgh University facilities:

Some other useful addresses and phone numbers at the University are:

Matriculation Office, Registry, Old College, South Bridge: 0131-650-2845


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Faculty of Science and Engineering 0131-650-5759 Sports Facilities: Dept. of Physical Education, Pleasance 0131-650-2585 Student Accommodation Service: 30 Buccleuch Place 0131-650-4669 Student Advisory and Counselling Service 0131-650-4170 7 Buccleuch Place Student Association: Bristo Square 0131-650-2656 Students' Union (KB) 0131-650-5772 Students' Societies Council: 60 Pleasance 0131-650-2349 University Medical Centre, Bristo Place 0131-650-2777 Careers Service, 30 Buccleuch Place, and 0131-650-4670 Weir Building, Kings Buildings 0131-650-5773 Student travel Centre, Bristo Place 0131-668-2221

You will find much information about the University and its services to students (medical for instance) in the postgraduate handbook that you will find on the website.


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Appendix A: Additional charitable Trusts and Support Funds.

John Watson's Trust: Grants given to young Scottish disabled individuals. Provides help with all expenses incurred by education and training, including help with the cost of trips, books and travel expenses. Priority is given to applications from people from Lothian region. Grants range from £30 to £3000. For an application form, contact: The Administrator, John Watson's Trust, Signet Library, Parliament Square, Edinburgh, EH1 1RF. Telephone: 0131 220 1640 Web: http://www.johnwatsons.com

Maxton Bequest: Students may receive financial assistance from the Bequest if they are, in the opinion of the Bequest Trustees, in circumstances requiring and deserving of assistance, and if they were born within the parish of Crieff, or their mother or father was ordinarily resident there at the time of their birth, or their mother or father was ordinarily resident in the Burgh of Kirkcaldy at the time of their birth. Forms of application for assistance may be obtained from Gibson & Spears, Dow & Son, Solicitors, 9 East Fergus Place, Kirkcaldy KY1 1XU, for those with a Kirkcaldy qualification, or from the Area Officer, Perth & Kinross District Council, Council Offices, Lodge Street, Crieff PH7 4DW, for those with a Crieff qualification.

Dumfriesshire Educational Trust: Applicants must reside in Dumfriesshire and be wholly or substantially educated there. The Trust gives help with a number of educational expenses including travel costs, educational excursions, equipment costs, post-graduate programmes and adult education. For an application form write to: Clerk to the Dumfriesshire Educational Trust, Council Offices, Dumfries, DG1 2DD.

City of Dundee Educational Trust: To assist students who belong to Dundee. For an application form contact: Trust Administrator, CDET, c/o Messrs. Miller Hendry, 13 Ward Rd, Dundee DD1 1LU. Telephone: 01382 200000.

East Lothian Educational Trust: For adults and children who live in the former county of East Lothian. Types of Grant: grants of around £400 for adults in further or higher education to help with the cost of books, maintenance etc. Applications for help with childcare costs will not be considered. For an application form write to: Clerk, East Lothian Educational Trust, 26 Clifford Road, North Berwick, East Lothian, EH39 4PP. Telephone: 01620 892314.


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Glasgow Educational and Marshall Trust: For residents of Glasgow who are over 18 years of age. Types of Grant: towards books, living expenses, study and travel abroad, equipment and childcare costs. For an application form contact: Glasgow Educational and Marshall Trust, 21 Beaton Road, Glasgow, G41 4NW. Telephone: 0141 423 2169.

Highland Children's Trust: Students who are under 25 from the Highland Council area of Scotland and finding it hard to manage financially at University or College. Various awards available between £200 to £500. For an application form, contact the Administrator, Highland Children's Trust, 105 Castle Street, Inverness, IV2 3EA. Telephone: 01463 243872. Web: www.hctrust.co.uk

Moray Council Educational Trusts: For residents of Banffshire, Moray and Nairn areas. Various awards available. For an application form contact: Director of Educational Services, The Moray Council, Department of Education, High Street, Elgin, Moray IV30 1BX. Telephone: 01343 563151. Email: [email protected]

Perth and Kinross Educational Trust: Applicants must have been born or attended school in Perth and Kinross. Types of Grant: various awards. For an application form, contact the Trust Administrator, Education & Children's Services, Perth & Kinross Council, Perth PH1 5GD. Telephone: 01738 476265

Stirlingshire Educational Trust: Applicants belonging to the county of Stirling. Types of Grant: awards of between £300 - £450 and can be for undergraduate or postgraduate programmes of study. For an application form, contact: Clerk and Treasurer, Stirlingshire Educational Trust, 68 Port Street, Stirling, FK8 2LJ.

Colonel Maclean Trust Scheme 1980 and Logan and Johnston School Scheme 1988: Provides help for individuals who belong to the former Strathclyde region, with the cost of training, apprenticeships and education at both under- and post-graduate levels. Help will be given towards the cost of books, materials and fees etc. Applications for help with Open University fees will also be considered. Write for an application form to: Depute Director of Education (Finance), Glasgow City Council, Education Services, Nye Bevan House, 20 India Street, Glasgow G2 4PF

Educational Grants Advisory Service: Family Welfare Association, 501-505 Kingsland Road, London. E8 4AU. Telephone: 020 7254 6251. This service helps students in further or higher education, who cannot get an LEA grant, subject to parental income. For details about applying for a grant, contact the office between the hours of 10.00 - 12.00 and 14.00 - 16.00, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.


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The Mercers' Company Educational Trust Fund: Higher education students under 25 who face financial difficulty. Types of Grant: applications will not be considered for courses in performing arts, art, law, business and management studies, film, dance, journalism, and music degrees. Further information on their website at www.mercers.co.uk/mainsite/pages/default.html or write for an application form to: The Education and Charities Administrator, Mercers' Hall, Ironmonger Lane, London, EC2V 8HE

Newby Trust Ltd: The Trust's general policy is to make grants available to those taking second degrees, to mature students, and to students from abroad with a proven UK educational record whose circumstances have been affected by events beyond their control. Individuals should submit the following paperwork, in duplicate and by post, to: The Secretary, Newby Trust Ltd, Hill Farm, Froxfield, Petersfield, Hampshire, GU32 1BQ

Altrusa Careers Trust: Open to women in the UK who wish to further their career prospects or to retrain after bringing up a family. A loan or grant of up to £500 is available. For an application form contact: Ms Grace Franklin, YAM Publications, Suite 9, 2nd Floor, 73 Robertson Street, Glasgow G2 8QD. Telephone: 0141 226 4898

Nuffield Foundation (Elizabeth Nuffield Educational Trust): Open to women between the ages of 21 and 50 who are Higher education students and ordinarily resident in the UK or have refugee status. Grants only help with childcare costs. Support is given to students studying for a first degree in Administration, Business and Secretarial, Childcare, Hotel and Catering, Leisure and Sport, Humanities, Languages, Law, Medicine and Health, Science and Technology, Social Care and Social Work, Social Sciences, Teacher Training (with the exception of PGCE). Further info available at www.nuffield.org/home/ For an application form, write giving your age and the title, level and duration of your course, stating that you need help with childcare costs to: The Administrator, Elizabeth Nuffield Educational Trust, 28 Bedford Square, London WC1B 3JS. Telephone: 020 7631 0566

msc applicants handbook 15-16 - royal botanic … in the biodiversity and taxonomy of plants...

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