MASTER OF SCIENCE DEGREE IN ECOLOGICAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT (MERM)

PROGRAMME OVERVIEW

To develop knowledge, skills and competencies in the field of Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable development relevant to various employment capabilities and careers in the world of work and society. To prepare students for further studies and lifelong learning Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable development. To cultivate an entrepreneurial and innovative spirit in graduates of the programme.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

For all entry pathways candidates must have at least five Ordinary Level subjects including English Language, Mathematics and a Science subject at grade C or better.

Normal Entry: Normally a BSc Honours degree in Biological Sciences or Biodiversity Conservation or any related field with at least a 2.2 degree class.

Special Entry: Applicants with a degree class of 3 but have considerable experience in a related industry will be considered

Mature Entry: No provision for mature entry.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AND FURTHER EDUCATION

Employability: Conservationists and Ecologists with Conservation organisations, Environmental Managers, Curators at natural history museums, lecturers in Technical colleges, Universities, Entrepreneurs in fisheries and related industries. 

Further Studies: Doctoral studies in Biodiversity Conservation, Environmental Management,  Sustainable Development

Level 1 Semester 1

Code	Description	Credits
MERM731	Scientific Research Methodology	20
MERM732	Principles of Environmental Management	20
MERM733	Conservation Biology	20
MERM734	Systematics and Biodiversity	20
Choose ONE from the following electives:
MERM740	Aquaculture and Fisheries Management	20
MERM741	GIS and Remote Sensing in Biodiversity Conservation	20

Level 1 Semester 2

Code	Description	Credits
MERM735	Environmental Biotechnology	20
MERM736	Seminar and Review Paper	20
Choose TWO from the following electives:
MERM737	Freshwater Resources Management and Environmental Sanitation	20
MERM738	Wildlife Management	20
MERM739	Fisheries and Wildlife Parasitology	20

Level 2 Semester 1

Code	Description	Credits
MERM831	Research Project	90

Each student will complete one semester research in one of the following areas: Biodiversity and Conservation, Environmental Management, Aquatic Ecology, Fisheries Management, Environmental Biotechnology, Entomology, Animal Parasitology, and Aquaculture

 

SYNOPSES

MERM 731 Scientific Research Methodology

Analytical and writing skills essential for careers in Ecology, Conservation and Environmental Management ranging from sampling & experimental design; exploratory data analysis; statistical inferences in regression analysis & univariate statistical analysis; multivariate techniques; estimating abundance in animal & plant populations; estimating community parameters; estimation of survival rates; database management, and scientific communication skills.

MERM 732 Principles of Environmental Management

Principles and legislation governing, and techniques used in Environmental Management. The module content includes Definitions; Social Impact Assessment; Environmental management Policy (ISO 14000); Environmental Auditing; Product Life cycle assessment; Environmental Risk Management; and Environmental legislation in Zimbabwe.

MERM 733 Conservation Biology

Application of biological techniques to the specific problems of biodiversity, species preservation, ecological sustainability, and habitat fragmentation in the face of advancing human, social, economic, and industrial pressures. Social science dimensions of conservation and sustainable development, social economic, and political considerations in managing natural resources, policy-level aspects to project implementation.

MERM 734 Systematics and Biodiversity

History of taxonomy and uses of classifications and phylogenies; Sources and handling of taxonomic data; Theory and practice of biodiversity assessment. Conceptual issues of biodiversity, analysis and practical application; Within country monitoring of biodiversity and conservation programmes; Analytical methods include diversity indices, species abundance models, species accumulation curves, comparative species richness and abundance.

MERM 735 Environmental Biotechnology

Use of biotechnology in preventing and abating environmental pollution. It involves; an overview of biotechnology and the environment, environmental monitoring; and monitoring pollution. Water quality concept, Waste, Sewage and Sludge treatment. Waste minimization, Bioremediation, Energy and environment, Natural Resources recovery, Biosafety and legislation, and Environmental Impact assessment.

MERM 736 Seminar & Review Paper

This module offers candidates an opportunity to sharpen their critical thinking skills through searching, analyzing, synthesizing and evaluating academic literature in the broad discipline of Biological Sciences. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate in-depth knowledge of a specific topic, and showcase his or her ability to identify research gaps. Candidates shall be assessed through an oral presentation and a review paper.

MERM 737 Freshwater Resources Management and Environmental Sanitation

 Freshwater Resources Management and Environmental Sanitation Concepts will be developed and applied to conservation and management of aquatic ecosystems. Interbasin water Transfers, Ecological Reserve concept, Water demand management, introduced plant and animal species in southern Africa; Sources and causes of aquatic pollution. 

MERM 738 Wildlife Management

Introduction to the wildlife of Zimbabwe – an overview of the present status of wildlife, and an understanding of both conservation problems and management solutions. Issues in wildlife management are exemplified using a broad range of vertebrate species occupying different environments. Introducing methods used in population pattern analysis, demographic analysis, threat and resource assessment, emphasizing the value of a coordinated and interdisciplinary approach to problem recognition and resolution. 

MERM 739 Fisheries and Wildlife Parasitology

Fish parasites – protozoans, monogeneans, cestodes and nematodes, treatment procedures against fish parasites; water–borne diseases caused by protozoans and helminthes; the relationship of adverse environmental factors and diseases caused by fish parasites; relationship between the severity of pollution in natural waters and parasitic diseases; fish health management in re-circulating aquaculture systems. Wildlife parasitology- diversity and complexity of host-parasite relationship in our indigenous wildlife. 

MERM 740 Aquaculture and Fisheries Management

Fisheries biology, ecology and habitats on global and regional (Southern Africa) scale. Principles of fisheries management in freshwater systems. Population sampling and estimation, statistical   assumptions and robustness, length-frequency analysis, length-weight relationships, mark-recapture, growth and empirical modelling of populations; Larval Food Production and Larviculture, Algae/Fish Culture, Genetics and Nutrition, Health and Disease Control, Fish Farming Systems, Farm Management

MERM 741 GIS and Remote Sensing in Biodiversity Conservation

This module focuses on the application of GIS and remote sensing in Biodiversity Conservation. Instruments, e.g. satellite sensors, provide data which can be used for studying individual organisms, species assemblages or ecological communities on the ground. The image processing and GIS techniques developed to derive information from the captured satellite data are reviewed. Use of GIS and remote sensing techniques for mapping, monitoring and modelling organisms and their habitats.

MERM 831 Research project

The research project involves an experimental or observational investigation of a fundamental or practical problem in Applied Biosciences, Biotechnology, or bio-product development. With guidance from an academic supervisor, each student should choose and propose his/her own project theme. Each student is required to submit a proposal, carry out an independent research project or develop a product; submit a final written report, and to deliver an oral presentation.