University of Liverpool

Biological Sciences (Evolution, Ecology and Behaviour)

University of LiverpoolLiverpool, United Kingdom

Course overview

We study patterns in the natural environment, from the behaviour of individual organisms to dynamics of populations and the diversity of communities. Our aim is to go beyond description of these patterns - we wish to understand the ecological and evolutionary factors that drive them. Research in theInstitute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciencesspans the range of biosciences.

From the fine-scale resolution of biomolecular structure, through the genome-wide analysis of cells and organisms, to the evolution and ecology of organisms in their natural environment. Underpinning this diversity, we offer world-class facilities and infrastructure for research, and superb links to internationally excellent partners in both the academic and industrial sectors. Within this Institute, theDepartment of Evolution, Ecology and Behaviourworks with viruses, bacteria, fungi, animals, insects, plants and humans, using state-of-the-art technologies and mathematical models to understand the principles that underlie biological diversity.

The research seeks to answer fundamental questions and address key issues of contemporary concern. We seek to understand the ecological and evolutionary dynamics of disease in wildlife populations. Our study systems are diverse, from microbes and their phage, through interactions in insects, wild rodent communities in the UK and abroad, to the microbes in the cystic fibrosis lung.

To better understand the ecological and evolutionary behaviour of these systems, we employ field, genetic, genomic and mathematical approaches. Evolution has traditionally been studied at the level of the phenotype. With the emergence of new genomic technologies, we have an increasing ability to also examine how evolution is reflected in the genome, and to use techniques of molecular ecology to give insights into evolutionary processes.

Our current research is trying to understand the molecular basis of adaptation in the peppered moth, and in host-parasite interaction

Key highlights

  • Research on ecological and evolutionary dynamics of disease in wildlife
  • Study systems span microbes, phage, insects, rodents and cystic fibrosis lung
  • Combines field, genetic, genomic and mathematical modelling approaches
  • Molecular ecology projects, including adaptation in the peppered moth
  • State-of-the-art facilities with academic and industrial partner links
  • Work spans viruses, bacteria, fungi, animals, insects, plants and humans

Entry requirements

  • IELTS: 6.5 — 6.5 IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component below 5.5

Scholarships

  • Chevening Scholarships

  • E. Allison Peers Masters Scholarship in Iberian and Latin American Studies

    The scholarship provides £5,000 towards fees, plus a £5,000 stipend, for students undertaking a Hispanic topic in any master's programme in the Department of Languages, Cultures and Film at the University of Liverpool.

    Up to £5,000
  • Health, Cultures and Societies Bursary

    The successful candidate will receive a one-off fee reduction of £5,000.

    Up to £5,000
  • Hodgson Law Scholarship

  • Liverpool Excellence Scholarship for Postgraduates

    If you're an international student, you could be eligible for a tuition fee discount of £7,000.

    Up to £7,000
  • Liverpool Law School Hong Kong Scholarships

    Two scholarships worth £1,000 each.

    Up to £1,000
  • Liverpool Law School LLM Bursaries

    Two bursaries worth £500 each for Home students. Two bursaries wroth £1,000 each for international students.

  • MA in Chinese-English Translating and Interpreting Scholarships

    Students awarded this scholarship will receive a fee reduction of £5,000.

    Up to £5,000
  • Management School MBA Excellence Scholarship

    50% tuition fee discounts are available.

    Up to 50% of fees
  • Manuel Irujo Scholarship in Basque Studies

    The scholarship provides approximately £5,000.

  • MusicFutures Scholarship for International Intellectual Property Law LLM

    Up to five scholarships are available, each worth £12,500 in the form of a tuition fee discount.

    Up to £12,500
  • Peter Astaire Memorial Scholarship in Beatles Studies

    Up to two awards are available in each academic year, with each award worth £4,000.

    Up to £4,000
  • Scholarships for MA Political Science and International Relations

    The Department of Politics is pleased to announce two £5,000 scholarships for students wishing to pursue the MA in Political Science and International Relations.

    Up to £5,000
  • Scholarships for Master's in Public Administration and Policy

    Successful candidates will receive a fee reduction of £5,000.

    Up to £5,000
  • Scholarships for Postgraduate Study in Education

    Successful candidates will receive a fee reduction of £5,000.

    Up to £5,000
  • Scholarships for Postgraduate Study in Film Studies

    Successful candidates will receive a fee reduction of £5,000.

    Up to £5,000
  • Scholarships for Postgraduate Study in History

    Successful candidates will receive a fee reduction of £5,000.

    Up to £5,000
  • Scholarships for Postgraduate Study in Translation

    Successful candidates will receive a fee reduction of £5,000.

    Up to £5,000
  • University of Liverpool Humanitarian Scholarships for Master's Programmes

  • University of Liverpool International College (UoLIC) Excellence Scholarship

    £5,000 tuition fee reduction for the first year of study.

    Up to £5,000

Careers this course leads to

  • Postdoctoral research associate
  • University lecturer
  • Ecologist
  • Evolutionary biologist
  • Wildlife disease scientist
  • Conservation scientist

Cost of study

UK/Home: Full-time place, per year - £5,238; Part-time: £2,619 | International: Full-time place, per year - £32,200; Part-time: £16,100

Admission

Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to University of Liverpool, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.

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