Amy
MSc Computational Methods in Ecology and Evolution
Before I joined Imperial College London, I studied my undergraduate degree in Marine Biology. I also had experience working in conservation, specifically at sea turtle nesting sites.
Throughout my undergraduate studies I learned the importance of data analysis and computation. This led me to the MSc in Computational Methods in Ecology and Evolution at Imperial.
The course suited my interests in ecology and also the opportunity to develop valuable computational skills. It seemed like the right step to move forward into a career within research in ecology, as computing and data science skills are required in leading scientific research.
Choosing my Master’s
A key factor in choosing to study at Imperial was the quality of teaching and the calibre of the institution. Studying the MSc in Computational Methods in Ecology and Evolution at the Silwood Park campus has given me access to leading researchers in many fields of ecology, many of which teach us throughout the course.
When contemplating a Master’s, I think it is important to think about why the course is the right next step for you and include that in your application. I would also recommend reaching out to past or current students to learn about their experiences.
Starting the course
Before accepting my place, I went to visit the Silwood Park campus which is located 25 miles West of Central London. The campus is home to a variety of Master’s and PhD courses in life sciences and the environment. I explored the grounds and where I would spend the majority of my time for the year. It felt like the right fit, coming from a smaller university previously.
In the first three weeks of the course we had a ‘bootcamp’. This challenging start allowed the class to connect, which improved the quality of our experience. Learning so many skills from the very start allowed me to feel confident that I was doing the right course and that I would be rewarded for the hard work I was putting in.
A rewarding experience
Studying Computational Methods in Ecology and Evolution has been a very rewarding experience. I have been challenged on a daily basis and my skillset has grown quickly. One of the most fulfilling aspects has been working with real-world data sets and problems, applying the techniques and tools we have learnt to answer ecological and evolutionary questions. This experience has increased my confidence in data analysis, programming and modelling, which will be essential skills going forward in my career.
Our course has students from a range of education backgrounds and nationalities. This has allowed us to have lots of interesting discussion, learning about different cultures. It has also been really beneficial to look at scientific and mathematical problems in alternative ways as everyone has had a different path to get to the course.
Life at Silwood Park campus
One aspect of Silwood Park that I have loved is the weekly seminar series. Each week a different academic or researcher from all over the world come to talk to us about their work in their field. This has been really interesting, hearing topics from connectivity and movement of elephants to the genomics of rice and what it teaches us about historic trade routes. This has opened my eyes to so many areas of research I wouldn’t have been otherwise exposed to.
Being a commuting student can sometimes be challenging, with long teaching days starting and ending with a commute. However, Silwood Park has had all the resources and support I have needed to make my commuting more comfortable. Access to a kitchen, showers and free parking.
I have had an enjoyable time exploring the large campus, all of the scenery and the facilities like the gym and the squash court that is has to offer, even as a student who doesn’t live on site.
My next steps
I have used the Careers Service many times and I’d advise anyone to utilise their support. They have given great advice to strengthen my applications for PhD’s and helping to ensure I am exhibiting my all my skills and experiences. The one-to-one chats they offer give you the opportunity to question what career you want to go into. They have also helped me with preparing for interviews, which I have found really useful.
Next year I will be working on a project that aims to estimate the distribution and abundance of marine mammals within both biotelemetry and acoustic data jointly.
Reflecting on my studies
There is no other course like MSc Computational Methods in Ecology and Evolution. You learn so many new skills including coding R and Python to such a high standard.
Additionally, the support and contact hours offered throughout the teaching period is superb for a Master’s course. If you are really thinking about a future career in research within ecology and evolution this Master’s is a really good stepping stone to equip you with many of the skills you will need.
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