The BSc Ecology and Conservation Biology programme offers you the opportunity to develop cutting-edge knowledge about how to sustain and conserve biodiversity, and the critical importance of the underlying ecological processes involved. Informed by a research-based ethos of teaching and investigation, you will continuously develop your skills and experience in ecology and conservation. You will combine the fundamentals, which are developed progressively in lectures and tutorials, with lab-based observation and experimentation, and apply that knowledge during residential field courses in different ecological contexts. You will learn, for example, how to measure the distribution and abundance of species, and understand how organisms interact with each other and their environment. As your knowledge and experience develops during the programme, you will be challenged to think creatively about the application of ecology and conservation to contemporary global challenges, such as population management, sustainable agriculture, and reducing the effects of climate change on the natural world.
In addition to the core ecology and conservation modules the programme offers, you can personalise your degree by studying from a wide choice of optional modules that include animal behaviour, evolution, climate change science, and sustainability. This 3-year BSc can also be converted into an integrated Masters (MBiol) with an optional additional year of specialist training.
Year 1
You will study a wide range of topics, including ecology, biodiversity, evolution and genetics. Choose modules such as creating sustainable futures and vertebrate evolution to broaden your ecological perspective.
Topics in ecology and conservation are best understood through observation and practical experience so you’ll explore practical skills in the lab and field, and undertake the first of the residential field courses we offer. Through small group tutorials, you’ll be introduced to ecological and conservation research and its application to global challenges.
At the end of year 1, our flexible degree structure offers you the opportunity to transfer onto other suitable degree courses within the School of Biology.
Year 2
You’ll specialise in key ecological and conservation issues through studying core modules such as population, community and conservation ecology, and build on your skills as scientists through studying experimental design and data analysis.
These core modules will be complemented during two field courses, which will further develop your fieldwork skills. You will study the unique ecology of semi-arid environments of the Mediterranean in southern Spain, while the Urban ecology and conservation field course, designed with a sustainable, low carbon footprint, will introduce you to urban green spaces and the value of biodiversity in building sustainable cities. During these field courses, you’ll be putting your ecological knowledge into practice.
You can tailor your degree by choosing optional modules that you are passionate about. Examples of optional modules include Evolution, Adaptation and Behaviour, which will investigate how organisms behave with each other and respond to challenging environments, while in Sustainable Food Production you will examine the issues around food insecurity, a key global challenge. In the Managing Biodiversity module, you can also examine the threats to biodiversity and the practical steps taken to halt their losses.
At the end of year 2, you will have the opportunity to complete a work placement, study abroad, or combined study and work abroad. This will add an additional year of study to your degree.
Year 3
You will further specialise in your chosen discipline by studying core modules, such as Advanced Topics in Ecology and Advanced Topics in Conservation, while you can choose optional modules that include Advanced Topics in Behaviour, and Environmental Law.
You will conduct an indep
endent research project that you choose from a wide range of topics, reflecting the breadth of research undertaken and the expertise of the lecturers on your course. Projects can be laboratory-based, field research, data analysis or literature-based investigations. The choice of project topics include animal behavioural ecology, marine conservation and pollination ecology, and you’ll receive dedicated supervision from a leading expert in the area.
This 3-year BSc can also be converted into a 4-year integrated Masters (MBiol), subject to suitable academic performance and availability. In years 3 and 4 you would receive additional specialist training, study advanced research topics and undertake your own extended research project.
[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]
View Timetable
Candidates will be required to study the following compulsory modules
| Code | Title | Credits | Semester | Pass for Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BLGY1128 | Living Planet | 20 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| BLGY1203 | Field Course: investigating UK habitats | 10 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| BLGY1237 | Introduction to Genetics | 10 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| BLGY1308 | Unlocking Scientific Success | 20 | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) | PFP |
| BLGY1331 | Laboratory and Field Skills | 20 | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) | PFP |
Candidates will be required to study 30 or 40 credits from the following optional modules:
| Code | Title | Credits | Semester | Pass for Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BLGY1141 | Introduction to Cell Biology | 10 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| BLGY1212 | Using Biology to Feed the World | 10 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| SOEE1120 | Vertebrate Evolution | 10 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| SOEE1181 | Ecology | 10 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| SOEE1610 | Introduction to Creating Sustainable Futures | 10 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) |
Candidates may choose to study 10 credits of discovery modules
[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]
View Timetable
Candidates will be required to study the following compulsory modules
| Code | Title | Credits | Semester | Pass for Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BLGY2155 | Population, Community and Conservation Ecology | 20 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| BLGY2265 | Urban Ecology and Conservation Field Course | 20 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| BLGY2297 | Mediterranean Ecology Field Course | 20 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| BLGY2305 | Developing Scientific Excellence | 20 | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) | PFP |
Candidates will be required to study at least 20, and up to 40 credits from the following optional modules:
| Code | Title | Credits | Semester | Pass for Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BLGY2164 | How Plants Live | 20 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| BLGY2220 | Evolution, Adaptation and Behaviour | 20 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| BLGY2267 | Wildlife Ecology and Management | 20 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) |
Candidates may choose to study up to 20 credits from the following optional modules:
| Code | Title | Credits | Semester | Pass for Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BLGY2106 | Parasitology | 10 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| BLGY2224 | Food Security and Sustainability | 10 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| SOEE2160 | Climate Change: Science and Impacts | 10 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| SOEE2690 | Managing Biodiversity | 10 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) |
Candidates may choose to study 10 credits of discovery modules.
[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]
View Timetable
For Study Abroad Students
If you register for Study Year Abroad, you will select one of the following modules. You will be expected to select mostly Biology courses at a non-UK University.
| Code | Title | Credits | Semester | Pass for Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BIOL9001 | Study Year Abroad | 120 | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) | PFP |
| BIOL9002 | Combined Study Abroad and Work Placement Year | 120 | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) | PFP |
OR
For Horizon Year Abroad Students
If you register for Horizon Year Abroad, you will take LEED9000 Horizon Year Abroad (100 credits) and you will also be required to register for MODL3150 Intercultural Communication and Global Citizenship: A Critical Approach for the Horizon Year Abroad (20 credits). Both of these modules must be passed.
| Code | Title | Credits | Semester | Pass for Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LEED9000 | Horizon Year Abroad | 100 | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) | PFP |
| MODL3150 | Intercultural Communication and Global Citizenship: A Critical Approach for the Horizon Year Abroad | 20 | 1 Jun to 30 Sep | PFP |
[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]
View Timetable
Candidates will be required to study 120 credits
Candidates will be required to study the following compulsory modules:
| Code | Title | Credits | Semester | Pass for Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BLGY3133 | Advanced Topics in Ecology | 20 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| BLGY3247 | Advanced Topics in Conservation Science | 20 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| BLGY3346 | Biology Research Projects | 40 | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) | PFP |
| Code | Title | Credits | Semester | Pass for Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BLGY3135 | Advanced Topics in Behaviour: from sex to death | 20 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| BLGY3222 | Social Biology | 10 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| BLGY3245 | Advanced Topics in Evolution | 20 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| BLGY3300 | Level 3 Field Course (South Africa) | 20 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| BLGY3334 | Advanced Topics in Plant Science and Food Security | 20 | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) | |
| LAW3134 | Environmental Law | 20 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) |
Candidates may study up to 10 credits of discovery modules
[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]
View Timetable
Last updated: 30/04/2025 16:00:25
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