Aberystwyth University
Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences

The Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS) is a world class research and education centre at Aberystwyth University. The Institute is an internationally recognised centre of excellence and students' choice for the study of biological, environmental and rural sciences.

Created from the merger of the Institutes of Rural Sciences and Biological Sciences at Aberystwyth and the Institute of Grassland and Environmental Research, IBERS now employs around 300 research, teaching and support staff and is the largest Land-based science department in the UK.

IBERS provides an unique intellectual environment in which researchers can share and explore ideas across traditional agricultural, grassland, rural, environmental and biological science disciplines, and work in multidisciplinary teams that draw upon the wide range of life science and social science expertise in Aberystwyth University. We are exceptionally well positioned to capture these emerging opportunities by connecting discovery and translational research to ensure economic and social impact.

Research

IBERS maintains capabilities for high quality, novel and internationally important science including plant, animal and microbial genomics, cell biology and physiology, plant and animal genetics and breeding, animal reproduction, agriculture, parasitology, ecology, social sciences and evolutionary processes together with integrating expertise to enable holistic and systems approaches. The Institute provides an intellectual environment in which researchers can share and explore ideas across traditional agricultural, grassland, rural, environmental and biological science disciplines, and work in multidisciplinary teams that draw upon the wide range of life science and social science expertise in Aberystwyth University.

The results of the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) have shown IBERS to be a major and developing force in research within its field. The Institute was the highest ranking Welsh University Department in its field with almost half of the research publications produced by its scientists were rated as either 'World class' or 'Internationally excellent'. In addition IBERS scientists were ranked in the top 7 of UK Universities according to the Times Higher Education Table of Excellence.

Research centres

• Landscape Systems and Policy
• Crop Genetics, Genomics and Breeding
• Bio-renewables and Environmental Change
• Evolution, Co-Evolution and Adaptation
• Animal and Microbial Sciences

Facilities

IBERS has a long history of substantial investment in facilities. As a result, staff and students enjoy access to a formidable range of state-of-the-art equipment in first class laboratories. In addition, the geographic location of the Institute brings unrivalled access to natural habitats and managed landscapes. All of this is complemented by the excellent library resources (including the nearby National Library of Wales) and IT network available to the University as a whole.

The principal facilities include:

• Aquarium systems for both marine and freshwater organisms
• University Farms
• Extensive Equine Facilities including an international-sized indoor riding arena
• Advanced Microscopy and Bio-Imaging Laboratory
• Biological Service Unit
• Mass Spectrometry and Analytical Unit
• Extensive range of growth rooms and glasshouses
• Trophic Interaction Facility for modelling systems-level processes
• Microarray Facility for transcriptomic analyses
• Facilities for DNA sequencing, metabolomics and proteomics
• Plant Genetic Resources collections and databases
• Modelling laboratory for spatial and temporal integration of biological data
• Computational Biological laboratory with a custom built robotic workstation
• Electrical/Electronic workshop for the construction and repair of equipment
• Botany gardens with a wide range of temperate and tropical plants

Taught masters

• Animal Sciences - New for 2011
• Equine Science
• Food and Water Security - New for 2011
• Livestock Sciences - New for 2011
• Managing the Environment
• Remote Sensing and the Living Environment - New for 2011

For further information see the web page for the Taught Masters.

Research courses

Modern 21st century universities recognise the significance of diversity, and IBERS, as an integral part of Aberystwyth University, embraces the need for individual creativity and scholarship together with strategic, problem based research that addresses the most pressing challenges facing society. To this end, IBERS works closely with its stakeholders and users to ensure that IBERS science serves their needs, to promote technology transfer and knowledge exchange and to deliver economic and social benefits. Thus, by linking the processes and results of our scientific investigations to the work of our social scientists we are able to inform policy on the rural economy and on rural communities. Postgraduate training forms a key part of the IBERS mission for the global farming community and the agri-industry. We aim to develop the next generation of skilled scientists to support rural communities and enhance agricultural practice in the UK and beyond. Our postgraduate students are inspired by world class research experts in their respective disciplines and proud of their affiliation with IBERS, Aberystwyth University and Wales.

The Institute offers many diverse opportunities postgraduate research. In IBERS research is a collaborative exercise and postgraduate students typically interact with other academic staff and postgraduates in other fields. Indeed, students are encouraged to take an interest in the full breadth of research at the Institute, to join scientific societies relevant to their research interests and to participate in national and international meetings.

Formal training is given to all postgraduates in Aberystwyth. In addition, modules are made available within IBERS that are designed to maximise research experience and to develop transferable, professional and interpersonal skills. These modules help students improve competence in written, oral and visual communication skills, as well as help develop a broader understanding of the spectrum of skills required to be truly effective as a researcher, including experimental design and data analysis. These modules are designed to meet the training requirements of the UK Research Councils and other funding bodies.

Contact details

Postgraduate Admissions Office
Student Welcome Centre
Aberystwyth University
Penglais
Aberystwyth
SY23 3FB
Wales, UK.

Tel: +44 (0) 1970 622270
Fax: +44 (0) 1970 622921
Email: pg-admissions@aber.ac.uk