The MBiol, BSc Ecology and Conservation Biology programme offers students an excellent breadth and depth of knowledge, plus an exceptional experience of advanced research. The initial two years of the programme follows the existing BSc Ecology and Conservation Biology, during which you will develop your fundamental knowledge and practical skills in the subject. Year 3 will be similar to the BSc programme, but you will begin your MBiol training with an advanced review of the literature, and the development of key research skills that will underpin your extended project in the fourth year of the programme. Your MBiol research project in the final year will be specific to ecology and conservation biology, and substantial subject-specific specialisation will be achieved throughout the project. In addition, complementary knowledge and skills will be achieved through taught modules offered from our closely aligned MSc programmes. There is a strong emphasis on independent learning, problem solving and data analysis, which are developed in the context of the subject. The extended project allows you to develop your research skills in greater depth, and to produce a cutting-edge investigation that could contribute to a research publication.
The academic content of the programme concentrates on developing an understanding of research through the delivery and active engagement in taught components, practical skills development, data analysis and problem solving, culminating in a major research project. This is supported by further research and transferable skills training and career planning opportunities. You will gain your research training and experience as part of a team in an internationally recognised research laboratory. In doing so you will develop practical skills, techniques and capabilities, together with advanced level research skills expected of early-stage PhD students.
You will be competent in a broad range of topics associated with Ecology and Conservation Biology, combining skills development in research methodology, the ability to solve problems and the development of hypothesis driven research, the execution of well-designed experiments, the approach to data analysis, skills in the design and the production of publication quality outputs, and the ability to communicate effectively.
By the end of the programme, you will have a deep knowledge and understanding of the interactions between species and their environments, the behaviour and ecology of populations and communities of organisms, and the application of these fundamental principles to key conservation topics such as population management, sustainable agriculture and reducing the effects of climate change on the natural world.
On completing the MBiol, BSc Ecology and Conservation Biology programme, you will understand the subject from basic principles through to cutting edge research, you will appreciate the process of research and be able to demonstrate and implement these principles. You will be able to compete worldwide for high quality research opportunities within appropriate work sectors or for PhD positions to pursue research careers.
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 will 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 Wildlife Ecology and Management you will examine the techniques used by professional ecologists to observe wildlife, and how such techniques inform conservation practices. 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 begin preparation for your final year extended research project by carrying out an extensive review and critique of the literature relevant to a specific and topical issue in ecology and conservation. As training for your final year, you will build on your deep knowledge of a topic, and develop technical, experimental or analytical skills, which will form the basis of your extended research project.
Year 4
In the final year of your MBiol you will work on an extended research project focusing on an original, cutting-edge topic specific to ecology and conservation. This will equip you with the skills necessary for a career in research, as well as setting you apart in the graduate job market. In addition, you can choose from a range of Masters-level modules, such as Global Challenges in Sustainable Agriculture, and Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS), which are key topics in modern ecology and conservation.
[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 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 10 credits of Discovery modules
[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]
View Timetable
Candidates will be required to study the following compulsory modules
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) | |
| BLGY3397 | Advanced Research Skills and Experience | 40 | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) | PFP |
Candidates will be required to study at least 30, and up to 40 credits from the following optional modules:
| 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
Candidates must study 120 credits of modules.
Candidates will be required to study the following compulsory modules:
| Code | Title | Credits | Semester | Pass for Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BLGY5381M | Extended Research Project | 90 | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) |
Candidates will be required to study 30 credits of advanced research training from the following optional modules:
| Code | Title | Credits | Semester | Pass for Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BLGY5102M | Community Ecology | 15 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| BLGY5119M | Introduction to GIS | 15 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| BLGY5121M | Advanced Statistics | 15 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| BLGY5138M | Global Challenges in Food Security | 15 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| BLGY5188M | Population Dynamics | 15 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| BLGY5230M | Conservation Decision Science | 15 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| BLGY5231M | Equitable Sustainability | 15 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| BLGY5239M | Sustainable Futures: Agriculture in Practice | 15 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) |
Last updated: 30/04/2025 16:00:25
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