Ecology and Conservation BSc(Hons) (with integrated foundation year)

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Why choose an integrated foundation year?

This integrated preparatory course is suitable for applicants with a wide range of backgrounds and qualifications who, for a variety of reasons, may not feel ready to begin study at undergraduate level. 

This may apply to mature students who have had a break from education and may have vocational experience in addition to academic qualifications.

Students who do not have the subject-appropriate A-levels or equivalent qualifications for the undergraduate course may also benefit.

Top reasons to choose this course

• Foundation year that opens up opportunities if you don’t hold the required qualifications, are changing career or returning to study.
• Progress to a degree accredited by the Royal Society of Biology.
• Fieldwork opportunities in places such as South Africa, Shropshire and in our rich local environment.
• Travel and accommodation included in the fees for mandatory residential trips to locations such as Shropshire (go to the fees and costs section for more info).
• Specialist facilities such as our aquatic suite, GIS lab and ecology, microbiology, molecular biology and tissue culture labs.
• Get involved in our research in areas such as micropollutants, invasive species, aquatic environments and reintroducing species.
• Guest lecturers and optional placement year.

Foundation year

During your foundation year you’ll be introduced to key concepts in biology, chemistry and data handling to prepare you for study at undergraduate level. You’ll also develop your skills in problem-solving, analysis and communication.

Modules

• Foundation Biology

  This module introduces the key biological concepts that will inform and underpin your understanding of biological systems and processes. You will become familiar with the scientific terminology and methodologies needed to study biosciences at undergraduate level, covering topics in human and environmental biology including molecules, cell biology, anatomy, physiology, evolution and ecological processes. 

• Foundation Study Skills

  This module focuses on the skills needed to study a biological, pharmaceutical or chemistry degree, for example testing by experiment and evaluating the results, key laboratory techniques and safe practice in the lab. You will also develop transferable skills like time management, effective essay writing, locating sources of information and presentation and communication skills.

• Data Handling for Science

  This module introduces the mathematical, statistical and data handling skills that you need for undergraduate study in biological and chemical sciences, and pharmacy. You will explore key principles and methods and carry out analysis on a range of information, helping you develop skills in problem-solving, analysis and evaluation within defined criteria. 

• Foundation Geography, Earth and Environment

  We live in an ever-changing environment, where short- and long-term changes can take place over millions of years or decades. Planetary processes, landscape evolution, environmental adjustment and human occupation all interact with one another. This module will introduce you to the basic principles and philosophies of geography, environmental studies and the geosciences. It will develop your familiarity with scientific terminology and methodologies essential for completion of a geographical, environmental or geoscience undergraduate degree.

Year 1

You will explore the foundations of ecology and conservation, developing skills and knowledge that you’ll build upon for the rest of your degree.

Modules

• Fundamentals of Marine and Freshwater Biology

  This module introduces the principles of marine and freshwater biology by examining the evolution  and diversity of aquatic flora and fauna. You will focus on physical and chemical aspects of aquatic ecosystems, their impact on the populations of organisms that live in these ecosystems and how organisms adapt to their environments. Practical sessions will cover methods for collecting, handling and analysing scientific data, as well as developing effective science communication skills.

• Essential Skills for Bioscientists

  This module introduces the principles of the scientific method and a variety of study and communication skills that you’ll need during your degree. You’ll develop mathematical and statistical skills and learn to apply them in the context of bioscientific data presentation and interpretation.

• Fundamentals in Genetics and Evolution

  Genetics is fundamental to understanding life sciences. In this module you will gain an understanding of how information is stored and inherited in living organisms. You will consider genetics from the perspectives of DNA structure, gene expression, genome replication, heredity, genes in populations and evolution. You’ll also be introduced to DNA-based laboratory techniques. 

• Introduction to Microorganisms and Plants

  This module introduces the study of living organisms. You will explore the morphology and physiological adaptions of microbes, virus, fungi and plants, focusing on identifying organisms, their key cellular features and associated processes and functions. You’ll also look at their links to environments and how they interact with other organisms.

• Introduction to Ecology and Conservation

  This module provides an introduction to key concepts and principles in both ecology and conservation science, illustrated with the use of both classic and cutting-edge case studies. Emphasis is placed on the links between ecology and conservation and also between theory and applied research. 

• Terrestrial Ecosystems

  This module will introduce you to major terrestrial natural and semi-natural habitats, covering key ecological and biological processes that structure these systems. You will reflect on the conservation challenges and management strategies used to maintain and restore these habitats. You’ll also learn about, and use, field-based techniques during field trips and local site visits.

Year 2 

Second year topics continue to build your knowledge and skills and you will have the option of a field trip to South Africa.

Modules

Core modules

• Population Biology for Conservation

  This module will teach you about the conceptual aspects of wildlife populations, their conservation and management, and how behaviour serves as the fundamental link between single organisms and population processes. You will study population genetic mechanisms, such as genetic drift and inbreeding, and how these interact to influence threatened species. You will also discuss the dynamics of current and future threats to surviving populations and learn to interpret population biology data.

• Marine and Freshwater Ecology

  This module will develop your knowledge of global marine and freshwater habitats. You will investigate and discuss the diversity of habitats, including lentic, lotic, transitional and marine systems, and explore aquatic systems, from source to sea. The module will cover a range of human-made impacts and conservation issues related to the disturbance of systems and species. A series of one-day field trips will enhance your practical abilities, including survey techniques and identification skills.

• GIS and Remote Sensing Principles and Practice

  This module will help you develop theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the areas of optical Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and apply this learning to real-world situations in the geographical, geological and environmental sciences. You will be encouraged to engage in spatial and digital computing, remote sensing, data handling and problem solving so you become proficient at using remote sensing and GIS software.

• Research Skills and Professional Development

  This module will enable you to develop the skills and knowledge required to improve your graduate career opportunities. You’ll grow your understanding of the role of experimental design in the data collection stage of a laboratory investigation and enhance your skills in the analysis of such data. You will also gain investigative, reflective, communication, self-presentation and digital literacy skills relevant to career planning and development.

• Animal Diversity and Adaptations

  This module will provide you with an in-depth understanding of the vast diversity of the animal kingdom and the various adaptations that have evolved to enable animals to survive and thrive in different, and sometimes extreme, environments. You will explore the principles of animal classification, evolutionary processes and the remarkable range of functional adaptations exhibited by animals.

Options*

• Sustainable Futures

  This module will introduce you to historical and contemporary debates around sustainability and encourage you to ‘think spatially’ about environmental and social inequalities associated with approaches to sustainability and sustainable development through relevant case studies. Topics might include vulnerabilities and conflicts in water supply systems, food security and food sovereignty. A field visit to Brighton will help you explore pathways to sustainability in practice and provide a firsthand context in which to deepen critical engagement with key sustainable development debate.

• Applied Conservation Field Course (UK)

  This module takes the form of lectures, workshops and field days that will provide you with training in ecological census, monitoring and evaluation techniques and the collection of field data. As part of a personal project, you will be able to design and undertake individual field investigations. You will gain practical experience and expand your knowledge of applied ecological issues such as land management, environmental assessment and conservation of rare species.

• Environmental Pollution

  This module investigates how society manages pollution in order to protect human health and the natural environment. You will examine changing attitudes to pollution and how environment management and technology can be used for pollution control. You’ll also explore sustainability and technologies in relation to the management of waste, air quality, water, wastewater and noise pollution.

• Ecology and Conservation International Field Course

  The exact content of this module depends upon location as it features a combination of lectures and workshops which take place during an international residential field trip. You will learn ecological census, monitoring and evaluation techniques and how to collect field data while experiencing and learning about the ecology of a specific ecosystem outside of the UK. You’ll be able to design and undertake individual field investigations as well developing your teamwork, communication and presentation skills.

*Option modules are indicative and may change, depending on timetabling and staff availability.

Placement year

There are many advantages of spending a placement year working in industry, or research. It can help you to

• apply your learning to real-life situations and challenges
• learn new skills which can help in your career
• explore specialisms to gain better understanding of what you want to do
• gain vital work experience and build your network of professional contacts
• come back for your final year more focused, more organised and more confident.

Our students have been on placement with organisations including:

• Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
• Paignton Zoo
• Sea Life Brighton
• The Mauritian Wildlife Foundation.

Final year

You will study species interactions, ecological impact assessment, hot topics in ecology and conservation in addition to undertaking an ecology research project. Option modules enable you to choose the subjects that interest you most.

Modules

Core modules

• Ecological Impact Assessment

  Using a hands-on approach, this module gives you an overview of Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA) processes within the current legal context and requirements. You will adopt the role of consultant and undertake surveys using biodiversity metric tools to complete a Preliminary Ecological Assessment leading to an EcIA, produce a technical report and discuss limitation and mitigation opportunities associated with the assignment.

• Ecology Project

  In this module you will demonstrate core research skills by pursuing an independent and original scientific investigation in the field of ecology and report on the results. Studying independently, you will produce a full project report in the format of a scientific paper and present a summary of the project in poster format which will be assessed through an oral examination. You will be supported with key skills workshops and supervisory guidance throughout.

• Species Interactions

  The biology, behaviour and ecology of most species are influenced by their interactions with other organisms. This module will help you develop an appreciation for the complexities of relationships between plants and animals, animals and microbes, and plants and microbes. There will be an emphasis on understanding the positive and negative species interactions, including the role of organisms in the spread of disease, as well as researching the nature of interspecies relationships as drivers for ecosystem development.

• Hot Topics in Ecology and Conservation

  Providing an ecological perspective to some of the problems associated with human exploitation of the environment, this module explores how knowledge of ecology and conservation may help manage these issues and improve understanding. You will focus on ways to address global priorities – including sustainable agricultural and agroecosystems, ecosystem services and nature-based solutions, restoration and rewilding – and explore the pressing challenges in ecology and conservation, such as climate change, disconnection to nature, invasive species and human-wildlife conflict.

Options*

• The Frozen Planet

  The Frozen Planet module examines the processes and resulting land systems associated with glacial and periglacial environments and explores how ice interacts with and physically shapes the landscape. You will learn about glacier motion; glacial and periglacial erosion, transport and deposition; glacial and periglacial hazards; palaeoenvironmental reconstruction; sedimentology and micromorphology; permafrost and ground ice; and periglacial slope processes. The relationships between ice and sea level change, ice and climate change, and ice and engineering will also be explored.

• Advanced GIS and Remote Sensing

  This advanced module on spatial and digital computing will strengthen the data-handling and critical thinking skills you gained in the GIS and Remote Sensing Principles and Practice module. It will teach you the expertise needed to identify and critically examine geographical and wider environmental issues. The module delivers theoretical knowledge and practical skills to help you retain and reapply geospatial information to unfamiliar contexts, so you are able to develop novel solutions and evaluate outcomes.

• Independent Study Module

  This independent study module gives you the opportunity to thoroughly research key areas of a topical issue in contemporary biosciences to a level not possible in other taught modules. You will choose two topics related to your degree subject in which you will be able to specialise. By focusing on areas of specific personal interest, you will further develop transferable skills such as planning, written and communication skills.

• Political Ecology: Contested Environments

  In this module you will explore global environmental challenges through the lens of political ecology which provides a framework for the critical thinking needed to examine power and the politics of nature-society interactions. You will study themes including resource access; property and ecosystem management; colonial-capitalist natures and the rights of Indigenous people; coloniality, extractivism and conflict; socionatures and urban infrastructures; environmental identities; and political subjectivities.

• Current Topics in Aquatic Environments

  In this module you will examine the major environmental processes that are important to aquatic habitats such as rivers, coasts and marine ecosystems. Site visits will facilitate the critical evaluation of selected aquatic habitats so you can gain an understanding of anthropogenic impacts – for example climate change, renewable energy and over-exploitation of resources – as well as natural disturbances, and explore opportunities for mitigation and restoration of disturbed sites.

*Option modules are indicative and may change, depending on timetabling and staff availability.

Course fees

The fees listed here are for the first year of full-time study if you start your course in the academic year 2025–26.

You will pay fees for each year of your course. Some fees may increase each year.

UK undergraduate and some postgraduate fees are regulated by the UK government and increases will not be more than the maximum amount allowed. Course fees that are not regulated may increase each year by up to 5% or RPI (whichever is higher).

If you are studying part-time your fee will usually be calculated based on the number of modules that you take.

Find out more

• Brighton Boost – cost of living help for our new undergrad students. Find out about how we can help with your study, accommodation or travel costs and more...
• Fees, bursaries, scholarships and government funding info for UK and international undergraduate students
• Student finance and budgeting while studying
• Read our student contract and tuition fee policy (pdf) for more on University of Brighton tuition fees.

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