Name of the Programme: MSc. Natural Resource Management
Duration: 2 years (Full time)
Credit Points: 240 credit points
Overview of programme
The main purpose of the MSc in Natural Resources Management programme is to contribute to the socio-economic development of the nation by increasing the critical mass of qualified citizens and building knowledge-based society. The programme is intended to enhance the knowledge and skills of the mid-level professionals with specialized knowledge and competencies in a range of subject areas pertaining to rural development in general and agriculture, animal production and forestry in particular. These professionals are expected to play a critical leadership role in the management of agriculture, livestock development, and forestry in the country. The programme is targeted towards mid-career agriculturist, foresters, and livestock development workers.
The programme will provide opportunities for student to develop research capacity through the process of conducting research independently and develop research skills and critical thinking. Student can focus on a wide range of research topics under agriculture, domains like agronomy, horticulture, organic farming, crop pest and disease management, farm economics, soil fertility management, good agriculture practices, agroecology, food security, climate change impacts on agriculture, commodity chain analysis, gender and farming, agriculture co-operatives, rural urban migration, agriculture extension, rural development, genetics and plant breeding, seed science and technology, postharvest technology, food science and technology, sustainable agriculture and land use types, etc. Under animal science and animal health, areas and research topics such as animal nutrition, dairy, piggery, poultry, feed and fodder, meat science, farm fisheries, animal biology, and fertility will be focused. Student can do research in a range of forestry related topics but not limited to, such as forest management, conservation science, wildlife, climate change studies, social forestry, ecology, freshwater ecology, dendrology, geographical information systems and environmental management.
Learning
Specifically, the programme will enhance the knowledge and competencies of the student to:
Reflect critically on the relationship between theory and practice in the discipline of agriculture, forestry, and animal science
Contextualize and apply analytical frameworks and methodologies to better understand contesting claims over natural resources
Conceptualize, design, and conduct independent scientific research to develop a deeper understanding of the key methodologies
Gather, organise, report data, interpret and communicate the results effectively to the stakeholders
Apply sound methodologies and work ethics to problems solving in sustainable natural resources management effectively
Disseminate research outputs to local, regional, national and international forums including departmental seminars and publication in appropriate platforms including proceedings or conferences, whenever applicable
Develop a comprehensive knowledge of previous and current literature in their field of expertise contributing to successful practice in their professions
Formulate, plan, implement, and evaluate agriculture, forestry, and livestock development programmes and projects
Analyse and understand the economic, social, political, cultural, and legal environment in the context of the research work
The Master of Science in NRM is a research based programme. The programme consists of 240 credits spread over 4 semesters.
Details programme structure details
Year I
Semester I
ACS602(Scientific Writing and Communication)
This module aims to provide students with knowledge and skills necessary to write scientific papers such as writing journal article, policy brief, poster, conference papers and writing research and project proposal. The scientific writing and communication is necessary for the students to disseminate research findings through various forums such as conference and journal publication.
NRM606(Natural Resources Management)
This module aims to expose students to biophysical and human dimensions of natural resources management. Also, this module allows students to exploring the GIS and remote sensing tools to assess and monitor the natural resources and eventually links to natural resource use in Bhutan.
RES605(Research Methods)
This module equips student with necessary knowledge and skills in research methods needed in carrying out research in natural resources management. It includes topics on formulating research questions, planning research, research designs, some relevant models and methods, which will be useful in research proposal development and conducting dissertation.
STS602(Applied Statistics)
This module provides knowledge and skills in using appropriate statistical tools in their research. Students are also provided input on how to interpret results and incorporate their findings in research report, especially their dissertation.
SEM601
Proposal Defence
Semester II
SEM601(Seminar I)
This module aims to teach student how to present research papers in a seminar. Student will learn how to communicate science in different ways (written, oral or poster presentations). Student will learn to compose seminar topics and deliver presentations in a coherent, structured and scientific style. The module will also provide the student with different types of publication styles. The module will introduce the student to abide plagiarism rules and regulations. The student will learn to comment critique and accept feedbacks through peer view sessions.
DST601
Field Research
Year II
Semester I
SEM601
Seminar II
DST601
Field Research
Semester II
SEM601
Seminar III
Career opportunities
It prepares student for a career as researchers, development specialists, project and programme managers, planners, and field workers. Graduates will be able to find employment in various government agencies, non-governmental agencies, international organisations, and the private sectors both within and outside Bhutan.
Entry requirement
Admission will be open to candidates who have completed BSc programme awarded by a recognised University in agriculture, animal science, forestry, environment and life sciences. Students should have secured a minimum of 50% in aggregate.
In exceptional cases, as outlined in the Research Degree Framework (RDF), 2015 (clause 6.2.1.4), candidates who have Bachelor’s degree in other field of study whose qualifications in the opinion of the Research Degree Committee (RDC) are equivalent to those prescribed above requirements and who has demonstrated appropriate research ability and experience will also be eligible.
In any of the cases, candidates should write a preliminary research proposal (RDF clause 8.3.1.4) and will be selected through selection process which shall encompass written exam and viva voce. The candidates will be allowed for viva voce after securing minimum of 50 % in the written exam.