Biosciences: Fully Funded MSc by Research Scholarship: Maximising carbon sequestration and storage within an urban university campus setting (RS715)

Funding provider(s): Swansea University Sustainability Team Sustainability - Swansea University

Subject area(s): Biosciences

Project start date(s): 1 January 2025 (Enrolment open from mid-December)

Supervisors: Dr Penny Neyland and Professor Laura Roberts

Aligned programme of study: MSc by Research Biosciences

Mode of study: Part-time (over two years)

Project description 

In the current climate emergency, realising the potential of urban green spaces to capture and store carbon is essential to mitigate against increasing concentrations of atmospheric carbon. Urban ecosystems are often less diverse and have lower carbon sequestration potential compared to natural habitats. However, strategic urban greening can significantly improve ecological outcomes. Prior studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of native vegetation, green roofs, and urban forests in enhancing urban biodiversity and carbon sequestration. Additionally, grassland management and mowing regimes can impact the amount of carbon grassland soils can sequester and store.

University campuses, as microcosms of urban environments, offer unique opportunities for enhancing carbon sequestration and storage through intentional management and design. This study aims to assess the current status of soil carbon and carbon fluxes within landscapes on a university campus (such as grasslands and woodlands) and compare it with other natural settings. The effects of management (e.g. mowing frequency) will also be quantified. The goal is to provide actionable recommendations for the campus sustainability team to enhance ecological value and sustainability, alongside maximising carbon sequestration potential. This study will contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, SDG3 (Good Health and Wellbeing), SDG7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG13 (Climate Action) and SDG15 (Life on Land). This research builds on these findings, focusing on the unique context of an urban university campus.

Objectives

1. Assess existing soil carbon stocks:

• Conduct a comprehensive survey of existing habitats on the university campus.
• Quantify soil carbon stocks and fluxes

2. Comparison with Natural Settings:

• Identify and analyse comparable natural settings with similar climatic and geographic characteristics (amenity grassland, woodland, wildflower meadows and ponds).
• Compare carbon sequestration and storage metrics between the campus and these natural settings.

3. Develop Recommendations:

• Formulate management strategies to maximise carbon sequestration and storage.
• Advise the campus sustainability team on practical measures to enhance the ecological function of campus landscapes and also assist in reaching net zero targets
• Research and compare available schemes to assist in offsetting unavoidable scope 3 emissions, considering verification standards (Gold Standard, ISO 14064 and GHCP) – potential to link to co-benefits to help improve human wellbeing which can assist Swansea University in obtaining the Public Health Wales Corporate Health Standard Gold and Platinum award.

Methodology

Site Selection and Characterisation

• Identify key habitats on the university campus and university owned land (e.g., green spaces, gardens, sports pitches, water bodies).
• Select comparable natural settings (e.g., nearby nature reserves, parks) based on climatic and geographical similarity.

Data Collection

Carbon Sequestration Measurement: Estimate carbon stocks in biomass and soil using field measurements, laboratory analysis and modelling tools e.g. allometric equations, soil core analysis (loss on ignition), methane/carbon dioxide flux etc.

Data Analysis

Compare carbon sequestration data between the campus and natural settings. Analyse factors influencing ecological differences, such as land use history, management practices, and habitat quality.

Recommendations Development

Identify best practices from natural settings that can be adapted to the campus context and offer improvements to the current Biodiversity Action Plan. Develop guidelines for habitat restoration, native planting, and sustainable landscaping practices for other university campuses Offer an analysis of available schemes to assist in offsetting emissions.

Expected Outcomes

This research will provide a detailed understanding of the current ecological state of the university campus, highlight disparities between urban and natural settings, and offer concrete recommendations for enhancing soil carbon sequestration and storage. The outcomes will be instrumental in guiding the campus sustainability team toward more ecologically sustainable campus management practices, whilst assisting them to help reach net zero targets effectively. The results can be used to advise management of urban green 

Candidates must hold a UK Bachelor degree with a minimum of Upper Second Class honours in Biosciences or Environmental Science. Or overseas Bachelor degree deemed equivalent to UK Bachelor (honours) (by UK ECCTIS) and achieved a grade equivalent to UK Upper Second Class honours in Biosciences or Environmental Science – see country specific qualifications

Please note that you may need to provide evidence of your English Language proficiency

This scholarship covers the full cost of the UK tuition fees (£4786 over two years).

Additional research expenses of up to £2000 is also available.

To apply, please complete your application online with the following information:

1. Course choice – please select Biosciences/ MSc by Research / Part-time / 2 Years / January

In the event you have already applied for the above programme previously, the application system may issue a warning notice and prevent application, in this event, please email pgrscholarships@swansea.ac.uk where staff will be happy to assist you in submitting your application.

1. Start year – please select 2025
2. Funding (page 8 on the application process) –

• ‘Are you funding your studies yourself?’ – please select No
• ‘Name of Individual or organisation providing funds for study’ – please enter ‘RS715 - Maximising Carbon'

*It is the responsibility of the applicant to list the above information accurately when applying, please note that applications received without the above information listed will not be considered for the scholarship award.

One application is required per individual Swansea University led research scholarship award; applications cannot be considered listing multiple Swansea University led research scholarship awards.

NOTE: Applicants for PhD/EngD/ProfD/EdD - to support our commitment to providing an environment free of discrimination and celebrating diversity at Swansea University you are required to complete an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Monitoring Form in addition to your programme application form.  

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Monitoring Form (online form) 

Please note that completion of the EDI Monitoring Form is mandatory; your application may not progress if this information is not submitted.

As part of your online application, you MUST upload the following documents (please do not send these via email):

• CV
• Degree certificates and transcripts (if you are currently studying for a degree, screenshots of your grades to date are sufficient)
• A cover letter including a ‘Supplementary Personal Statement’ to explain why the position particularly matches your skills and experience and how you choose to develop the project.
• Two references (academic or previous employer) on headed paper or using the Swansea University reference form. Please note that we are not able to accept references received citing private email accounts, e.g. Hotmail. Referees should cite their employment email address for verification of reference.
• Evidence of meeting English Language requirement (if applicable).
• Copy of UK resident visa (if applicable)
• Confirmation of EDI form submission

Informal enquiries are welcome; please contact Dr Penny Neyland (p.j.neyland@swansea.ac.uk)