Evolution and Behaviour

Entry requirements

Minimum 2:1 BSc honours degree in biology or a closely related quantitative subject.

In addition, you should be able to demonstrate evidence of aptitude and enthusiasm for research, for example, through an undergraduate research project.

Months of entry

September

Course content

Course description

The connection between how organisms have evolved and how they behave is a fundamental principle of biology. It can show us why organisms are the way they are, and answer deep questions about the diversity of life on earth.

Our world-class research in this area spans topics including animal behaviour, molecular ecology, sexual selection and sexual conflict, speciation, the evolutionary genomics of adaptation, evolutionary developmental, ecological immunity, and bioinformatics and life history evolution, giving you the opportunity to carry out cutting-edge research in an area of evolution and behaviour that interests you most.

Research experience

This research-focused course allows you to spend an academic year embedded in one of our research groups, working alongside students and staff who are at the forefront of their research field. Throughout your course, you’ll develop your research skills, giving you the opportunity to contribute new knowledge in your chosen area.

Whether you complete your research in the field, the lab or in industry, in the UK or abroad, you’ll be provided with a research budget for your project. Previous students have conducted fieldwork in locations including Brazil, South Africa and Sweden as well as closer to home in the wonderful Peak District National Park on our doorstep.

Example research projects include:

• The diet restriction response in Drosophila melanogaster: precise mechanisms and a novel genetic screen using fecundity
• The effect of breeding interactions on the post-breeding social system of a cooperative bird
• Reconstructing ROMA population history

The cost of all core fieldwork and practical project work is included in your tuition fees, this includes travel and accommodation for any one day field trips and compulsory field courses as well as obligatory safety equipment. Necessary vaccinations and visas required for travel, as well as travel to field sites for research project work, may incur additional costs.

Please see our University website for the most up-to-date course information: www.sheffield.ac.uk/postgraduate/taught/courses

Information for international students

English language requirements

Overall IELTS score of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component, or equivalent.

For more information about entry requirements for international students, please visit https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/international/applying/postgraduate-taught